Backflow Testing
Annual inspection and testing to protect the city's water supply from contamination.
What is a Backflow Preventer?
A backflow preventer is a system of inline checks, allowing water to pass downstream but stops water from flowing backwards — through a process of reversed flow known as back siphonage.
Normal Flow
Water passes freely downstream through inline checks
Pressure Drop
Back siphonage or backpressure event occurs
Check Valves Close
Assembly stops reversed flow, protecting the supply
Why do we inspect them?
Backflow preventers are due for annual inspection and testing for a very important reason. Backflow testing helps to assure the city's water management that all precautions are taken to stop fire sprinkler, domestic, or irrigation water from finding its way backwards into the city's water main — possibly causing a contamination issue for folks downstream.
Where are they located?
Backflow preventers are found throughout some facilities, but most commonly are located near the road in large and small hot boxes, some in pits (underground vaults), or in mechanical rooms such as riser rooms and water pump rooms.
Backflow Inspections
Fire Backflow Preventer
Covers your Fire Protection System water supply. Backflow testing for this assembly is due for inspection every year.
Domestic Backflow Preventer
Covers your Domestic / Drinking Water Supply. Backflow testing for this assembly is due for inspection every year.
Irrigation Backflow Preventer
Covers your Irrigation System water supply. Backflow testing for this assembly is due for inspection every 3 years.