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. 

When should my backflow assembly be tested?

Each backflow assembly has been assigned a compliance month. The City of Salem will send the property owner a notification of backflow assembly testing requirements during the first week of the assembly’s compliance month. 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 second and final notification of annual backflow testing requirements will be sent to the property owner

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.

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. In order to remove the backflow assembly, the hazard must be removed.

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

Yes, the backflow assembly must be tested as long as the assembly is still installed and the underground irrigation system piping is still connected.

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.

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 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. If after 72 hours City staff has not yet received confirmation from a tester that the assembly is scheduled to be tested, 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.

Does the City of Salem test the backflow assemblies?

No, the City of Salem does not install or test backflow assemblies. The backflow testers work for private OHA-certified companies.