Contact

Emergency Shut-off/Broken Pipes
- 541-317-3000 ext. 2
Utility Billing Customer Service
- 541-388-5515
- utilitiesonline@bendoregon.gov
Utility Department
- 541-317-3000 ext. 2

Backflow / Safe Drinking Water / Cross Connection Control

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Cross Connection Control protects drinking water quality.

Cliente de agua - El Control de Conexiones Cruzadas protege la calidad del agua potable.

CROSS CONNECTION BROCHURE STATE CERTIFIED TESTERS

If you have any questions concerning residential or commercial backflow installations, certified testers, or approved backflow prevention assemblies, please contact the Safe Drinking Water Program at 541- 317-3000, ext. 2.

BACKFLOW TESTING

Backflow assembly in water meter box in lawn

Did you receive a letter from the City of Bend about testing your backflow assembly on your irrigation system?

SAMPLE INITIAL LETTER

SAMPLE INITIAL LETTER - SPANISH

You may have some questions such as "What does this mean for me"? Listed below are some answers to the most asked questions. See the Q & A questions and answers listed below.

Q - Why do I need a backflow assembly?

A - Backflow assemblies stop water from flowing backward through irrigation pipes if a loss of pressure is experienced upstream from the device. Events like a pipe break or the use of a fire hydrant can cause a loss of pressure. The pressure loss pulls water backward through the pipes and may inadvertently pull pooled or puddled water off your landscaping. That water could contaminate the clean drinking water lines directly into your house. Serious health issues may arise from consuming water with fertilizer, pesticides, or animal feces.

Q - Why does the backflow assembly need to be tested annually?

A - Backflow assemblies can break over the winter and should be tested yearly before the irrigation season.

Q - Who pays for the test?

A -The water customer is responsible for hiring a State-Certified Backflow Tester. If a renter receives the notice and is on the water bill, then they are the responsible party.

Q - How do I hire a backflow tester?

A - Contact one of the testers from this list: Certified Backflow Assembly Testers | Data Online | Oregon Drinking Water Services (Pro Tip: Make your appointment early in the irrigation season.)

Q - When is my test due?

A -The due date for your assembly is located on the letter sent to you. Your due date could be different from your neighbors. If you have questions about your due date, please refer to your letter or give us a call.

Q - Where is my irrigation backflow assembly?

A -The irrigation backflow is NOT the backflow assembly inside the City of Bend water meter box. In most cases, the City of Bend Utility Department owns, operates, and maintains that device, which should never be accessed by a homeowner or private tester.

The irrigation backflow is somewhere between the meter and your irrigation system. All landscape layouts are different; however, please note that it will be located on your private property and not in a city right-of-way.