Backflow Prevention and Cross Connection Control Program

Backflow preventer diagram

Backflow Prevention and Cross Connection Control Program

 

Did you receive a letter saying you need your backflow device tested?

If you received a letter from the City of Pendleton about backflow testing or cross connections, then your backflow device needs to be tested by a certified backflow tester. The State of Oregon requires all backflow devices be tested annually - and mandates the City track those tests. 

Please take the reminder for your Annual Backflow Inspection seriously and schedule an inspection right away.  Here is a list of Backflow Inspection vendors:

Umatilla County Certified Backflow Tester List

As of April 1st, 2021, all backflow inspection reports must be submitted electronically using a new online portal by following this link

 

What is a Cross Connection?

A cross connection is a point in a plumbing system where the drinking water supply is connected to a non-potable source, like an irrigation system or other equipment.  Pollutants or contaminants can enter the safe drinking water system through uncontrolled cross connections when a backflow occurs. 

What is Backflow?

Backflow is the unwanted flow of non-potable substances back into the plumbing system and/or our public water system (i.e., drinking water).  This backflow can occur when there’s a sudden difference in water pressure between the two systems during waterline breaks, repairs, or a water supply shut off. 

Backflow preventers are mechanical devices designed to prevent backflow through these cross connections.  However, for backflow preventers to protect as designed, they must meet stringent installation requirements and be inspected every year to ensure they’re working properly and preventing contamination from entering the drinking water. 

State of Oregon Requires Annual Backflow Inspection

In our complex water system, everything is connected.  The City of Pendleton Cross-Connection and Prevention Program is required by the State of Oregon, Oregon Health Authority- Drinking Water Program under Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 333-061-0070. Regulations are designed to keep pollutants and contaminants from entering your clean drinking water system.  For example, if you have irrigation, fire sprinkler or other water using systems, you may need to have the connection between your systems and the City’s checked every year.  It is important to ensure your backflow assembly valves are working properly to prevent pollutants and contaminants from entering the drinking water system.  The City is committed to providing our customers clean, safe, drinking water.  This is where we need you to do your part. 



Everything is Connected and Need Protection

If you receive a reminder letter that it’s time for your annual Backflow Prevention Inspection, this information will tell you what it is and why it’s important that you stay current on this inspection.  Our clean drinking water depends on it.

Backflow Inspection Report Submittal Requirements

As of April 1st, 2021, all back flow inspection reports must be submitted electronically using a new online portal powered by TegrisFire.

Brochures and Related Information

Learn about cross connections and how they can create health hazards. 

Find out more about lawn irrigation systems and backflow prevention.

Discover how you can prevent your drinking water from becoming contaminated.

Find out about the State of Oregon regulations related to cross connection

View the Oregon Heath Authority – Drinking Water website.

Review the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Cross Connection Manual.

Learn about approved cross connection assemblies for use in the State of Oregon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Backflow is the undesirable reversal of flow of non-potable water or other substances through a cross-connection and into the piping of a public water system or consumer’s potable water system.  This reversal of flow or “backflow” can allow contaminated water to flow backward, drawing a contaminant into the water supply.

Backflow can be caused when an unforeseen change in water pressure allows the water to flow backwards within the water supply piping system from a contaminated source to a drinking water supply.  A drop in pressure could be caused by a variety of things including a water main break or the need to fight a fire.

City of Pendleton requires installation of specific backflow prevention assemblies to be installed and tested annually according to currently adopted uniform plumbing code and Oregon Health Authority rules.

Backflow assemblies must be tested at the time of installation, annually after installation, after repairs and after relocating.  Testing in Oregon must be done by Oregon Health Authority-certified backflow testers.

Water which is safe for human consumption, free from harmful or objectionable materials, as described by the Oregon Health Authority.

Any water, other liquid, gas, or other substance that is not safe for human consumption, or is not a part of the public potable water supply as described by the Oregon Health Authority. 

Backsiphonage is a type of backflow caused by negative pressure in the supply piping.  Some common causes of backsiphonage are:

  • High velocities in pipe lines.
  • Line repair or break that is lower than a service point.
  • Lowered main pressure due to high water withdrawal rate, such as fire\fighting or water main flushing.
  • Reduced supply pressure on the suction side of the booster pump.

Backpressure is a backflow that is the reverse from normal flow direction within a piping system that is the result of the “downstream pressure” being higher than the supply pressure.

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500 SW Dorion Avenue, Pendleton, OR 97801 (541) 966‑0201