City water utility · Oregon
Backflow testing in Hillsboro, OR
City of Hillsboro Water Department's rules: who must test, when it's due, testers, filing and penalties.
Test backflow assemblies at installation and every year with an Oregon certified tester, who files the report online in EcosConnect within 10 working days. A yearly letter comes first, a follow-up at 30 days and a shut-off warning at 60 days. A backflow shut-off costs $50 inside the city.
- Who
- Lawn sprinkler systems: every year
- Homes (other than sprinklers): every year (some)
- Businesses: every year (some)
- Other connections: see note (some)
- Due
- Test each assembly every year by the due date on your reminder letter.
- Testers
- Hire an Oregon Health Authority certified tester from the state's list.
- Filing
- Your tester files online in EcosConnect. No filing fee listed.
- If late
- Water can be shut off. Shut-off for violating backflow requirements, inside city limits: $50.
Who must have a backflow test
Homes need a backflow assembly only where there is a possible cross-connection hazard, such as a sprinkler system, pool, hot tub, fountain, boiler or private well. Businesses are reviewed when the account opens, and the City tells them what they need. Owners must test an assembly at installation, after any repair, replacement or move, and every year.
- Lawn sprinkler systemsRequiredeach year
Applies even if you never use the system. Only a physical disconnect ends the testing, and the City inspects the removal.
- Homes (other than sprinklers)Someeach year
Only homes with a hazard such as a pool, hot tub, fountain, boiler or well. Tell the City when you add a sprinkler system or pool. Owners are responsible, even when tenants get the letter.
- BusinessesSomeat least once a year; the City sets the schedule by type of business
The City reviews new business accounts and tells each one what it needs.
- Other connectionsSomebefore service starts, then yearly for long-term use
Temporary construction meters need a passing test before the water is turned on.
Source: hillsboro-oregon.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
When the test is due
Test each assembly every year by the due date on your reminder letter. Also test it after installation and after any repair, replacement or move. Businesses follow the schedule the City sets for their type of water use.
Notices: The Water Department mails a yearly reminder letter to customers whose assemblies need testing. The letter has your account number, which your tester needs. If the test is not done, a follow-up notice comes after 30 days. After 60 days you get a notice that your water service may be discontinued. If you will be late, book a test and tell the City the date.
Source: hillsboro-oregon.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
Finding a tester
Hire an Oregon Health Authority certified tester from the state's list. Testers are private contractors, and the City does not test assemblies. Give your tester the account number from your reminder letter or utility bill. It shows the tester your assembly's make, model and serial number but not your personal details. Ask the tester for a copy of the report.
City of Hillsboro Water Department does not test assemblies itself; you hire a tester.
Source: hillsboro-oregon.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
Filing the test report
- Who files
- Your tester
- How
- Online in EcosConnect
- Deadline
- Within 10 working days of the test after the test
- Fee
- None listed by the utility
Testers must file in EcosConnect. The City returns paper and emailed reports. Reports must be complete and readable, or the test is not posted as done. Call the Water Department to check that your report arrived.
Source: hillsboro-oregon.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
If the test is late or fails
Skipping the yearly test leads to denial or discontinuation of water service. The City mails a 10-day shut-off notice and leaves a door hanger the day before. Water stays off until the City has a passing test. Shut-off fees are charged to the account.
- Shut-off for violating backflow requirements, inside city limits: $50
- Shut-off for violating backflow requirements, outside city limits: $75
- Turn-on after a backflow shut-off, weekdays 8 am to 4 pm: $0
- After-hours turn-on (4:01 pm to 7:59 am, weekends, holidays): $100
Failed test: If your assembly fails, have it repaired or replaced and retested within 15 days. If a failed assembly puts the water supply at risk, the City can shut off service until it is protected.
Rule: City of Hillsboro Cross Connection Control Program Standards
Source: hillsboro-oregon.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
For testers working in Hillsboro
Testers must register with City of Hillsboro Water Department before their reports are accepted.
- Oregon Health Authority certified Backflow Assembly Tester
- Sign the Hillsboro Backflow Assembly Tester Standards each calendar year (testers and the office staff who process reports)
- Send proof of your certification, gauge calibration and CCB or LCB license each year
- An EcosConnect account to file reports
- City approval of any custom test report form before you use it
Read and sign the City's Backflow Assembly Tester Standards each year and send the signature page with your proof of certification, gauge calibration and license. Ask EcosConnect to set up a company account with your company, administrator and tester details, including your gauge and calibration date. All reports must be filed there. To appear on the state's voluntary tester list, you or your employer must hold a CCB or LCB license.
Source: hillsboro-oregon.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
The rules behind it
- City of Hillsboro Cross Connection Control Program Standards: Owner duties, test timing, shut-off steps and tester standards; applies outside city limits too
- Hillsboro Citywide Fees and Charges Schedule (water, Resolution 248-W, effective January 1, 2026): Shut-off and turn-on fees for backflow violations
- OAR 333-061-0070: State cross connection control rule; testers must follow it
Contact City of Hillsboro Water Department
Source: hillsboro-oregon.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
Backflow testing in Hillsboro: questions
Do I need a backflow test for my sprinkler system in Hillsboro?
Yes. City of Hillsboro Water Department requires backflow assemblies on lawn sprinkler systems to be tested each year. Applies even if you never use the system. Only a physical disconnect ends the testing, and the City inspects the removal.
When is my backflow test due in Hillsboro?
Test each assembly every year by the due date on your reminder letter. Also test it after installation and after any repair, replacement or move. Businesses follow the schedule the City sets for their type of water use. The Water Department mails a yearly reminder letter to customers whose assemblies need testing. The letter has your account number, which your tester needs. If the test is not done, a follow-up notice comes after 30 days. After 60 days you get a notice that your water service may be discontinued. If you will be late, book a test and tell the City the date.
How do I find a backflow tester in Hillsboro?
Hire an Oregon Health Authority certified tester from the state's list. Testers are private contractors, and the City does not test assemblies. Give your tester the account number from your reminder letter or utility bill. It shows the tester your assembly's make, model and serial number but not your personal details. Ask the tester for a copy of the report.
Who sends the backflow test report to City of Hillsboro Water Department?
Your tester files the test report in EcosConnect, within 10 working days of the test. Testers must file in EcosConnect. The City returns paper and emailed reports. Reports must be complete and readable, or the test is not posted as done. Call the Water Department to check that your report arrived.
What happens if I skip my backflow test in Hillsboro?
Skipping the yearly test leads to denial or discontinuation of water service. The City mails a 10-day shut-off notice and leaves a door hanger the day before. Water stays off until the City has a passing test. Shut-off fees are charged to the account.
What if my backflow assembly fails the test?
If your assembly fails, have it repaired or replaced and retested within 15 days. If a failed assembly puts the water supply at risk, the City can shut off service until it is protected.
Every fact on this page comes from City of Hillsboro Water Department'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.