Backflow prevention devices are required to be installed on any irrigation system connected to a groundwater source when chemicals or fertilizers are applied through the system. They are specifically designed and manufactured to prevent backflow, back-siphonage, backpressure, siphoning, seepage, suction, or leakage and shall prevent used, unclean, polluted, or contaminated water, mixtures, or substances from entering the groundwater resource.
A landowner or other responsible party may be required to install a backflow prevention device on any water supply well, either as a condition of a water right permit or at a later date as circumstances may warrant. The landowner may be required to install backflow prevention devices on existing permitted wells and on wells which are exempted by ORS 537.545.
The Department may require landowners or other responsible parties to test their backflow prevention devices to ensure that they are functioning properly.