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Backflow Prevention
| What is backflow, cross-connection
and back-siphonage? |
| They all mean the same thing, backflow is used water that
has already left your water pipes and is sucked back into
your home's water system. Backflow is caused by a drop in
water pressure; while firefighters are battling a blaze or
while crews are repairing a water main. If the water sucked
in and is contaminated by weed killer, fertilizer, or pesticides,
it can make you very sick. |
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What is a backflow preventer?
A mechanical device that acts as a check valve to prevent
used water from re-entering and potentially contaminating
your drinking water.
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| Why do I need it? |
- Safety is a big issue. Chemicals and insecticides in your
drinking water can cause several reactions. Reports from
across the nation have included nausea, diarrhea, blisters,
burning of the mouth and throat, anti-freeze poisoning,
drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, and unconsciousness.
- Backflow preventers are now required by Colorado
Department of Public Health and Environment Primary Drinking
Water regulations and City
of Grand Junction resolution No. 89-99 to be installed
on your home and business sprinkler systems if they are
tied into your domestic water supply. They also need to
be installed on fire sprinkler systems, commercial facilities
where chemicals are used, boiler systems, and other systems
where water could become contaminated.
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What should I do to
protect myself? |
| Be aware of situations where your home water supply does or
could contact nonpotable liquid. Don't let a cross connection
be made if another, safer way is possible. If the cross connecting
cannot be avoided, use the proper plumbing device to prevent
any liquid from backflowing into the potable water system. For
example, a hose bib (outside faucet) vacuum breaker is a simple,
inexpensive plumbing device you attach to the faucet before
attaching the hose. Other situations require a special backflow
prevention device that will isolate potable water from potential
contamination. |
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To protect the quality of tap water
in your home:
- Never allow hoses to be submerged in sinks, pools, chemical
mixing tanks, etc.
- Be sure your toilet flush valves have an anti-siphon device.
- Make sure any plumbing work done at your home is by a
licensed plumber.
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| Winterization Points and Certified Testers |
| Winterize your backflow device correctly and prevent costly water leaks and damage next spring with these winterization pointers. List of certified testers for the Cross Connection Control Program. |
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| Need to know more
about backflow prevention? Call the City of Grand Junction Cross Connection Control
Coordinator at (970) 256-4101. |
This page updated
Monday, July 14, 2008
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