Backflow Overview

Protecting Our Water Supply

Safeguarding the public water system is an essential part of our mission to protect public health. Each connection to the public water system, whether it is a residential home or a commercial business, presents a potential opportunity for contaminants to enter the public water system. To protect against this, Springfield Utility Board (SUB) Water Division has a service area-wide cross-connection control program administered by our Water Quality Department.

The Oregon Health Authority rules OAR 333-061-0070 mandates that water utilities, such as SUB, administer a cross-connection control program. This helps keep drinking water free from contaminant exposure.

As part of SUB’s program, our Water Division Cross-Connection Specialists conduct site inspections to determine if an actual or potential cross-connection hazard exists on a customer’s plumbing system. When conditions related to water service change on a property, such as installing an irrigation system or installing a well with a pump, a backflow assembly is often required. To keep our communal water supply protected, please let SUB Water Division know of any situation that may require a backflow assembly by calling (541) 726-2396.

Cross-Connection

A cross-connection is a point in the drinking water system where a contaminant or non-potable (non-drinking) water can potentially enter the drinking water supply.

Backflow

backflow diagramWater systems are designed to flow in one direction. However, a drop in pressure or a break in a water line can send water flowing in the opposite direction, drawing contaminants and other chemicals into our water system. This reversal of flow is called backflow, or back-siphoning. Backflow into our public water system can pollute or contaminate the potable (drinking) water making the water unsafe to drink. SUB has a responsibility to provide safe drinking water under all foreseeable circumstances.

Without barriers to prevent backflow, contaminated water from private plumbing systems, including industrial plants, pools, and medical facilities, could flow into our public system and impact water quality.

State and federal laws require water utilities to identify all connections to the public supply and have a program in place to prevent backflow. We do this by requiring customers whose water use presents a backflow hazard to install a backflow prevention assembly and have it tested annually.

Backflow Prevention Assembly

Backflow assemblies prevent contaminated water from re-entering SUB’s drinking water supply in the event of a malfunction in a consumer’s pressure equipment or a sudden drop in pressure in SUB’s water system.

Our Cross-Connection Control Program

Our Water Quality Department administers SUB Water Division’s backflow prevention program in accordance with our Cross-Connection Control Program Full Manual (PDF).

This includes:

  • Determining whether a customer must install a backflow prevention assembly and if so, which type
  • Developing and maintaining standards and installation requirements for installing backflow assemblies
  • Inspecting newly installed backflow assemblies
  • Maintaining records of all customer backflow assemblies in our service area and documenting annual backflow test results for each
  • Maintaining the Certified Backflow Tester List (PDF) which provides customers a list of contractors to call to have their assembly tested

Backflow assemblies are part of a customer’s private plumbing system. Customers are responsible for having their backflow assembly(s) installed according to our installation requirements and tested by a certified tester at the time of installation (at least annually, after repairs or relocation, and/or after a backflow incident) with the passing test results submitted to the Water Division within 10 days of testing.

Our Cross-Connection Specialists will make every effort to work with you to facilitate the installation and testing of the appropriate assembly if needed.
Remember, these requirements are in place to protect the community’s water supply, as well as the water quality in your home.