The City of Bend keeps an eye on and enforces rules to prevent unwanted connections to the City's public water system. Following the Oregon Administrative Rule and City of Bend Code, we require approved backflow assemblies on the water lines entering properties and on irrigation systems. These assemblies need to be maintained and pass annual tests by certified backflow testers, with the results sent to the City of Bend Water Services Department.

Backflow Testing

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

Some properties have more than one backflow device. The backflow device that’s connected to the water meter is owned and tested each year by the City of Bend. If you have a backflow device on your sprinkler system or if you have commercial property, the City does not provide testing for backflow devices on irrigation systems or commercial properties.

Each year, the City of Bend sends letters to remind customers to test their irrigation backflow devices. This test is required by state and local laws, and it must be done every year.

As the property owner or water customer, you are responsible for:

• Hiring a certified backflow tester.
• Making sure the test is completed.
• Making sure the test results are sent to the City’s Water Services Department.

Most testers will send the results to the City for you, but it’s still your job to make sure it gets done.

View a sample of the letters:

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Information and Resources

• Cross Connection Control Brochure
• Letter to all Customers with Irrigation Systems
• Hydrant Permit Information
• American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA)
• American Water Works Association
• USC Foundation for Cross Connection Control and Hydraulic Research

Testing and Installation

• State Certified Testers - Deschutes County
• Approved Backflow Assemblies
• City of Bend Standards & Specifications
  • Design Standards
  • Drawings: Standard DCVA; 2" + DCVA; 1-2" RP; 2.5" + RP; Fire Sprinkler Line
• City of Bend Water Purveyor Map

Laws and Regulations

• Bend Municipal Code - Chapter 14.30 Cross Connection Control
• Oregon Administrative Rules - Cross Connection and Backflow Prevention
• State of Oregon Cross Connection Control Program