Backflow Testing

For the health and safety of your family and our community — test your backflow annually. Please note, not everyone has or needs a backflow device.

Some reasons why you may need a backflow device include irrigation systems, swimming pools, hot tubs, boiler systems, or being on a well. Customers with irrigation systems must have a backflow prevention device. Backflow devices protect your home’s potable plumbing system by blocking pollutants from entering your drinking water. Pollutants from the outdoor system can include pet waste, pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.

The Oregon Health Authority and OLWS requires annual backflow testing to maintain clean, safe drinking water. For your convenience OLWS has a Backflow Prevention Assembly Testing Program, you now may choose to have OLWS take care of the testing and repair work of your backflow prevention assembly(s). OLWS has contracted with a certified backflow tester to automatically perform this test annually at a reduced cost.

If you have questions about backflow prevention or the Backflow Prevention Assembly Testing Program, please email dave.seifert@olws.org or call (503) 353-4230.

Annual Backflow Testing Program Application Form

A great short video describing backflow can be found below, and features OLWS partner organization Clackamas River Water Providers' Christine Hollenbeck.

Do you have a backflow prevention device?

Not everyone has or needs a backflow device. Backflow preventers are mechanical devices designed to prevent backflow through cross connections. These devices serve an important role, they are the first line of defense against potentially dangerous substances from entering into the drinking water system. Some reasons why you may need a backflow device include irrigation Systems, swimming pools, hot tubs, boiler systems, or being on a well.

Do backflow prevention devices require annual testing?

Yes, per Oregon Administrative rule 333-61-0070 all approved backflow prevention assemblies must be maintained and tested at least annually to protect the public water system.

For your convenience, OLWS has implemented a Backflow Prevention Assembly Testing Program, you now may choose to have OLWS take care of the testing and repair work of your backflow prevention assembly(s). OLWS has contracted with a certified backflow tester to automatically perform this test annually at a reduced cost.

How can I tell if my home has a backflow device?

Most homes that have a sprinkler system and/or a irrigation system installed will have this kind of device already installed.

Website Accessibility Policy

Oak Lodge Water Services is fully committed to providing accessible facilities, elements and channels of communication to all members of the public. As part of this commitment, Oak Lodge Water Services has a policy of providing an accessible website compatible with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) and commercial screen reading software. All features of the website are coded to allow individuals with vision and other impairments to understand and use the website to the same degree as someone without disabilities. We welcome feedback and can often resolve issues in a timely manner if they arise.

If you need any special assistance or accommodations:

Call us at (503) 654-7765

Ongoing Compliance Information

Compliance Officer

Oak Lodge Water Services has designated a compliance officer for website disability-related accommodations. The compliance officer has received training in website accessibility and updates the site in accordance with those best practices. Contact our accessibility officer to report an issue.

Compliance Procedures and Reports

In addition to testing with users with a wide range of disabilities and coding our website to WCAG standards, Oak Lodge Water Services regularly scans its website to ensure ongoing compliance, and makes timely changes to any inaccessible changes, if any are found.

Linked Documents and Third Parties

Please note that this site may link out to third-party websites, such as state or federal agencies, that do not have accessible content. This site may also include documents provided by third parties included in our agenda packets, for example. While we cannot control the accessibility of content provided by third parties, we are happy to assist any member of the public with reading and accessing content on our site.

See an opportunity for us to improve? Please contact our accessibility officer or call us at (503) 654-7765.

Report a Website Accessibility Issue

We are committed to your ability to access all content, and we will respond to all requests as soon as possible.