Portland, OR
Backflow testing in Portland
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
State law and Portland City Code require backflow prevention assemblies to be tested at least once a year. Residential customers hire a state-certified tester, ideally in spring before irrigation season, and the Portland Water Bureau mails a yearly reminder letter with sticker labels for the tester.
What's different in Portland
State law and Portland City Code require backflow prevention assemblies to be tested at least once each year; residential customers arrange testing with a state-certified tester. [1]
The Portland Water Bureau prefers that residential customers test in the spring, before the summer irrigation season. [1]
The Water Bureau mails a reminder letter each year with sticker labels to give to your backflow tester. [2]
If an owner refuses to install, test or maintain a required backflow assembly, or to comply with a correction notice, the Water Bureau may shut off water service without further notice. [1]
What to do with the reminder letter
Keep the sticker labels
Give them to your tester; they identify your assembly on the report.
Book in spring
The Water Bureau prefers residential tests before summer irrigation.
Make sure the report is sent
Test reports go to the Water Bureau; confirm your tester sends yours.
Correction notices
If a test or inspection finds a problem, the Water Bureau can issue a correction notice. Ignoring it, or refusing to test or maintain a required assembly, can lead to water shutoff without further notice, so treat it as urgent. For what a backflow preventer does, the device types and how a test works anywhere, see backflow testing.
Further reading: How backflow happens and which devices homes use.
Common questions
How often must Portland backflow assemblies be tested?
At least once a year, as required by Oregon law and Portland City Code.
When does the Portland Water Bureau want residential backflow tests done?
In the spring, before the summer irrigation season.
What are the stickers in my Portland backflow letter for?
They're labels to give your tester so the report matches your assembly.
Who can test my backflow device in Portland?
A state-certified backflow tester you hire.
Can Portland shut off my water over backflow?
Yes, if you refuse to install, test or maintain a required assembly or ignore a correction notice.
Who sends my Portland test report to the Water Bureau?
Your tester typically sends it; confirm it was submitted.
Do suburbs like Beaverton follow Portland's backflow rules?
Suburbs on other water providers, such as Tualatin Valley Water District, set their own testing schedules and deadlines.
What should I do if I get a Portland correction notice?
Have the problem repaired by a qualified tester or plumber promptly and submit proof.
Why test before summer in Portland?
Irrigation runs hardest in summer, and spring testing leaves time for repairs.
Does a new backflow assembly need testing in Portland?
Yes. New assemblies are tested after installation and then yearly.
More plumbing help in Portland
- Sewer Line Repair in PortlandPortland sewer lateral rules: how responsibility is split with the City, the code that defines it, and the separate permits for private property and the street.
- 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 PortlandLocal water, housing and climate conditions, and the calls Portland homes need most.
How other cities handle it
- Backflow testing in AustinAustin Water's backflow testing rules: who may test, the 5-day report deadline, online filing, and the irrigation rebates that pair with an upgrade.
- Backflow testing in San AntonioSAWS backflow testing rules for San Antonio: the June 30 annual deadline, the codes behind it, reminder notices, and what a 10-day notice means.
- Backflow testing in DenverDenver Water's backflow rules: annual testing, the May–September irrigation testing season, required device types, 30-day reminders, and where results go.
- Backflow testing in SeattleSeattle Public Utilities backflow testing rules: annual tests by your anniversary date, Washington-certified testers, reporting, and non-compliance charges.
- Backflow testing in CharlotteCharlotte Water backflow rules: residential irrigation tested every 3 years, residential domestic yearly, approved testers, and RP assemblies on irrigation.
- Backflow testing in RaleighRaleigh Public Utilities backflow rules: residential irrigation tested by July 1 every three years, commercial yearly, owner-paid certified testing, and contacts.
- Backflow testing in TampaCity of Tampa Water Department backflow rules: residential tests every two years, commercial yearly, certified technicians, and the 7-day online reporting rule.
- Backflow testing in Salt Lake CitySalt Lake City Public Utilities backflow rules: tests within 10 days of installation and yearly after, which homes need protection, and secondary water.
- Backflow testing in Colorado SpringsColorado Springs Utilities backflow rules: who must test annually, the July 1 deadline, the $405 fine, licensed testers entering results, and single-family guidance.
- Backflow testing in Fort WorthFort Worth backflow rules: annual tests for commercial and health-hazard assemblies, a three-year cycle for low-hazard irrigation, and registered testers.
- Backflow testing for JEA customers in JacksonvilleJEA residential backflow rules: testing at least every two years by JEA Qualified Vendors, dual checks replaced every five years, and reclaimed-water irrigation.
- Backflow testing in Fort LauderdaleFort Lauderdale backflow rules: residential irrigation tested every two years, commercial yearly, only PVB or RP devices on irrigation meters, and certified testers.
- Backflow testing in DallasDallas backflow rules: lawn irrigation assemblies don't need annual tests, only when new, repaired or replaced; high-hazard assemblies need annual registered tests.
- Backflow testing in HoustonHouston backflow testing: testing companies must register with the city, testers need TCEQ licenses, and gauges need annual calibration reports filed with Houston.
- Backflow testing in PhoenixPhoenix backflow rules: assemblies tested at least yearly, 60 days to test after the reminder letter, then a 72-hour disconnection notice. Who needs one at home.
- Backflow testing in PhiladelphiaPWD backflow rules: test at installation, after any repair and yearly by a City-certified technician, file Form 79-770 within 48 hours.
Sources (2)
- Portland Water Bureau, Testing Requirements and Reports · checked 2026-10-03
- Portland Water Bureau, Submit Backflow Test Reports · checked 2026-10-03