Backflow Laws: Oregon
Oregon Backflow Prevention Laws, Regulations, and Compliance Requirements
Oregon has one of the most structured state-administered backflow prevention programs in the western United States. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) administers two distinct certifications — the Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT) and the Cross Connection Specialist (CCS) — under OAR 333-061-0070 through 333-061-0074. OHA-certified BATs must also hold CCB or LCB contractor licenses to provide testing services for a fee. All assemblies must be on the OHA-approved list (USC-FCCCHR). Portland Water Bureau, Hillsboro, and other utilities require annual testing and use EcosConnect or other platforms for electronic test reporting. This guide covers Oregon's full regulatory framework and major utilities.
Oregon State Regulatory Framework
Oregon’s backflow prevention and cross-connection control requirements are established in Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 333-061-0070 and 333-061-0071 (cross-connection control requirements and backflow assembly installation standards), OAR 333-061-0072 (Backflow Assembly Tester Certification), OAR 333-061-0073 (Cross Connection Specialist Certification), and OAR 333-061-0074 (training and instructor requirements), administered by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Drinking Water Services (DWS). Oregon holds EPA primacy under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act.
OHA mandates that public water providers require installation of backflow prevention assemblies to protect their water supply. OHA’s cross-connection control requirements represent the minimum requirements — local water systems may impose more stringent requirements. Oregon assemblies must be approved by USC-FCCCHR, with OHA maintaining its own approved list of assemblies for double check and reduced pressure type assemblies specifically for Oregon premises-isolation applications. Assembly approvals on the OHA list are individually dated and valid within 3 years of the current date.
Oregon's Two OHA Certifications
Oregon administers two separate OHA certifications through its Drinking Water Services division:
Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT): All backflow prevention assembly testing in Oregon must be performed by an OHA-certified BAT. BAT certification requires successful completion of an OHA-approved 5-day Backflow Assembly Tester course within 12 months of submitting a certification application. Certifications expire on December 31st every two years based on the first letter of the tester’s last name (A-K expire in even years; L-Z in odd years). OHA publishes a public list of BATs who have opted to be listed — however, not all certified testers choose to be on the public list.
Cross Connection Specialist (CCS): All community water systems in Oregon serving 300 or more service connections are required to contract with or employ an OHA-certified Cross Connection Specialist to oversee their cross-connection control program. CCS certification is a separate, higher-level credential from BAT certification and requires additional qualification.
CCB or LCB License Required for Fee-Based Testing
Oregon has an additional credential requirement: Backflow Assembly Testers who provide testing services for a fee must be licensed through the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) or the Landscape Contractors Board (LCB). The employee or the company they work for must hold a CCB or LCB license. To be on OHA’s public list of BATs, testers must also have a CCB or LCB license. This dual credential requirement (OHA BAT certification plus CCB/LCB license) makes Oregon unique among Western states.
Oregon Plumbing Code — Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code
Oregon has adopted the Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code, which governs installation requirements for backflow prevention assemblies. Air gaps under Oregon’s code are defined in the Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code as the physical separation between the end of the water supply pipe and an open vessel — the standard air gap protection found on faucets and sinks. For premises-isolation protection under OAR 333-061-0071, the minimum required assembly types depend on hazard level: DCVAs for lower-hazard applications; RPZ for health-hazard applications.
EcosConnect Statewide Test Reporting Platform
Oregon is transitioning to statewide use of EcosConnect (an online test report submission platform) for approved state-certified backflow assembly testers. Multiple Oregon utilities, including Hillsboro Water, now require all test reports to be submitted through EcosConnect rather than by email, fax, or mail. All approved state-certified BATs are expected to be registered with EcosConnect to submit test reports for these utilities. Confirm whether your utility requires EcosConnect or another submission method before scheduling testing.
Oregon's 5-Day BAT Course Is One of the Longest Nationally
Oregon’s OHA BAT certification requires a 5-day training course — one day longer than most states (which use 3-4 day courses). This more intensive course structure reflects Oregon’s commitment to thorough tester preparation and aligns with OHA’s rigorous program standards. The longer course covers more comprehensive hands-on lab time and field test procedure training.
Major Water Purveyors in Oregon
Portland Water Bureau
Portland Water Bureau is Oregon’s largest water utility, serving approximately 975,000 people across Portland and wholesale customers. Portland’s cross-connection control program operates under Portland City Code Title 21 and Title 28 (Floating Structures), in addition to OAR 333-061-0070 and 333-061-0071. Portland requires: backflow prevention assemblies on all services with existing or potential cross-connections; assemblies on the OHA-approved list; plumbing trade permits from Portland Permitting and Development; and for fire services, permits from Portland Fire Marshal. Annual testing is required. Portland’s specific installation requirements (minimum heights, riser configurations, alternate location approvals) are detailed on Portland Water Bureau’s installation requirements page.
If a property owner refuses to install, test, or maintain a state- or City-required backflow assembly, or refuses to comply with a correction notice, Portland Water Bureau may shut off water service without further notice.
Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD)
TVWD serves Washington County communities including Beaverton, Hillsboro portions, and others. TVWD’s cross-connection program requires annual testing by OHA-certified BATs.
City of Hillsboro Water
Hillsboro Water’s program requires annual testing after initial installation and after any repair, replacement, or relocation. Testers must be OHA-certified BATs. Effective with Hillsboro’s adoption of EcosConnect, all approved state-certified BATs submit test reports electronically through EcosConnect. Property owners receive yearly reminder letters from the water department.
Salem Public Works Utility Services
Salem serves Oregon’s capital city and surrounding areas. Salem’s cross-connection control program requires annual testing by OHA-certified BATs. Salem maintains its own list of required assembly types based on hazard classification.
Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB)
EWEB serves Eugene and adjacent communities. Annual testing by OHA-certified BATs is required. EWEB’s cross-connection control program follows OAR standards.
Oregon's Public BAT List Is Voluntary — Not Comprehensive
OHA’s public list of Oregon BATs is voluntary — certified testers are not required to opt into the public list. This means the public list does not include all OHA-certified testers. If you cannot find a tester on OHA’s public list for your area, contact OHA Drinking Water Services at cross.connection@odhsoha.oregon.gov to request a county-level search or verify a specific tester’s certification status.
Property Owner Compliance Summary for Oregon
OHA BAT: Testing must be performed by an OHA-certified BAT (plus CCB or LCB license for fee-based work).
OHA-approved assemblies: All premises-isolation assemblies must be on OHA’s approved list (USC-FCCCHR basis).
Annual testing: Required after installation, after repair/relocation, and annually.
EcosConnect: Submit test reports through EcosConnect where required by your utility.
CCS: Your water system (300+ connections) must have an OHA-certified Cross Connection Specialist overseeing the program.
Find a Certified Backflow Tester in Oregon
Find OHA-certified BATs at getyourbackflowtested.com/backflow-testing-near-me/oregon-backflow-testing or through OHA’s public BAT list at oregon.gov — covering Portland, Salem, Eugene, Hillsboro, Bend, and all major Oregon communities.
Oregon Regulatory Reference Links
| Resource / Agency | URL / Link Target |
|---|---|
OHA — Backflow Assembly Tester Certification | |
OHA — Approved Backflow Prevention Assemblies List | |
OHA — List of Oregon BATs (Public, Voluntary) | |
OAR 333-061-0070/0071 — Cross-Connection Control Requirements | |
Portland Water Bureau — Backflow Prevention | |
Portland Water Bureau — Backflow Assembly Installation Requirements | |
City of Hillsboro — Backflow Prevention and Cross Connection Control |