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.
Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area (LUBGWMA) backflow information
Backflow prevention devices are crucial to the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area (LUBGWMA) because they help protect water quality by preventing contaminated water from polluting the aquifer. These devices ensure that water from irrigation systems in which chemicals or fertilizers have been added does not pollute water supplies by preventing contaminated water from flowing backwards into the water supply.
The landowner is ultimately responsible for the maintenance and use of the water supply well (
OAR 690-215-0005). If you are a landowner within the LUBGWMA area using a well for irrigation in combination with the use of fertilizers or chemicals, then you are required to have a functional backflow device installed and functioning properly. See
OAR 690-215-0017(3) for more information.
The Oregon Water Resources Department is committed to working with landowners in the LUBGWMA to provide resources and assistance. Please contact the North Central Region Office at (541) 278-5456 if you have any questions about these rules or backflow prevention devices.
Information Resources
The Oregon Water Resources Department and industry partners hosted a community night in Hermiston on January 9, 2025 to answer questions and provide resources on Oregon Backflow Device Requirements.