Reasons to have your backflow system tested
October 24th, 2011 by jplouse
In the state of Washington, homes using public water systems for their
- Irrigation systems
- Swimming pools or spas
- Boilers
- Ponds
are required to have a cross-connection, which is the physical connection between the public water system or the consumer’s water system and any source of nonpotable liquid, solid or gas that could contaminate the water supply by backflow. The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1986, and Washington State Administrative Code WAC 246-290-490 requires a Purveyor to administer a Cross-Connection Control Program
What is a backflow system?
A backflow preventer creates a physical barrier to this backflow or backsiphonage utilizing a reduced-pressure principal assembly, the pressure vacuum breaker assembly, and the double-check valve assembly and the dual check valve as a secondary. These are designed to be in-line tested to meet the head loss and flow requirements of the recognized approval authority. The backflow preventer assembly keeps our drinking water clean and safe from pollutants and contaminants such as E. coli. In order to avoid an undesired reversal flow of water through the cross-connection control, the backflow preventer should be tested by a person holding a valid BAT (Backflow Assembly Tester) certificate issued under the Water Works Operator Certification program every year.
What causes a backflow condition to occur?
All it takes is for a backflow condition to occur is a drop in line pressure in the watermains, which can happen due to use of hydrants for fire fighting, watermain breaks, high usage or backpressure. Having your backflow system tested regularly provides you peace of mind that you are protected.
How often do the backflow preventers need to be tested?
Backflow preventers must be tested at the time of installation, annually after the installation, after a backflow incident, and after repairs have been made, and/or if the preventer has been relocated or reinstalled.
What happens if the water district finds out my system is not in compliance?
- Denied or discontinued water service until requirements are met
- Requiring homeowner to install approved backflow preventer for premises
Why is it important to test backflow systems when blowing out an irrigation system?
Boil advisory issued after E. coli found
Sander and Wick said it is possible someone blowing out a yard irrigation system with high-pressure air may have forced contamination into the system.
Each fall, many Spokane residents blow out their sprinkler systems to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting during winter. Backflow preventers are required by health and building codes, but some homeowners may not have installed them, Wick said.
-Seattle pi
Read more about this story: http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Boil-advisory-issued-after-E-coli-found-1184156.php#ixzz1bRCz1BFO
Is this test really necessary?
In America we all assume when we turn the tap on that we have safe drinking water. This is a luxury that some countries do not enjoy, and comes with very strong regulations and enormous expense for our public water systems. Water protection requires the effort and cooperation of everyone.
How long does the test take?
Depending on the size and the amount of preventors that need to be tested, an average test period for preventors 2” and smaller is 15-20 minutes while larger devices could take 20-30 minutes not counting repairs during which the water is turned off.
Contact us today
The minimal cost of the annual backflow assembly test far outweighs the health risks, penalties and expense. Whether your local city government sends you a reminder notification or not, give us a call, and we can handle all of the paperwork, testing, and compliance. Repairs to your backflow preventer, if any, are often simple, quick, and inexpensive. We take care of it all with your permission.
Give us a call at (877) 853-8996
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