Backflow Program FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is it important for water suppliers to prevent backflow?
A: Backflow into a public water system can pollute or contaminate the potable water in that system (i.e., backflow into a public water system can make the water in that system unusable or unsafe to drink). Water suppliers have a responsibility to provide water that is usable and safe to drink under all foreseeable circumstances.
Q: Why do backflow preventers have to be tested each year?
A: Backflow prevention assemblies have internal seals, springs, and moving parts that are susceptible to wear and failure. Yearly testing ensures they are functioning properly and protecting the City of Wilsonville’s public water system.
Q: I am a renter. Why did I receive a letter from the City of Wilsonville about the backflow preventer?
A: Compliance with the Wilsonville Water Department’s backflow requirements is the responsibility of the property owner. However, landlord or property management companies may require the tenant to take care of the backflow installation(s) and/or yearly testing as part of a leasing agreement.
Q: I am going to be late on having my residential backflow assembly tested. What can I do?
A: First, schedule a test with a certified testing company. Then, contact the City of Wilsonville Backflow Coordinator with the date of the scheduled test to avoid termination of your water service.
Q: What happens if my backflow assembly fails the test?
A: If your backflow assembly fails the test, make arrangements to have the assembly repaired or replaced as required, and retested within 15 days.
Q: Do backflow testers work for the City of Wilsonville?
A: No. Backflow testers are independent private contractors. The City of Wilsonville does not install or test backflow preventers. The State of Oregon requires backflow tests to be performed by Certified Backflow Testers.
Q: How do I know if I need to install a backflow preventer?
A: Residential customers are only required to install a backflow preventer if there is a potential cross connection hazard. It is the customer’s responsibility to notify us if an irrigation system or pool is installed. Backflow requirements vary for commercial/industrial customers based on the business’s water use. Wilsonville's Water Department staff reviews newly established commercial/industrial water accounts to assess the degree of backflow hazard and notifies businesses about backflow requirements.
Q: What precautions can I take to help keep drinking water safe?
A:
- Never create a direct connection between your water supply and other substances. It's extremely easy to create a health hazard with your hose without even realizing there is a danger.
- If you are installing a sprinkler system, make sure you use an approved "backflow preventer" on the system. For a list of approved devices, please contact the Wilsonville Water Department.
- When installing water-using equipment, a plumbing permit may be required. The primary reason for the permit is so a plumbing inspector can examine and ensure a safe connection has been made to the water supply.
- Install a hose-bib vacuum breaker on each of your outside faucets. These devices will prevent water from being back-siphoned from a hose or irrigation system into your home’s plumbing. Hose-bib vacuum breakers are available at hardware stores.
Q: I don’t use my irrigation system. Do I still have to test and maintain my backflow preventer?
A: As long as the irrigation system is connected to your plumbing system, the potential for backflow exists, and you must comply with all backflow requirements, including having it tested each year.
To eliminate these backflow requirements, the irrigation system must be physically disconnected from your plumbing system. If your irrigation system is served by the same water service that serves your home or business, you can remove the backflow assembly and have the irrigation system cut and capped.
A plumbing permit is required to remove any backflow prevention assemblies and the owner will need to have the City perform an inspection in order to have the backflow officially removed from the City records.
