Grants Pass, OR — The City of Grants Pass will begin its annual residential backflow testing program on Monday, July 7, 2025, with testing expected to continue through November. The program is designed to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the city’s drinking water by checking for potential contamination from residential irrigation systems and other cross-connections.
The City has contracted with Precision Backflow, a licensed and certified backflow testing company, to perform the inspections on behalf of the City’s Water Distribution Department. All participating residential customers will have their backflow prevention devices tested to comply with local and state water safety standards.
Residents can expect to see Precision Backflow technicians working throughout neighborhoods over the coming months. Technicians will be clearly identifiable by their safety vests labeled “Precision Backflow” and will carry a City-issued photo identification badge. In order to ensure safety and legitimacy, the City advises residents to request to see the technician’s ID badge before granting any access to private property. If the technician cannot produce proper identification, residents are not obligated to allow them onto their premises. Additionally, Precision Backflow vehicles should be parked nearby and clearly marked, further helping to verify their presence.
If a technician attempts to perform testing at a residence while the homeowner is away, a notice will be left on the front door. Residents who receive a notice are encouraged to promptly call Precision Backflow at 541-916-5253 to reschedule or confirm service.
Backflow prevention is a critical part of maintaining safe public drinking water. These devices help prevent water from outdoor irrigation, pools, or other sources from reversing flow and entering the public water supply, where it could introduce contaminants. Testing these systems annually ensures that they are working correctly and keeps the city in compliance with health and safety regulations.
For any questions, concerns, or to verify contractor information, residents may contact the City of Grants Pass Distribution Department at 541-218-7676. City officials appreciate the community’s cooperation and patience during this process and emphasize the importance of these efforts to protect public health.
This proactive maintenance effort reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the highest standards in water quality and infrastructure safety. Residents are reminded to stay informed, request identification when necessary, and report any suspicious activity or unauthorized personnel claiming to represent the City or its contractors.
The backflow testing program is a regular part of Grants Pass’s water safety protocol, and officials expect this year’s cycle to proceed smoothly thanks to the collaboration between the City, its contractor, and the public.