City water utility · Oregon
Backflow testing in Portland, OR
Portland Water Bureau's rules: who must test, when it's due, testers, filing and penalties.
Portland requires a yearly test of backflow assemblies on lawn sprinklers, fire sprinklers and other hazards. Test within 30 days of the yearly reminder letter. A state-certified tester emails or mails the report within 10 business days. Ignoring notices can lead to a water shut-off.
- Who
- Lawn sprinkler systems: every year
- Fire sprinkler lines: every year
- Businesses: every year (some)
- Homes (other than sprinklers): every year (some)
- Due
- The Water Bureau mails a reminder letter each year.
- Testers
- Hire any backflow tester certified by the State of Oregon.
- Filing
- Your tester files online, by email or by mail. No filing fee listed.
- If late
- Water can be shut off. Civil penalty for breaking City water code (Title 21): not to exceed $500 per day.
Who must have a backflow test
If your property has a backflow assembly, have it tested every year by a tester certified by the State of Oregon. Most lawn sprinkler and fire sprinkler systems need one. Some homes and many businesses need one too. Test a new assembly right after it is installed, and test again after any repair or move.
- Lawn sprinkler systemsRequiredeach year
Homeowners should test each spring when the reminder letter arrives, before sprinkler season.
- Fire sprinkler linesRequiredeach year
Required on all fire services. A fire line without a full water meter needs a detector-type assembly.
- BusinessesSomeeach year
Required where there is a cross-connection risk, such as multi-tenant or mixed-use buildings, car washes, laundries and dry cleaners, food processing, medical centers, or water treated with chemicals. Follow the schedule in your reminder letter.
- Homes (other than sprinklers)Someeach year
Only homes with a risk such as a pool, hot tub or spa, fountain or fishpond, solar heating, boiler, or a private well or other water supply.
Assemblies tested: Reduced pressure assembly (RP or RPZ), Double check valve assembly, Pressure vacuum breaker, Reduced pressure detector assembly (fire lines), Double check detector assembly (fire lines). What these are
Source: portland.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
When the test is due
The Water Bureau mails a reminder letter each year. Get the test done within 30 days of the date it was mailed. Homeowners should test each spring when the letter comes. Businesses follow the testing schedule in their letters.
Notices: A reminder letter comes by mail once a year, with sticker labels for your tester. If the test is not done, more letters follow. Before water is shut off, a notice gives the planned shut-off date. Notices go to the service address and to whoever pays the water bill.
Source: portland.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
Finding a tester
Hire any backflow tester certified by the State of Oregon. The Oregon Health Authority keeps the list of certified testers. The Water Bureau does not test assemblies and does not recommend testing companies.
Portland Water Bureau does not test assemblies itself; you hire a tester.
Source: portland.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
Filing the test report
- Who files
- Your tester
- How
- Online, by email or by mail
- Deadline
- Within 10 business days after the test
- Fee
- None listed by the utility
Source: portland.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
If the test is late or fails
An assembly that fails must be repaired right away and tested again. If you skip the test or ignore the notices, the Water Bureau can add charges to your water bill and shut off your water. Water stays off until all charges are paid and the assembly passes inspection. City code also allows fines for each day a violation goes on.
- Civil penalty for breaking City water code (Title 21): not to exceed $500 per day
Rule: Portland City Code 21.30.320
Source: portland.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
For testers working in Portland
- Valid State of Oregon backflow assembly tester certification
- Oregon Construction Contractors Board license (documents on request)
Keep your State of Oregon tester certification and your Oregon CCB license current. The Water Bureau may ask for copies before you test in Portland. Send each report within 10 business days, as a PDF by email or on paper by mail. Attach the customer's sticker label if they have one.
Source: portland.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
The rules behind it
- Portland City Code 21.30.320: Backflow protection, yearly testing, notices, charges and shut-off
- Portland City Code 21.50.050: Water can be shut off if a property does not meet backflow rules
- Portland City Code 21.60.070: Enforcement and civil penalties
- Portland Water Bureau Backflow Assembly Installation Requirements (effective July 25, 2025)
- OAR 333-061-0070: Oregon cross-connection control requirements
- OAR 333-061-0071: Oregon backflow assembly installation standards
Contact Portland Water Bureau
- Program
- Backflow prevention and cross-connection control
- Phone
- 503-823-3256
- backflow@portlandoregon.gov
Source: portland.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
Backflow testing in Portland: questions
Do I need a backflow test for my sprinkler system in Portland?
Yes. Portland Water Bureau requires backflow assemblies on lawn sprinkler systems to be tested each year. Homeowners should test each spring when the reminder letter arrives, before sprinkler season.
When is my backflow test due in Portland?
The Water Bureau mails a reminder letter each year. Get the test done within 30 days of the date it was mailed. Homeowners should test each spring when the letter comes. Businesses follow the testing schedule in their letters. A reminder letter comes by mail once a year, with sticker labels for your tester. If the test is not done, more letters follow. Before water is shut off, a notice gives the planned shut-off date. Notices go to the service address and to whoever pays the water bill.
How do I find a backflow tester in Portland?
Hire any backflow tester certified by the State of Oregon. The Oregon Health Authority keeps the list of certified testers. The Water Bureau does not test assemblies and does not recommend testing companies.
Who sends the backflow test report to Portland Water Bureau?
Your tester files the test report, within 10 business days.
What happens if I skip my backflow test in Portland?
An assembly that fails must be repaired right away and tested again. If you skip the test or ignore the notices, the Water Bureau can add charges to your water bill and shut off your water. Water stays off until all charges are paid and the assembly passes inspection. City code also allows fines for each day a violation goes on.
Every fact on this page comes from Portland Water Bureau'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.