What is Backflow?
Backflow is the term for what occurs when the flow of water in your plumbing system reverses, allowing potentially contaminated water to enter your clean water supply. This might happen when there is a change in water pressure, such as during a water main break or when a fire hydrant is opened. Backflow can also occur when there is a cross-connection between your plumbing system and a potential source of contamination, such as a swimming pool or irrigation system.
Backflow can impact water quality by potentially contaminating the water when it enters the water supply you use for drinking, bathing, cooking, and cleaning. As a water utility company, we take our responsibility to protect our customers’ water supply very seriously, and we need your help to ensure that your home plumbing system is properly protected.
What is a Backflow Prevention Device?
The only way to prevent backflow is to install a backflow prevention device. This device prevents water from flowing back into the public water supply. There are different types of backflow prevention devices, and the type you need will depend on your home and what your plumber advises. One of the most common types is the backflow preventer valve, which is installed at the point where the main water supply enters the building. This device is designed to automatically shut off the water supply if it detects a drop in pressure, preventing backflow from occurring.
Another type of backflow prevention device is the air gap. This creates a physical gap between the water supply and the outlet, preventing water from flowing back into the supply. Air gaps are often used in commercial settings such as restaurants and hospitals, where backflow risks are higher.
How Can I Prevent Backflow?
In addition to meeting the requirement of having a backflow prevention device installed by a licensed plumber, there are precautions that you as a customer may take to help minimize the risk of backflow. For example, you should avoid pouring chemicals or other substances down your drains that have the potential to contaminate the water supply. When it comes to outdoors, make sure any hoses or attachments on your outdoor faucets are properly fitted and secured, as these can also contribute to backflow. You should also avoid submerging a garden hose in a swimming pool or using it for spraying pesticides or fertilizers, as contaminants can be ingested into the hose and down the clean water supply if the hose is left on the ground and there’s a drop in pressure.
It’s important to note that backflow prevention devices require regular inspection and maintenance to ensure they are working properly. You are required by your water utility company to have your device installed by a licensed plumber and have it inspected annually. If your device fails inspection, it must be repaired or replaced immediately to prevent contamination of the public water supply.
Backflow prevention is crucial for maintaining a safe and clean water supply for you, your family, and your community. Please consult a plumber if you have any questions, and visit our webpage on Backflow Prevention located in our Water Quality tab for additional information and to complete our Backflow Prevention Form which is required of all water utility customers.