Backflow testing, why do we need it?

3/16/2019

A backflow prevention device is used to protect potable water supplies from contamination or pollution due to backflow.

The Health and Risks of Contaminated Drinking Water
Clean drinking water is something that many of us take for granted. Public water supplies in the United States are generally safe and clean, but when water is contaminated, it could be deadly. From 2011 to 2012, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the US alone there were 32 drinking water associated outbreaks reported, which caused at least 431 cases of illness, 102 hospitalizations, and 14 deaths1. The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that only a small percentage of total backflow incidents are actually reported2. Contaminants infect municipal water when pipes are improperly installed or when a hose is connected to a non-potable water source. The American Backflow Prevention Association estimates more than 100,000 incidents happen every day in the United States3. Not every incident results in illness, but every incident poses a threat. (reference from Wilkins zurn)

Backflow devices are used to protect the public potable water supply from the possibility of contamination or pollution by isolating within its customers' internal distribution system(s) or its customers' private water system(s) such contaminants or pollutants which could backflow into the public water supply system;
The risks to drinking water quality from backflow contamination incidents pose a constant threat—whether they’re nuisance, non-health hazards, or serious public health events. Plumbing codes mandate that potable water supplies be protected against backflow at all cross-connections. We offer the largest selection of backflow prevention solutions for any application.

City and state code require annual testing of every backflow assembly device. You should receive a letter from your municipality stating the due date and the device must be tested within 30 days of the due date or the city may turn off your water. After testing the device, City Wide completes and remits the proper certification paperwork to the city.

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22 Comments

Dennis Sanchez link

8/29/2019 07:30:06 pm

I'm glad you explained that backflow devices are so important because they help protect the water supply from becoming contaminated. If I were to guess, these devices probably experience a lot of wear and tear, so they probably break down quickly. It would be important that they are serviced regularly by professionals so that contamination can be prevented.

Franklin White link

6/17/2020 11:38:35 am

I didn't know that a backflow protects the public potable water supply so it keeps it from getting contaminated. This sounds like such an important part of the plumbing system. I hope that everyone gets their backflows tested regularly to keep the water safe for the public.

Jaipur Plumber link

11/11/2021 04:10:38 am

Hello,
This is a good article and the content is very useful.
Wish to read more articles in future.
Keep posting, Thank You

Mia Evans link

5/4/2022 10:28:01 pm

Thanks for helping me understand that backflow systems will protect the public potable water from contamination or pollution by isolating the internal distribution system of the customer's property. I guess commercial plumbing services should be hired to maintain such systems because of their importance in regard to hygiene and health safety. This is vital when the establishment is a restaurant as well, since the food they would be service should be free from any issues that can cause poisoning.

Millie Hue link

10/5/2022 01:15:42 am

It really helped when you said that our public potable water supply can be protected because of backflow devices to keep them from being contaminated and polluted. In that case, hiring plumbing services every now and then to check those devices would be important to ensure that they are working properly. I wonder if this is applicable to residential properties as well, since I am not sure if we also have those items in this house that we just moved into this year.

John Jensen link

10/13/2022 08:47:33 am

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10/13/2022 02:02:23 pm

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Tex Hooper link

11/14/2022 06:04:10 pm

I didn't know that there were over 100,000 backflow incidents per year. Are they ll related to a particular system? I'll have to have my water system inspected.

Eve Guttierez link

11/15/2022 01:14:48 am

I've never been aware how important backflow is until today. Thank you!

Priscilla J. Brown link

12/15/2022 10:04:10 am

Nice article Thanks for sharing this informative post, Keep posting!

plumbing service link

12/29/2022 06:39:17 am

Nice post keep it up

Steve Smith link

1/13/2023 07:41:29 pm

It helped when you mentioned that you should not take for granted having a normal water and ensure a clean drinking water for your safety. My friend told me the other night that they planned to have a backflow preventer installed in their new home to keep their water safe from contamination. He asked if I had any idea what would be the best option to consider. Thanks to this informative article, I'll tell him it will be much better if they consult a trusted backflow testing service as they can answer all his inquiries and will provide good-quality service.

North Vancouver Plumbing link

1/24/2023 11:52:44 pm

Provides a detailed explanation of backflow testing and why it's important. The post is well-written and informative, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the topic. The author provides clear examples and statistics to support their points, making it a credible source of information for plumbing professionals and businesses.

Plumbers Wanaka NZ link

2/8/2023 03:54:17 am

It's useful to keep in mind that regular maintenance should be put up so that we don't have to be concerned about emergencies at inconvenient times. I appreciate you writing this article because it's quite instructive.

Braden Bills link

2/14/2023 10:38:15 am

I'm planning on getting an irrigation system installed, but I want to ensure that it lasts me a long time. It makes sense that I would want to get backflow testing done. That seems like a good way to ensure that the irrigation works correctly.

HVAC company in Jefferson link

2/28/2023 04:04:57 am

Awesome post,, Air conditioning repair Jefferson Owens Heating & Cooling is a high-tech customer-oriented heating & air conditioning company. We are utilizing well over a quarter-century of our experience and knowledge and have teamed our customer comes-first mentality with the industry's best experts, top manufacturers, and state-of-the-art technologies.

Delta Emergency Plumber link

3/6/2023 02:11:17 am

Really appreciated blog, that you have presented all the information on Backflow testing, I love all the information shared. It will be very helpful to understand about the topic. Great post to share, thanks for publishing this here!!

Hayesplumbing link

3/6/2023 03:20:48 am

This post is an informative read that explains the importance of backflow testing in plumbing systems. The writer has provided a clear and concise explanation of what backflow is and the potential health risks it poses if not detected and prevented. The article goes on to explain the benefits of backflow testing, including how it helps to prevent water contamination and ensure the safety of your drinking water. Overall, this blog post is a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand the importance of backflow testing.

MF Plumbing and Gas Solutions link

3/6/2023 08:07:09 am

Amy's Plumbing's post on "Backflow Testing: Why Do We Need It?" is a helpful resource for anyone curious about backflow testing. The author explains what backflow is, why it's dangerous, and how backflow testing can prevent contamination. The comments section is not available.

OSHA 10 and 30 certification link

5/9/2023 02:34:07 pm

You are a genius. Not only do these strategies work, but you make them so plain and easy to follow. Great writing. Thank you so much for your nice blog post. PCS Safety, Inc. specializes in the fields of Executive Recruitment & Staffing, Human Resources Development and Program Implementation, Workplace Safety Development and OSHA Compliance Programs.

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5/9/2023 03:07:52 pm

Thank you so much for sharing all this wonderful info with the how-to's!!!! It is so appreciated!!!” “You always have good humor in your posts/blogs. So much fun and easy to read! We are PCS Safety, Inc. specializes in the fields of Executive Recruitment & Staffing, Human Resources Development and Program Implementation, Workplace Safety Development and OSHA Compliance Programs.

Domestic Plastering link

10/31/2024 10:13:27 pm

Backflow testing is essential to ensure the safety of our drinking water supply. Contamination can lead to serious health risks, and many incidents go unreported, highlighting the need for regular testing. Protecting our potable water is crucial. If you happen to need plastering services, feel free to visit our site!

Backflow testing, why do we need it?

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