The Cross Connection & Backflow Programs

Every Public Water system in the State of Oregon is required by State law to have a Cross Connection Control and Backflow Program. This program is designed to protect the public drinking water from contamination and/or pollution.

• A Backflow is the unintended backward movement of water from your house back into the public water supply caused by hydraulic conditions such as loss of water system pressure or an increase in pressure after point of delivery.

• A Cross Connection is the unintended or intentional direct connection between the public water supply and any other substance.

• Public Water Providers Protect the drinking water system from these kinds of incidents by ensuring the installation of a backflow prevention assembly on the customer’s side of the water meter. These assemblies prevent water from flowing back into the public water system and are required to be tested annually.

• The Success of a cross-connection and backflow program often relies on the direct cooperation and understanding of their customers.

Some of the most common residential cross-connections:

1. Underground lawn irrigation systems.
2. The outside garden hose being left in a swimming pool or hot tub while filling.
3. Utility sinks with hoses that hang down below the rim of the sink.
4. Liquid fertilizer containers which directly attach to the hose.