Backflow Prevention, what is it and why do we need it?

The idea that we can turn on the faucet and get pure potable and drinkable water is not a new concept. In an age where everyone is health conscience, making sure that the water you drink is safe has become a primary concern. When you turn on the water faucet to get a drink we usually don't think about the quality of the water. It is supposed to be drinkable, no contaminates or pollutants, just pure clean water.

The State Health Department's backflow requirements, as outlined in 'Title 17', and enforced by the local Water Purveyors ensures this potability of the water. The backflow prevention device is used to stop the water from re-entering the street main from a Backpressure condition or a Backsiphonage condition. Backpressure occurs when the customer pressure becomes greater than the District water pressure. Backsiphonage occurs when the District main pressure becomes negative, such as when a line breaks or a fire hydrant gets hit. The Assembly is designed to stop the reversal of flow of any pollutants or contaminates from getting back into the District mains. The Backflow Prevention Assembly is required to be tested at least once a year by District Approved Certified Testers. What this test does is assure that at the time of the test the Backflow Assembly is working according to "design standards". If an assembly fails a certification test it then needs to be repaired and re-tested and 'certified' that it is working properly.