Cross Connection Control

Oregon City is mandated by state regulation and by city ordinance to control and eliminate any actual, or potential, cross connections to the public drinking water supply.

Any time the drinking water supply comes in contact with an objectionable or harmful substance, a cross connection is created. Cross connections can lead to contamination when changes in water pressure allows water to flow backwards. Backflow prevention assemblies are installed to protect against contamination caused by these backflow conditions. 

All irrigation and fire sprinkler systems require backflow prevention. Backflow prevention assemblies are also required when there is a well on the premises, or when there are other systems/equipment on the customer’s premises that could present a cross connection. Additionally, all commercial customers are required to have a backflow prevention assembly on the main water service. Additional assemblies may also be needed depending on the water-using equipment found on the premises. If you have concerns about potential cross connections on your property, you can reach out to us at cc-bpp@orcity.org or 971-204-4605.

Backflow prevention assemblies must be tested after installation, and annually thereafter. Testing must be completed by an Oregon-certified backflow assembly tester. Failure to install an approved backflow prevention assembly or conduct the annual test shall result in denial or discontinuation of water service.

A list of certified backflow assembly testers in Clackamas County can be found in the Documents section below.

How are test results reported to the City?

Backflow testers are required to provide a copy of each completed test report to the water user and the water supplier (Oregon City Public Works) within 10 working days of the test. Testers must submit the city's copy in EcosConnect, the city's online portal for backflow test report submission. The city no longer accepts paper test reports. If the testing company does not have an EcosConnect account, they can email EcosConnect to set one up. Setting up an account and submitting test reports through the system is FREE. All costs associated with the EcosConnect application are being borne by the City of Oregon City.  

*For newly installed assemblies, the tester should e-mail the assembly info to cc-bpp@orcity.org so it can be added to EcosConnect. The city must add the new assembly to EcosConnect before a test report can be submitted.

If you need a TRAC# please e-mail cc-bpp@orcity.org. 

Check to see if you are an Oregon City water customer by entering your address in the Who Is My Water Provider tool, located here Version OptionsCross Connection ControlHeadline.

 mailto:cc-bpp@orcity.org 

Need More Information?

Visit the state's website.

If you still have questions after reviewing the information provided here, email the Cross Connection Program or leave us a message at 971-204-4605.