Commercial Customer - Backflow Testing Resources

Image of a 6-inch backflow assembly in a vault

Per Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 333-061-070 and TVWD Rules and Regulations, all approved backflow prevention assemblies must be maintained and tested at least once per calendar year to protect the public water system. This is a law because it protects the public water supply from contamination.

TVWD staff recognize the challenges commercial customers face coordinating annual backflow assembly tests. We welcome the opportunity to partner with the individuals who oversee the annual backflow testing.  Email us at backflow@tvwd.org to discuss any issues or concerns.

Annual Backflow Testing Requirements for Commercial Customers

The State and TVWD require backflow assemblies be tested under five circumstances:

  1. At the time of installation
  2. After any repairs to an assembly
  3. If the assembly is relocated
  4. Annually (once per calendar year)
  5. After a backflow incident

Per Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 333-061-070 – Backflow assembly tests are required to be conducted by an Oregon State Certified Backflow Assembly Tester.

Category: ~WQ Backflow Commercial
Backflow Assembly Test Reporting for Commercial Customers

The State and TVWD require testing companies to submit test results electronically through TVWD’s tracking software, FormLink Systems within ten (10) business days of the completed test whether the assembly passes or fails.  Testing companies are also required to provide copies of test results for customer records.

Testing company will need the “Location Code” (listed on the test reminder letter received by the customer) to electronically submit the results to TVWD.  Commercial customers with multiple TVWD accounts may receive multiple letters for the same property which will contain different Location Codes.

Category: ~WQ Backflow Commercial
Annual Testing Due Date for Commercial Customers
  • The month which a commercial account is due for testing varies from account to account
  • The due date is noted on the test notification letters received by the customer beginning 3 months prior to the deadline
  • The due date is always set for the 15th of the assigned month which remains the same each year
  • A customer may request a different reoccurring month to better fit the customer’s yearly schedule
Category: ~WQ Backflow Commercial
Inquires and Resources for Commercial Customers

TVWD staff are available to schedule commercial customer site inspections to assist with verifying assembly locations and installations as well as identifying other areas of cross connection concern.  Please note, under normal circumstances, staff availability is limited; even more so with the current COVID situation.

Please email backflow@tvwd.org for requests such as, but limited to:

  • Add internal ID tag numbers to assembly description to assist with assembly inventorying
  • Update assembly information
  • Determine testing due date
  • Obtain test report history
  • Determine outstanding tests
  • Obtain Previous tester information
  • Other inquires
Category: ~WQ Backflow Commercial
  • Printer-friendly version