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Administrative Rules

Current Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) for Cross Connection

ORS 448.131 authorizes Drinking Water Services (DWS) to adopt administrative rules to ensure safe drinking water. OAR Chapter 333 Division 061 is reserved for regulations regarding public water systems and was last amended on February 1, 2023.

A complete set of the drinking water rules is in Chapter 333, Division 061.

Quick links to specific rules are provided below:



The 2006 revised rules reflect changes to the Oregon Revised Statutes from the 2005 Legislative session that include new and revised definitions, a fee assessed to Community Public Water Suppliers to provide funding for the Cross Connection Program based on the number of service connections, clarifying additions to the installation and operation standards, rules for certain plumbers that test backflow assemblies that are not required to obtain certification from the Department and that they shall satisfactorily complete Department-approved training according to rules adopted by the Director of Consumer and Business Services.

Oregon Revised Statutes amended during the 2005 Legislative session require similar changes to the Oregon Administrative Rules and are accomplished by a rules revision process.  This process includes notification to known interested parties and publication in various sources, summaries of the changes, draft changes of the rules, an open public comment period, a public hearing, and a Hearings Officer report prior to submission to the Secretary of State for permanent adoption of the revised rules.