Cross Connection / Backflow
WHAT IS BACKFLOW?
Backflow (or back-siphonage) is a situation that can occur when there is not enough supply pressure to keep up with the demand, such as during a power outage, during a line break or
if the fire department uses water from a fire hydrant. The increased demand causes a reduction in water pressure, creating a vacuum in some areas.
If backflow were to occur, water on a person’s property, such as water in a horse trough or in a dog bath, would literally be “sucked” back into the water system through the person’s hose or plumbing, contaminating the water system. Once the demand level returned to normal, the contaminated water would be distributed throughout the system, affecting everyone who uses the water.
WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY IS IT TO PROTECT YOU FROM BACKFLOW?
As a member-owned cooperative, this is our water system. We all share the
responsibility of protecting it; however, ultimately it is the customer’s responsibility to prevent contaminants on their property from entering the water system. Backflow is most effectively prevented with a testable backflow prevention device. The specific type we recommend is a Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly (or RP for short). These devices are expensive
but necessary. The member will also be responsible for all maintenance and annual testing of the device to ensure its proper working condition.
Backflow (or back-siphonage) is a situation that can occur when there is not enough supply pressure to keep up with the demand, such as during a power outage, during a line break or
if the fire department uses water from a fire hydrant. The increased demand causes a reduction in water pressure, creating a vacuum in some areas.
If backflow were to occur, water on a person’s property, such as water in a horse trough or in a dog bath, would literally be “sucked” back into the water system through the person’s hose or plumbing, contaminating the water system. Once the demand level returned to normal, the contaminated water would be distributed throughout the system, affecting everyone who uses the water.
WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY IS IT TO PROTECT YOU FROM BACKFLOW?
As a member-owned cooperative, this is our water system. We all share the
responsibility of protecting it; however, ultimately it is the customer’s responsibility to prevent contaminants on their property from entering the water system. Backflow is most effectively prevented with a testable backflow prevention device. The specific type we recommend is a Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly (or RP for short). These devices are expensive
but necessary. The member will also be responsible for all maintenance and annual testing of the device to ensure its proper working condition.
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| tester_list_for_backflow.pdf |
If you have been advised by DPW that you no longer need a backflow device on your property and it can be removed, please review the document below on the proper steps to removing the unit and making sure it has been safely capped off.
| backflow_removal_instructions.pdf |
