What is the Backflow Prevention Charge that is shown on bills for single family residences?

• February 16, 2024 |

Protection from potential backflow contamination is an important safeguard for water quality, and all water utilities in Oregon are required to operate backflow prevention programs. This includes assurance that certain backflow prevention devices are tested each year. Several years ago, the Medford Water determined that it was easier and more effective, both for customers and our utility, for us to undertake this task on behalf of its single-family residential customers. A small monthly charge provides the funding for this program. This benefits those single-family residences with backflow prevention devices, as well as providing assurance to nearby properties that their neighbor’s backflow device(s) are providing the intended protection. We are continuing to expand this program to assure that all such devices are receiving annual testing, and customers with backflow prevention devices not already registered with our program are encouraged to notify us at 541-774-2430 to enroll their devices in our testing program.