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Answers
1. Why do I have to test my backflow prevention assembly every year?
A. Backflow prevention assemblies are installed to protect your drinking water from potential sources of contamination. Water that may be contaminated by weed killers and/or fertilizers can be siphoned back into your drinking water. Irrigation systems not protected by an approved backflow prevention assembly could endanger the health of a household, neighborhood, or community. The only way to ensure that your backflow assembly is working properly is to have it tested by a certified Backflow Assembly Tester. It’s also the law.
2 What is the legal basis for a local cross connection/backflow control program?
A. The federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) 42 U.S.C 300f to 300j-26 has jurisdiction over the public health aspects of the drinking water supply. The Oregon Health Division regulates public water systems in our state, including cross connection control, through Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs). OAR 333-61-0070 requires water districts to administer a cross connection/backflow control program that will protect the potable water supply.
3. What is a backflow assembly?
A. A backflow assembly is a mechanical device installed in a plumbing system which allows water to flow in its intended direction, but not in the reverse direction. Backflow assemblies are installed in irrigation systems, sprinkler systems, sewage treatment facilities, manufacturing plants, etc. In these examples, there is the potential for contamination to our public water supply should backflow occur. A properly functioning backflow assembly prevents such contamination. The most common type of backflow assembly installed for in-ground sprinkler systems is a double check valve assembly, which consists of two independent check valves, two resilient seated shut off valves and test cocks.
4. What is “backflow” and how does it occur?
A. Backflow is the reverse flow of water from its “normal” intended direction of flow through a piping system. Backflow may occur if water pressure drops in the public water system main line, most commonly caused by fire fighting, hydrant flushing, flow testing, a water main break, or extreme high usage on the water system. A backflow incident can happen at any time.
5. Who is responsible to assure that the annual testing has been done?
A. The Oregon Health Division requires annual testing of all backflow prevention devices. Although water utilities are responsible for notifying customers when a backflow device is required, it is the customer's responsibility to purchase, install, inspect, maintain, and annually test the backflow assembly. All testing must be performed by state licensed and certified technicians.
6. What happens if the test fails?
A. If testing indicates a failure, the property owner is required to repair the backflow assembly and request a re-test of the assembly following repair. In some cases, a water provider may terminate water service for customers that fail to test and maintain their backflow equipment.
7. Will I be charged for the re-test following repair?
A. Yes. You will be charged for each test performed on your backflow assembly.
8. What forms of payment are accepted?
A. We accept cash or check. To pay with a credit card or debit card you will need to call into the office at (503) 649-2721 or (503) 693-1720 during regular business hours.
9. What qualifications does All Seasons Backflow have?
A. Our backflow assembly tester is certified by the State of Oregon under their Cross Connection/Backflow Certification Program (Certification #3758). He has an Oregon Construction Contractor’s Board license (CCB #198705) as well. All Seasons and Aloha Backflow is also bonded and insured as required by law.
A. Backflow prevention assemblies are installed to protect your drinking water from potential sources of contamination. Water that may be contaminated by weed killers and/or fertilizers can be siphoned back into your drinking water. Irrigation systems not protected by an approved backflow prevention assembly could endanger the health of a household, neighborhood, or community. The only way to ensure that your backflow assembly is working properly is to have it tested by a certified Backflow Assembly Tester. It’s also the law.
2 What is the legal basis for a local cross connection/backflow control program?
A. The federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) 42 U.S.C 300f to 300j-26 has jurisdiction over the public health aspects of the drinking water supply. The Oregon Health Division regulates public water systems in our state, including cross connection control, through Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs). OAR 333-61-0070 requires water districts to administer a cross connection/backflow control program that will protect the potable water supply.
3. What is a backflow assembly?
A. A backflow assembly is a mechanical device installed in a plumbing system which allows water to flow in its intended direction, but not in the reverse direction. Backflow assemblies are installed in irrigation systems, sprinkler systems, sewage treatment facilities, manufacturing plants, etc. In these examples, there is the potential for contamination to our public water supply should backflow occur. A properly functioning backflow assembly prevents such contamination. The most common type of backflow assembly installed for in-ground sprinkler systems is a double check valve assembly, which consists of two independent check valves, two resilient seated shut off valves and test cocks.
4. What is “backflow” and how does it occur?
A. Backflow is the reverse flow of water from its “normal” intended direction of flow through a piping system. Backflow may occur if water pressure drops in the public water system main line, most commonly caused by fire fighting, hydrant flushing, flow testing, a water main break, or extreme high usage on the water system. A backflow incident can happen at any time.
5. Who is responsible to assure that the annual testing has been done?
A. The Oregon Health Division requires annual testing of all backflow prevention devices. Although water utilities are responsible for notifying customers when a backflow device is required, it is the customer's responsibility to purchase, install, inspect, maintain, and annually test the backflow assembly. All testing must be performed by state licensed and certified technicians.
6. What happens if the test fails?
A. If testing indicates a failure, the property owner is required to repair the backflow assembly and request a re-test of the assembly following repair. In some cases, a water provider may terminate water service for customers that fail to test and maintain their backflow equipment.
7. Will I be charged for the re-test following repair?
A. Yes. You will be charged for each test performed on your backflow assembly.
8. What forms of payment are accepted?
A. We accept cash or check. To pay with a credit card or debit card you will need to call into the office at (503) 649-2721 or (503) 693-1720 during regular business hours.
9. What qualifications does All Seasons Backflow have?
A. Our backflow assembly tester is certified by the State of Oregon under their Cross Connection/Backflow Certification Program (Certification #3758). He has an Oregon Construction Contractor’s Board license (CCB #198705) as well. All Seasons and Aloha Backflow is also bonded and insured as required by law.