Backflow Prevention
What is backflow?
Backflow occurs when water in a piping system flows opposite of the direction it should. Backflow can be caused by water pressure either pushing or pulling water flow in the opposite direction that it's supposed to go.
Backflow can be a public health concern when drinking water pipes are connected to other types of piping systems, such as a lawn irrigation system or a fire sprinkler system in a large building, or to other sources of water. When backflow occurs, chemicals, fertilizers, or other types of contaminants or pollutants can be pulled or pushed back into the drinking water system and show up at your tap.
Fortunately, backflow contamination is preventable by installing and maintaining an approved backflow prevention assembly. To protect you and your neighbors, backflow assemblies are required for many commercial and residential water customers. Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 333-061-0070 and City of Dallas 4.455 Cross-Connection Code, require the installation of backflow prevention assemblies on water services that have the potential to contaminate the City’s drinking water system to be tested annually to ensure they are functioning properly.
The City administers a Backflow Prevention Program to ensure that backflow prevention devices are installed where necessary and tested annually. This program is required by Oregon law to ensure drinking water quality.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the Backflow Prevention staff at 503-831-3589 or backflow@dallasor.gov
Who needs to install an approved backflow prevention assembly?
Property owners must install an approved backflow prevention assembly if there is a risk that backflow could happen on your premises.
These installation requirements are from the State of Oregon and the City of Dallas. We are responsible for protecting the public water system from backflow through cross-connections.
If you're unsure whether you need to install a backflow prevention assembly, please contact our Backflow Prevention staff at 503-831-3589.
You have a backflow assembly. What are the testing requirements?
Backflow prevention devices must be tested annually to ensure that they work properly. It is the responsibility of the property owner to have this test done and to make sure that a copy of the test report is sent to the City of Dallas. If a device is not tested annually, Public Works will notify the property owner asking them to comply. If the property owner does not voluntarily test their device, the City may be forced to turn off water service to that property. State law requires the City to discontinue water service until testing is complete.
If you have a backflow prevention device on your property, please do your part to ensure a safe drinking water supply for everyone. Make sure your device is tested annually and, if needed, make any repairs immediately.
If you have any questions about the Backflow Prevention Program or to find out whether you need a backflow device, please call our Backflow Prevention staff at 503-831-3589. The Public Works Department thanks you, and so do all the water drinkers in Dallas!
