The City of Salem has announced the launch of SpryBackflow, a new backflow prevention software used to track and maintain backflow assembly testing records. This software will improve the effectiveness of the Backflow Prevention Program.

The new software will be used by OHA certified testers and City Cross Connection Specialists to see and update backflow device information and test results. The new system will benefit the water customer, the backflow tester, and the City.

Benefits to the water customer:

• More control over who tests your backflow. You are given a unique pin every year that must be given to a backflow tester before they can test your backflow. This prevents miscommunications between customer and tester.

• Your yearly reminder letter will include a pin and the contact information for your previous backflow tester.

• Have your email on file in order to receive an email notification when the backflow test has been sent by the tester and verified by the City.

Benefits to the backflow tester:

• See backflow specifications and location details of the backflow assembly you have been chosen to test.

• Submit the test report online, which automatically notifies the City when the test is done. If the customer's email is on file, a notification will be sent to the customer as well. 

• Saves past test reports for future reference. 

• A customer backflow pin helps to ensure that only one tester is dispatched to test the system in a given year.  

Benefits for the City:

• Quicker and more accurate reporting method makes the verification process by City staff easier and faster.

• In the event that water service is suspended awaiting a test result, the City will be able to return water service more quickly since test reports are sent instantly.

• Get Your Pin: City of Salem will mail you a reminder letter during your compliance month. This will include an important pin that must be given to your backflow tester. The pin will be highlighted in yellow on your letter. If you have not received a pin, call one of our Cross Connections Specialists at 503-361-2212 or email backflow@cityofsalem.net.

• Find a Tester: A list of OHA-certified backflow testers is available on the Oregon Health Authority website.

• Schedule the tester: Call the Backflow Tester to schedule a test. Give the Backflow Tester your pin number, which will only be good for that year.

All Backflow Testers who test in the City of Salem are required to use the new SpryBackflow software to submit test reports. All testers must be an OHA-certified Backflow Assembly Tester. Visit the OHA site for tester resources.

Testers can access SpryBackflow at https://backflow.cityofsalem.net/

SpryBackflow Registration

• Testers will need to upload OHA certification and gauge calibration forms.

• With your account registration information and the customer pin, sign into SpryBackflow and complete the registration process. Afterwards, you will receive an email with a link to create a password once your registration has been approved by City staff. 

• Test reports must be entered electronically into SpryBackflow by registered testers. The City will no longer accept test reports via fax, email, or in person.

• To enter test reports, registered testers will need the pin(s) for each backflow assembly to be tested. The pin can be found on customer compliance letters. 

• Use the customer pin on SpryBackflow to see the location, make, model, and serial number of the backflow device(s) to be tested.

• Perform the test and fill out the details of the test on SpryBackflow. Some details will autofill. Once submitted, a report will be generated and will automatically be sent to the City. The Cross Connection Specialists at the City will validate the test report, and an automatic confirmation email will be sent to the tester and the customer (if customer information is on file).

• If you have any questions or need additional information, please email City of Salem’s Cross Connection Specialists at backflow@cityofsalem.net or call 503-361-2212.

Backflow Pin

• The pin can be found on the customer’s annual compliance letters from the City of Salem. The pin is highlighted in yellow.

• Each backflow assembly will have a unique pin and the numbers will change annually.

• Beginning February 3, 2025, customer compliance letters will have the unique pin needed to enter the reports. Please plan to retrieve the pin from the customer directly.

Backflow is the flow of water or other mixtures (sometimes non-potable) into the potable drinking water distribution lines. This can be caused by a difference in pressure between private and public water lines. The pressure difference can cause water to go the wrong way up the pipe, creating the potential for water contamination to occur.

A backflow assembly device is one of many types of devices that prevents the backflow of water, or other substances, back into the drinking water system through a cross connection. A cross connection is any temporary or permanent connection between a potable drinking water system and any source or system containing non-potable water or any other substance. The device tracks the pressure and closes off flow when a loss of pressure is detected. This is how the device prevents backflow and prevents the risk of contamination, as long as the device is in good working order.

There are many types of cross connections that would require backflow assembly installation and annual testing. For residential customers these types of potential hazards are commonly underground irrigation systems, wells, a pool, or a boiler.

Protect Your Water Heater from Thermal Expansion

When your home has a backflow preventer installed, this could cause problems for your water heater unless a temperature and pressure relief valve (T & P valve) is installed. Without a T & P valve your water heater is susceptible to thermal expansion which could cause your water heater to explode. Contact a plumber to inspect the water heater to ensure a thermal expansion tank and a T & P valve are in place and are in good working order.

For more information and pictures of what these parts look like on a water heater see this Thermal Expansion Brochure made by the American Water Works Association. 

Be sure to verify that the City has current contact information, specifically phone number and email.   Complete and accurate contact information is vital to sending critical information related to your utility services, including cross connection.

Why do I have a backflow assembly?

A backflow assembly prevents the backflow, or the undesirable flow of non-potable water or other substance back into the drinking water system through a cross connection. A cross connection is any temporary or permanent condition between the potable drinking water system and any source or system containing non-potable water or any other substance.  Certain conditions or hazards require the installation and annual testing of a backflow assembly. For a residential customer, hazards are most commonly underground irrigation systems, wells, or boilers.

How do I know if I need to install a backflow assembly?

Residential customers are only required to install a backflow assembly if there is apotential cross connection hazard. It is the customer’s responsibility to notify us when a backflow assembly is installed. 

Backflow assemblies are required for commercial/industrial customers based. During construction or development plan review, Salem's Cross Connection staff assess the degree of backflow hazard and determines the appropriate backflow requirements.

Why do backflow assemblies have to be tested each year?

Backflow prevention assemblies have internal seals, springs, and moving parts that are susceptible to wear and failure. Yearly testing ensures they are functioning properly and protecting the City of Salem’s public water system. The annual test of backflow prevention assemblies is a requirement of Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 333-061-0070 and the City of Salem's state-mandated Cross Connection Backflow Prevention Program. 

When should my backflow assembly be tested?

Each backflow assembly has been assigned a compliance month. The City of Salem will send the utility account holder a notification of backflow assembly testing requirements during the first week of the assembly’s compliance month. If the utility account holder is a tenant, a courtesy notification is also mailed to the property owner.  The backflow assembly must be tested within 60 days. If the City of Salem has not received a test report within the first 30 days, a reminder notification of annual backflow testing requirements will be sent.

What happens if I do not get my backflow assembly tested by its compliance date?

The City of Salem sends two notification letters regarding annual backflow testing requirements. If the report is not received after the 60-day compliance period, the City will deliver a 72-hour notice for water service disconnection.  The backflow assembly tester should notify Cross Connection staff as soon as possible to confirm testing is scheduled.  If after 72-hours City staff has not yet received notification of scheduled testing, water service to the property will be disconnected. Water services will be reinstated once the backflow assembly test report has been received by the City.

I am going to be late on having my residential backflow assembly tested. What can I do?

Schedule a test with a certified backflow testing company and have the tester notify us of the date of the scheduled test to avoid termination of your water service.  Testers can reach us at 503-361-2212, or email backflow@cityofsalem.net.

Does the City of Salem test the backflow assemblies?

No, the City of Salem does not install or test backflow assemblies. The backflow testers are privately certified by the Oregon Health Authority.  A list of certified backflow testers can be found on the OHA website.

What happens if my backflow assembly fails the test?

If your backflow assembly fails the test, make arrangements to have the assembly repaired or replaced as required, and retested within 30 days.

Does the installation or removal of a backflow assembly require a City of Salem permit?

The installation or removal of a backflow assembly does require a City of Salem plumbing permit because it is considered an alteration of the plumbing system. 

Do I still need to test my backflow assembly if I am not using my underground irrigation system?

Yes, the backflow assembly needs to remain installed and tested annually. When the irrigation system is connected to your plumbing system, the potential for backflow exists, and you must still comply with all backflow requirements.  

To eliminate these backflow requirements, the irrigation system must be physically disconnected from your plumbing system.  A plumbing permit is required to remove any backflow prevention assemblies.  Additionally, the owner will need to have the City perform an inspection in order to have the backflow officially removed from the City records.

I am a tenant, and I received a notification letter. Why?

The City of Salem will send notification letters to both the tenant of the property (utility account holder) and the property owner (as indicated by tax records). In most cases, the property owner is responsible for annual testing requirements. To determine who is responsible, check your lease agreement or contact the property owner.

I received a letter to test the backflow assembly at a home/property I sold previously. How do I update my information?

Backflow information is provided to the Cross Connection Program from Utility Customer Care or from county tax records. Please call Utility Customer Care at 503-588-6099 to update your contact information with the City.  To update county records, contact the Marion or Polk County Assessors office. 

Has my test report been submitted to the City?

You can call the City’s Cross Connection Specialists to verify that your test report has been received. Call us at 503-361-2212, or email backflow@cityofsalem.net.

What is the difference between a backflow device and a backflow assembly, and why are assemblies required?

Both backflow assemblies and devices can protect public water systems.   Backflow assemblies are testable and are required to be tested annually to ensure they are functioning properly.  Examples of backflow assemblies include a Reduced Pressure Backflow Assembly (RP), Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA) and Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB).   Backflow devices are often required under plumbing code and are not testable.  Devices include a hose-bibb vacuum breaker, an atmospheric vacuum breaker, or a dual check with an atmospheric vent.

I am planning to purchase a new backflow assembly.  What kind of assembly should I purchase?

According to the Oregon Health Authority, backflow prevention assemblies must be approved by the University of Southern California (USC) Foundation for Cross Connection Control and Hydraulic Research. This list includes backflow prevention assemblies that have passed tests in labs and in the field. Each approved assembly is listed with its type, the manufacturer's name, model, size, the manual edition it was approved under, the approval date, and the latest renewal date. The list also shows assemblies that are no longer being made but still have spare parts available from the manufacturer.  Visit (insert link) for the list of approved assemblies.

What is thermal expansion and how does it relate to the installation of a backflow assembly?

Thermal expansion happens when water gets heated and expands, taking up more space. This can cause problems when extra pressure from the expanding water has nowhere to go, especially when a backflow prevention assembly is installed. Backflow prevention assemblies stop water from flowing backward into the public water supply, which creates a "closed plumbing system." In a closed system, the extra pressure can build up and cause leaks, burst pipes, or other damage.

An expansion tank is a small tank that absorbs the extra water when it expands, keeping the pressure from getting too high. To prevent damage, the Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code (OPSC) requires an expansion tank or another approved device to be installed when a closed plumbing system is created.  The tank is required only when the backflow assembly is installed on the domestic water service.   In most cases, thermal expansion tanks are not required for backflow assemblies installed for irrigation systems.