BEND, OR -- Bend residents can expect to see backflow testers accessing neighborhood water meters, soon. Annual testing is required by city and state regulation. Workers will test city-owned backflow assemblies in residential water meter boxes. 

Safe Drinking Water Coordinator Donald "DJ" Buhmann says that without a properly functional backflow assembly, contaminates can enter pipes and get into household water. "It is not only essential for good health, but it is an Oregon Rule and a City Code that these specific assemblies are on our water pipes to help prevent contamination." 

Bend contracts with Olson LLC, and city water customers can expect to see crews working in city water meter boxes throughout the summer and fall. 

Underground landscape sprinklers also require a backflow assembly which must be tested annually. That backflow tester is independently hired by the homeowner.