What is backflow?
It’s just what it sounds like: the water is flowing in the opposite direction from its normal flow. With the direction of flow reversed due to a change in pressures, backflow can allow contaminants to enter our drinking water system through cross-connections. A potentially hazardous cross-connection occurs every time someone uses a garden hose sprayer to apply insecticides or herbicides to their lawn. Another cross-connection occurs when someone uses their garden hose to clear a stoppage in their sewer line. Without a backflow prevention assembly between your hose and hose bibb (spigot or outside faucet), the contents of the hose and anything it is connected to can backflow into the piping system and contaminate your drinking water. This hazardous situation can affect more than a single home. In 1977, an entire town in North Dakota had to be rationed drinking water from National Guard water trucks while the town’s water distribution system was flushed and disinfected following contamin
Do you mean I could accidentally contaminate our city’s drinking water? Yes, it could happen without your knowledge unless certain precautions are taken whenever there is a chance of a cross connection within your household. For example, have you ever sprayed lawn chemicals using your garden hose or filled a small tub to wash the dog using soapy water? Now is the time to remember that water can flow in “two directions.” If the water pressure in your area becomes lower than normal, the soapy water or the lawn chemical can flow backwards through the hose and into your drinking water.” back to top How can I prevent this from happening? Most businesses have larger water lines than households and have built in protection devices. These devices are inspected and tested annually by certified backflow prevention inspectors. However an average homeowner can prevent backflow problems from occurring by being alert to a potential problem. Ask yourself if there’s any way my action could contaminate
