Backflow Prevention

Backflow prevention is an important part of keeping our water supply safe. The City of Sandy protects its public water supply from the possibility of comminations and pollution by enforcing a containment (secondary) backflow prevention program. As part of this program, customers are required to have their devices tested by a certified backflow backflow assembly tester annually. You will receive a letter from the City when your property is due for testing, and upon completion the tester will return the results to the City. 

For more information see the Sandy Backflow Brochure, Frequently Asked Questions, and the current list of local backflow testers below. You may also contact Nancy Payne at 503-489-0927 or email npayne@ci.sandy.or.us.

For up to date information from the Oregon Health Authority on Cross Contamination and Backflow Prevention, click here.

 

**Changes are coming soon, check back for updates to the Backflow Prevention Program**

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important for water suppliers to prevent backflow?

Backflow into a public water system can pollute or contaminate the potable water in that system (i.e., backflow into a public water system can make the water in that system unusable or unsafe to drink). Water suppliers have a responsibility to provide water that is usable and safe to drink under all foreseeable circumstances.

Category: Backflow Prevention
Why do backflow preventers have to be tested each year?

Backflow prevention assemblies have internal seals, springs, and moving parts that are susceptible to wear and failure. Yearly testing ensures they are functioning properly and protecting the City of Sandy’s public water system.

Category: Backflow Prevention
How do I know if I need to install a backflow preventer?

Residential customers are only required to install a backflow preventer if there is a potential cross connection hazard. It is the customer’s responsibility to notify us if an irrigation system or pool is installed. Backflow requirements vary for commercial/industrial customers based on the business’s water use. Sandy’s Water Department staff reviews newly established commercial/industrial water accounts to assess the degree of backflow hazard and notifies businesses about backflow requirements. 

Category: Backflow Prevention
I don’t use my irrigation system. Do I still have to test and maintain my backflow preventer?

As long as the irrigation system is connected to your plumbing system, the potential for backflow exists, and you must comply with all backflow requirements, including having it tested each year. To eliminate these backflow requirements, the irrigation system must be physically disconnected from your plumbing system. If your irrigation system is served by the same water service that serves your home or business, you can remove the backflow assembly and have the irrigation system cut and capped.

A plumbing permit is required to remove any backflow prevention assemblies, and the owner will need to have the city perform an inspection in order to have the backflow officially removed from the city records.

Category: Backflow Prevention

Supporting Documents

PDF icon Sandy Backflow Brochure (486 KB)
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