WATER SYSTEM BACK FLOW PREVENTIOn
What is backflow?
Backflow is the undesirable reversal of the flow of water from its intended direction in any pipeline or plumbing system. Backflow is dangerous because it can allow drinking water in plumbing system to become contaminated and unusable.
What is a backflow preventer?
Backflow preventers are mechanical plumbing devices installed in a plumbing system to prevent water from flowing backward in the system. A properly installed, tested, and maintained backflow preventer can reliably prevent the backflow of water of an unknown quality from flowing back into the community water system.
Is it really important to prevent backflow?
Absolutely. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency requires all public water systems
to operate an on-going program to protect the public water supply from contamination from possible cross connections.
The most effective method for water utilities to meet this requirement is to require customers to install a backflow preventer on the main supply line into their residential property or commercial facility, thus protecting the community water system from any cross connections that may be present inside a customer's plumbing system. All water users benefit from an active, on-going cross connection control program that includes the installation of backflow preventers.
to operate an on-going program to protect the public water supply from contamination from possible cross connections.
The most effective method for water utilities to meet this requirement is to require customers to install a backflow preventer on the main supply line into their residential property or commercial facility, thus protecting the community water system from any cross connections that may be present inside a customer's plumbing system. All water users benefit from an active, on-going cross connection control program that includes the installation of backflow preventers.
Why does the customer have to pay for an install the backflow preventer?
The backflow preventer is installed to protect the public water supply against possible hazards in the customer's plumbing system. The actual or possible cross connection belongs to the property owner and not to the District or other regulatory officials, such as the OEPA. Once the water goes beyond the meter, water quality could be altered.
The District does not want the water back, nor do water customers want to purchase used water.
If a backflow preventer is required to keep the water safe, the person responsible for the cross connection (actual or potential) should purchase, install, and maintain the backflow preventer.
The District does not want the water back, nor do water customers want to purchase used water.
If a backflow preventer is required to keep the water safe, the person responsible for the cross connection (actual or potential) should purchase, install, and maintain the backflow preventer.
The most common example of an actual or potential cross connection is an auxiliary water system ~ a private well. To protect the public water system from backflow contamination
and comply with OEPA regulations, the District requires that customers, residential and commercial, install a backflow prevention device OR abandon their private well.
The following explains what is required, depending on the chosen option:
Keep your well: There must be a physical separation of the well line from any public water line. An Ohio EPA approved backflow prevention device must be installed directly after the meter. After initial installation, the backflow prevention device must be tested to ensure that it is protecting against the back siphonage of water into the District's distribution system.
The Ohio Plumbing Code requires an expansion tank be installed to prevent pressure build up in your home plumbing system. Your individual plumbing layout and accessibility will affect the cost.
The Ohio EPA also requires that the backflow preventer be tested annually by a certified backflow tester. The certified backflow tester will complete and forward the Backflow Prevention Assembly Test Report form to the District.
Abandon your well: The well must be abandoned by a licensed well driller in accordance with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR fact sheet 92-6). Your individual well location and depth will determine this cost.
and comply with OEPA regulations, the District requires that customers, residential and commercial, install a backflow prevention device OR abandon their private well.
The following explains what is required, depending on the chosen option:
Keep your well: There must be a physical separation of the well line from any public water line. An Ohio EPA approved backflow prevention device must be installed directly after the meter. After initial installation, the backflow prevention device must be tested to ensure that it is protecting against the back siphonage of water into the District's distribution system.
The Ohio Plumbing Code requires an expansion tank be installed to prevent pressure build up in your home plumbing system. Your individual plumbing layout and accessibility will affect the cost.
The Ohio EPA also requires that the backflow preventer be tested annually by a certified backflow tester. The certified backflow tester will complete and forward the Backflow Prevention Assembly Test Report form to the District.
Abandon your well: The well must be abandoned by a licensed well driller in accordance with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR fact sheet 92-6). Your individual well location and depth will determine this cost.
FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING
PRIVATE WELLS AND BACKFLOW PREVENTION,
contact our office at 740-927-0410.
FOR A LIST OF BACKFLOW TESTERS OR WELL DRILLING COMPANIES
capable of providing the needed services,
see our list of Authorized Contractors under the Customer Service tab.
PRIVATE WELLS AND BACKFLOW PREVENTION,
contact our office at 740-927-0410.
FOR A LIST OF BACKFLOW TESTERS OR WELL DRILLING COMPANIES
capable of providing the needed services,
see our list of Authorized Contractors under the Customer Service tab.