City water utility · Oregon
Backflow testing in Gresham, OR
City of Gresham Water (Department of Environmental Services)'s rules: who must test, when it's due, testers, filing and penalties.
Test each backflow assembly when it is installed and at least once a year, using a certified tester the City approves. Send the City a copy of the report. The City can also test for $100 per assembly. Skipping tests can lead to a turn-off notice and a shut-off.
- Who
- Lawn sprinkler systems: every year
- Fire sprinkler lines: every year
- Homes (other than sprinklers): every year (some)
- Due
- Have a new assembly tested when it is installed.
- Testers
- 22 testers on City of Gresham Water (Department of Environmental Services)'s list (PDF)
- Filing
- You (the property owner) files. No filing fee listed.
- If late
- Water can be shut off. Maximum fine for a violation of the water code: $1,000.
Who must have a backflow test
Gresham requires a backflow assembly on all water-using systems and equipment. Lawn sprinklers, pools, hot tubs, spas, heating and cooling systems, fire sprinklers and solar systems are on its list. Each assembly is tested when it is installed, then once a year.
- Lawn sprinkler systemsRequiredonce a year
- Fire sprinkler linesRequiredonce a year
- Homes (other than sprinklers)Someonce a year
Only homes with a pool, hot tub, spa, heating or cooling system, solar system or similar hookup that needs an assembly.
- Other connectionsNot required
Hose bib vacuum breakers do not need the yearly test.
Source: greshamoregon.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
When the test is due
Have a new assembly tested when it is installed. After that, test it at least once a year. The City can require a test sooner, or more often when the hazard is high. Give the City 48 hours' notice before each test.
Source: greshamoregon.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
Finding a tester
Use a certified tester the City approves. Gresham posts a courtesy list of testing, landscape and plumbing firms. It is not a full list and the City does not vouch for any firm. The Oregon Health Authority list has more testers. You can also ask the City to do the yearly test for $100 per assembly.
PDF · 22 testers
City of Gresham Water (Department of Environmental Services) also tests assemblies itself for $100 per assembly.
Source: greshamoregon.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
Filing the test report
- Who files
- You (the property owner)
- Fee
- None listed by the utility
Send the City a copy of each test report as soon as the test is done. Oregon rules also require the tester to give the City the report within 10 working days. Call or email the Backflow Prevention Program to ask where to send it.
Source: greshamoregon.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
If the test is late or fails
The City must shut off water to a property when a required assembly is not installed, tested and maintained. It sends a turn-off notice first, and the problem must be fixed within 5 calendar days of the notice. Service can stop right away if public health or safety is at risk. A violation can also bring a fine of up to $1,000.
- Maximum fine for a violation of the water code: $1,000
Failed test: A defective assembly must be repaired, overhauled or replaced at your cost. If you get a turn-off notice, fix the problem within 5 calendar days or the water can be shut off. You can ask the City for an administrative review within 3 calendar days of the notice.
Rule: Gresham Revised Code 5.55.030 and 5.99.030 to 5.99.050
Source: greshamoregon.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
For testers working in Gresham
- Oregon Health Authority backflow assembly tester certification
- Approval by the City water manager
Hold a current Oregon Health Authority tester certification. Gresham code says a tester must be approved by the City manager. The City adds firms to its courtesy tester list when they ask. Call or email the Backflow Prevention Program to ask how to get approved.
Source: greshamoregon.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
The rules behind it
- Gresham Revised Code 5.55.030 Backflow Prevention Assembly: Customer must have the assembly tested at least yearly by an approved certified tester; service must be shut off if it is not installed, tested and maintained
- Gresham Revised Code 5.99.030 to 5.99.050: Fines, turn-off notices, administrative review and immediate shut-off
- OAR 333-061-0070: State cross connection control rule; the City runs its program under it
Contact City of Gresham Water (Department of Environmental Services)
- Program
- Backflow Prevention Program
- Phone
- 503-618-2626
- [email protected]
Source: greshamoregon.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
Backflow testing in Gresham: questions
Do I need a backflow test for my sprinkler system in Gresham?
Yes. City of Gresham Water (Department of Environmental Services) requires backflow assemblies on lawn sprinkler systems to be tested once a year.
When is my backflow test due in Gresham?
Have a new assembly tested when it is installed. After that, test it at least once a year. The City can require a test sooner, or more often when the hazard is high. Give the City 48 hours' notice before each test.
How do I find a backflow tester in Gresham?
Use a certified tester the City approves. Gresham posts a courtesy list of testing, landscape and plumbing firms. It is not a full list and the City does not vouch for any firm. The Oregon Health Authority list has more testers. You can also ask the City to do the yearly test for $100 per assembly.
Who sends the backflow test report to City of Gresham Water (Department of Environmental Services)?
You file the test report. Send the City a copy of each test report as soon as the test is done. Oregon rules also require the tester to give the City the report within 10 working days. Call or email the Backflow Prevention Program to ask where to send it.
What happens if I skip my backflow test in Gresham?
The City must shut off water to a property when a required assembly is not installed, tested and maintained. It sends a turn-off notice first, and the problem must be fixed within 5 calendar days of the notice. Service can stop right away if public health or safety is at risk. A violation can also bring a fine of up to $1,000.
What if my backflow assembly fails the test?
A defective assembly must be repaired, overhauled or replaced at your cost. If you get a turn-off notice, fix the problem within 5 calendar days or the water can be shut off. You can ask the City for an administrative review within 3 calendar days of the notice.
Every fact on this page comes from City of Gresham Water (Department of Environmental Services)'s own pages, forms or code, checked Oct 18, 2026. Rules change: your notice and the utility have the final word. Spot a mistake? Tell us.