Oregon · statewide
Backflow testing in Oregon: OHA-certified testers
Updated · Prepared by the Plumb Right Now editorial team
Signs Oregon homeowners call about: A test notice from your water provider, a failed test, a dripping assembly
Short answer
All backflow prevention assembly testing in Oregon must be done by a Backflow Assembly Tester certified by the Oregon Health Authority. Certification follows a 5-day approved course and runs on a two-year cycle, and a tester who charges for the work also needs a Construction Contractors Board (or Landscape Contractors Board) license. Your water supplier sets the annual test schedule.
What Oregon requires or changes
All backflow prevention assembly testing in Oregon must be performed by an Oregon Health Authority-certified Backflow Assembly Tester. [1]
Drinking Water Services issues tester and cross connection specialist certification on a two-year cycle. [1]
New testers must complete an approved 5-day Backflow Assembly Tester course and apply within 12 months of finishing it. [2]
A Construction Contractors Board or Landscape Contractors Board license is required to test backflow assemblies for a fee. [2]
What Oregon homeowners deal with
Irrigation systems are the most common residential assembly. Your water supplier sends the yearly notice and may test and bill you itself if the test is skipped. See Portland, Salem and Eugene for local context, and backflow testing for how a test works.
Checking a tester
- Ask for the tester's OHA certification number and expiration date.
- For paid work, ask for the CCB or LCB license number and look it up.
- Ask whether the tester sends results to your water supplier.
Common questions
Who can test a backflow assembly in Oregon?
Only a Backflow Assembly Tester certified by the Oregon Health Authority.
Does an Oregon backflow tester need a contractor license?
Yes, a CCB or LCB license, if they charge for testing.
How long does Oregon backflow tester certification last?
It runs on a two-year cycle.
What training do Oregon backflow testers need?
An approved 5-day Backflow Assembly Tester course, applied for within 12 months.
Can a landscaper test my Oregon sprinkler backflow?
Yes, if they hold OHA tester certification and an LCB license.
Who sets my backflow test deadline in Oregon?
Your water supplier, under state cross connection rules.
What if I don't test my backflow assembly in Oregon?
Your water supplier may arrange the test and charge you for it.
Who issues Oregon backflow tester cards?
OHA Drinking Water Services.
Is there a different certification for program managers in Oregon?
Yes, Cross Connection Specialist certification, also issued by OHA.
How do I verify an Oregon backflow tester?
Ask for the OHA certification and check the contractor license with the CCB or LCB.
Backflow Testing across Oregon
- Backflow Testing in PortlandPortland Water Bureau backflow rules: yearly testing by a state-certified tester, the spring timing it prefers, reminder letters with labels, and shutoff risk.
- Backflow Testing: the full guideWhat backflow is, which homes and businesses need backflow preventers, how annual backflow testing works, and what happens if a device fails.
- Plumbing in OregonOregon's plumbing code, licensing, climate and the cities we cover.
The same service in other states
- Backflow testing in California: the state cross-connection rulesCalifornia backflow testing under the State Water Board's cross-connection handbook: in effect since July 2024, annual tests, and what homes need.
- Backflow testing in Texas: TCEQ licensing and the annual testBackflow testing in Texas: the TCEQ tester license anyone testing or repairing assemblies must hold, test-at-install and annual rules, and gauge accuracy checks.
- Backflow testing in Washington: the annual test and certified testersWashington's cross-connection rule: assemblies tested at installation, after repair or relocation and every year, by a state-certified Backflow Assembly Tester.
- Backflow testing in Colorado: Regulation 11 and certified techniciansColorado's backflow rule (Regulation 11, section 11.39): annual testing, ABPA or ASSE certified technicians, and why each water supplier runs its own program.
Sources (2)
- Oregon Health Authority, Backflow Assembly Tester and Cross Connection Specialist Certification · checked 2026-10-06
- Oregon Health Authority, New Certification · checked 2026-10-06