City water utility · Oregon
Backflow testing in Bend, OR
City of Bend Water Services (Public Works)'s rules: who must test, when it's due, testers, filing and penalties.
Owners of sprinkler and commercial backflow assemblies must have them tested every year by a state-certified tester. The City mails a letter with your due date, and the test and report must reach the City by then. The City tests its own meter-box assembly. Skipped tests can end water service.
- Who
- Lawn sprinkler systems: every year
- Businesses: every year
- Due
- Your yearly letter gives a due date for each assembly, and neighbors can have different dates.
- Testers
- Hire a state-certified backflow tester.
- Filing
- You or your tester files. No filing fee listed.
- If late
- Water can be shut off.
Who must have a backflow test
Bend requires approved backflow assemblies on the water lines that enter properties and on irrigation systems. The assembly in your water meter box belongs to the City, and the City tests it every year. An assembly on your sprinkler system, or on commercial property, is yours to have tested. Test it at installation, every year, after repairs and after it is moved.
- Lawn sprinkler systemsRequiredevery year, before the irrigation season
Your sprinkler assembly sits on private property between the meter and your sprinklers. It is not the assembly inside the City's meter box.
- BusinessesRequiredevery year
The City does not test commercial devices.
Source: bendoregon.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
When the test is due
Your yearly letter gives a due date for each assembly, and neighbors can have different dates. The test and a copy of the report must reach the City by that date. Book early in the irrigation season, because assemblies can break over the winter. Test a new assembly right after it is installed, and again after any repair or move.
Notices: The City mails a letter each year to remind customers to test their irrigation backflow assemblies. It lists each assembly's serial number, make, model, size, location and test due date, so you can pass it to your tester. If a renter is on the water bill, the test is the renter's job unless the landlord agrees to share it.
Source: bendoregon.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
Finding a tester
Hire a state-certified backflow tester. The City points to the state's list filtered to Deschutes County. The person on the water bill is responsible for hiring the tester. The City tests only the assembly in its own meter box, not sprinkler or commercial assemblies.
City of Bend Water Services (Public Works) does not test assemblies itself; you hire a tester.
Source: bendoregon.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
Filing the test report
- Who files
- You or your tester
- Deadline
- Within 10 business days of the test after the test
- Fee
- None listed by the utility
Most testers send the results to the City for you. It is still your job to make sure the City gets the test and a copy of the report by the due date on your letter. Call the program to check that the report arrived.
Source: bendoregon.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
If the test is late or fails
Not installing a required assembly or not testing it every year is enough reason for the City to discontinue water service. In an emergency, or if life or public health is at immediate risk, the City can cut service right away. The account holder or owner pays any disconnect and reconnect fees. If an assembly is not tested and repaired, the City can do it and add the cost to the water bill.
Failed test: An assembly that is not working must be repaired or replaced promptly at the owner's cost, then retested right away.
Rule: Bend Code 14.30.160, 14.30.170, 14.30.190 and 14.30.200
Source: codepublishing.com · checked Oct 18, 2026
For testers working in Bend
- State-certified backflow assembly tester
Only state-certified testers may test in Bend. Send each test record to the City within 10 business days of the test. Call the Safe Drinking Water Program to ask how the City takes reports.
Source: codepublishing.com · checked Oct 18, 2026
The rules behind it
- Bend Code chapter 14.30 Cross Connection Control: Annual testing and repairs (14.30.160), maintenance (14.30.170), tester reports (14.30.180), costs (14.30.190), termination of service (14.30.200)
- OAR 333-061-0070: State cross connection control rule the City's letters cite
Contact City of Bend Water Services (Public Works)
- Program
- Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention (Safe Drinking Water Program)
- Phone
- 541-317-3000 ext. 2
- utilities@bendoregon.gov
Source: bendoregon.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
Backflow testing in Bend: questions
Do I need a backflow test for my sprinkler system in Bend?
Yes. City of Bend Water Services (Public Works) requires backflow assemblies on lawn sprinkler systems to be tested every year, before the irrigation season. Your sprinkler assembly sits on private property between the meter and your sprinklers. It is not the assembly inside the City's meter box.
When is my backflow test due in Bend?
Your yearly letter gives a due date for each assembly, and neighbors can have different dates. The test and a copy of the report must reach the City by that date. Book early in the irrigation season, because assemblies can break over the winter. Test a new assembly right after it is installed, and again after any repair or move. The City mails a letter each year to remind customers to test their irrigation backflow assemblies. It lists each assembly's serial number, make, model, size, location and test due date, so you can pass it to your tester. If a renter is on the water bill, the test is the renter's job unless the landlord agrees to share it.
How do I find a backflow tester in Bend?
Hire a state-certified backflow tester. The City points to the state's list filtered to Deschutes County. The person on the water bill is responsible for hiring the tester. The City tests only the assembly in its own meter box, not sprinkler or commercial assemblies.
Who sends the backflow test report to City of Bend Water Services (Public Works)?
You or your tester can file the test report, within 10 business days of the test. Most testers send the results to the City for you. It is still your job to make sure the City gets the test and a copy of the report by the due date on your letter. Call the program to check that the report arrived.
What happens if I skip my backflow test in Bend?
Not installing a required assembly or not testing it every year is enough reason for the City to discontinue water service. In an emergency, or if life or public health is at immediate risk, the City can cut service right away. The account holder or owner pays any disconnect and reconnect fees. If an assembly is not tested and repaired, the City can do it and add the cost to the water bill.
What if my backflow assembly fails the test?
An assembly that is not working must be repaired or replaced promptly at the owner's cost, then retested right away.
Every fact on this page comes from City of Bend Water Services (Public Works)'s own pages, forms or code, checked Oct 18, 2026. Rules change: your notice and the utility have the final word. Spot a mistake? Tell us.