Backflow Prevention Program

Click here for a list of Certified Backflow Testers

The City of Cottage Grove supplies drinking water to the community that meets all EPA and Oregon Health Division requirements for public health and safety. Even though the water that reaches your home or business is safe, it can be contaminated within your own piping system and could degrade water quality in the rest of the City water system, should that water backflow into the City water mains. Most modern water-using fixtures and appliances (sinks, toilets, and clothes washers) have built-in backflow prevention features, but there are some that don't. Yard irrigation systems, boilers, solar collectors, fire sprinkler systems, spas, swimming pools and garden sprinklers are examples of systems that typically do not have these features and require added protection. Backflow prevention devices can be installed for these fixtures, on the customer's piping system, to keep water that has passed through the meter from flowing back into the City water system.

The City administers a Backflow Prevention Program to ensure that backflow prevention devices are installed where necessary and tested annually by an Oregon Health Division certified tester. This program is required by Oregon law to ensure drinking water quality. Public Works currently monitors over  1,620 backflow prevention devices within the City.

Backflow prevention devices must be tested annually to ensure that they work properly. It is the responsibility of the property owner to have this test done and to make sure that a copy of the test report is sent to the Public Works Department. If a device is not tested annually, Public Works will notify the property owner asking them to comply. If the property owner does not voluntarily test their device, the City may be forced to turn off water service to that property. State law requires the City to discontinue water service until testing is complete.

If you have a backflow prevention device on your property, please do your part to ensure a safe drinking water supply for everyone. Make sure your device is tested annually and, if needed, make any repairs immediately. Like fastening your seat belt or putting on a life jacket, backflow prevention is a safety measure against events that might occur. Hopefully, the backflow prevention devices you install will never be needed. However, once installed and properly maintained, backflow prevention measures help keep the water safe. If you have any questions about the Backflow Prevention Program or to find out whether you need a backflow device, please call Public Works at 541-767-4100.

The Public Works Department thanks you, and so do all the water drinkers in Cottage Grove!