Cross Connection - Backflow Prevention
The City of Lafayette is committed to insuring a safe, high quality, reliable drinking water system. An important part of the City of Lafayette Water Quality Program is its Backflow Prevention and Cross Connection Control Program.
Backflow is the reverse flow of water and other liquids or substances into distribution pipes in the potable water supply. A cross-connection is any actual or potential physical connection between a public water system, and any source of non-potable liquid, solid or gas that could contaminate the potable water supply by backflow.
Backflow prevention assemblies are installed to prevent backflow of contaminants into drinking water through cross-connections.
Examples of Common Cross Connections:
- Irrigation Systems
- Auxiliary water systems (wells)
- Hoses submerged in polluted or contaminated water
- Fire sprinkler systems
- Boilers
- Swimming pools and hot tubs
Backflow assemblies are required to be tested:
- At the time of installation, repair or relocation
- At least annually
- More frequently than annually for approved backflow prevention assemblies that repeatedly fail or are protecting health hazard cross connections as determined by the water supplier
- After a backflow incident
- After an approved air gap is re-plumbed
To help with the cost of this testing, the City of Lafayette has entered into a contract with Flowcheck LLC to annually test multiple devices at a discounted rate for residents. The 2025 rate this company has agreed to charge is $35.00; this amount would be added onto your utility bill if you choose to participate in this program. If you would like to be added to the annual test list, please complete the form below.
Backflow tests must be performed by Oregon Health Authority Certified Backflow Assembly Testers. They can be found on the Oregon Health Authority website.