The PVB, DC and RP must be tested by a Certified Backflow Tester upon installation and yearly thereafter. The AVB is the only backflow prevention device that does not require annual testing; however, it must be inspected by the City of McMinnville and meet all installation requirements.

Water systems depend on water pressure to keep water flowing in the proper direction through the pipes. However, anything that causes a drop in water pressure, such as a water main break or heavy use during a fire, can create a reverse flow from the customer’s plumbing system back into the public water system. This is called backflow. Backflow can also occur when the customer’s water system has a higher pressure than the public water system.

Products that are recognized as ENERGY STAR Most Efficient deliver cutting edge energy efficiency along with the latest in technological innovation. They represent the very best for energy savings and environmental protection. Click the Most Efficient filter to find recognized models.

Samsungwashing machine

Use this label to determine the model's energy use, compare the energy use of similar models, and estimate annual operating costs. Learn How to Use the Federal Trade Commission’s EnergyGuide Label and the Difference Between the Energy Guide and ENERGY STAR.

LGwashing machine

Washing machineCleaner

If you have any questions concerning certified testers, backflow installations, or approved backflow prevention assemblies please call us at (503) 472-6919, ext. 5.

Integrated Modified Energy Factor (IMEF) is a measure of energy efficiency that considers the energy used by the washer during the cycle and while on standby, the energy used to heat the water, and the energy used to run the dryer. The higher the IMEF, the more energy efficient the clothes washer.

If you are not sure if you have adequate backflow protection, please contact our Backflow Prevention Program at (503) 472-6919, ext. 5.

This is where you can help. With an understanding of the hazards associated with cross connections and backflow, you can help us protect our drinking water.

Testing in Oregon must be done by a Certified Backflow Tester. McMinnville Water & Light maintains list of testers (PDF).

A cross connection is a connection between drinking water and other water or fluids of unknown quality. Examples include lawn irrigation, boilers, wells, fire sprinkler systems, and swimming pools or hot tubs that are hard piped for filling purposes. To prevent cross connection, backflow preventers are installed to stop the backflow of contaminated water into the drinkable water supply.

GEwashing machine

McMinnville Water & Light Cross Connection Control Policy (PDF) Chapter 333 – State of Oregon Regulations McMinnville Water & Light Backflow Brochure (PDF)

In recent years, clothes washer technology has seen dramatic improvements in efficiency and functionality. Selecting an ENERGY STAR certified washer gets you all these premium features and functionality, with the following additional benefits: Get a shower of water savings. New ENERGY STAR certified clothes washers use advanced technology to dramatically reduce water use. Full-sized washers that have earned the ENERGY STAR use 14 gallons of water per load, compared to the 20 gallons used by a standard machine. Long live your clothes Clothes washers with agitators can be rough on your clothes and put them through extra wear and tear. ENERGY STAR clothes washers have sophisticated wash systems that use a variety of methods to lift and tumble your laundry, lengthening the life of often-washed items. Additionally, because they are so gentle, many models can safely clean silk, wool, and other hand-washables. Take time out. Without a bulky agitator, there is more usable space in the washer for laundry — especially larger items like comforters. More capacity means fewer loads of laundry each week. What will you do with your extra time? Save the environment. More than 60% percent of U.S. electricity is generated by burning coal and natural gas, which releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and contributes to climate change. ENERGY STAR certified clothes washers use less energy and help us reduce our impact on the environment. By reducing water consumption, they also put less strain on limited water resources. Learn more about other ways to save water with EPA's WaterSense. ENERGY STAR Most Efficient Products that are recognized as ENERGY STAR Most Efficient deliver cutting edge energy efficiency along with the latest in technological innovation. They represent the very best for energy savings and environmental protection. Click the Most Efficient filter to find recognized models.

Like any mechanical device, a backflow prevention assembly is subject to failure. The State of Oregon requires that all assemblies be tested once each year by a certified tester. Annual testing ensures that assemblies are operating as designed. They must also be tested at the time of installation, after repairs and after relocation.

In recent years, clothes washer technology has seen dramatic improvements in efficiency and functionality. Selecting an ENERGY STAR certified washer gets you all these premium features and functionality, with the following additional benefits:

ENERGY STAR certified front load washers use about 45% less energy and 50% less water than a top load agitator washer. In the past decade or so, top load impeller washers, which have a low-profile cone or disc instead of an agitator, have become popular as a more energy- and water-efficient option compared to traditional top load washers. However, compared to a top load impeller washer, front load washers are still about 25% more energy and water efficient.

Washing machineand dryer

Integrated Water Factor (IWF) is a measure of water efficiency in gallons of water consumed per cubic foot of capacity. The lower the IWF, the more water efficient the clothes washer. Both IMEF and IWF are provided for each model listed in the ENERGY STAR Product Finder.

The following State approved backflow assemblies are allowed for installation on a lawn sprinkler system per the City of McMinnville and McMinnville Water & Light standards:

If you are planning to install a lawn irrigation system, please be aware that all irrigation systems must have approved backflow protection. A permit is also required, and is obtained through the City of McMinnville Building Division, 231 NE 5th Street, McMinnville.

Whirlpoolwashing machine

ENERGY STAR certified models are available in various product widths and drum capacities. Think about where you want to place your clothes washer and whether you typically run small or large loads. ENERGY STAR certified models are also available in stackable, under-the-counter designs, and combination washer-dryer designs which fit in smaller spaces.

The Product Finder obtains information on price and availability of ENERGY STAR certified models directly from retailer websites. Prices may vary in store or online. We do not warrant the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of this information, including model images and information related to model pricing or specifications; photos of models may not represent actual models sold. Prices and available quantities are subject to change without notice. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. Furthermore, the retailer websites may include content provided by third parties, including manufacturers, suppliers and third-party licensors. All statements and/or opinions expressed in such retailer, manufacturer or other third party produced materials, and all articles and responses to questions and other content, other than the content provided by the EPA, are solely the opinions and the responsibility of the person or entity providing those materials. These materials do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the EPA.

Although the water that reaches your home is safe and of the highest quality, contamination can occur within your own piping system. The goal of our Backflow Prevention Program is to protect McMinnville’s drinking water supply from pollution or contamination by keeping water that has entered a facility or home from flowing back into the public water system.