What is Back Flow



Backflow occurs when water flow is reversed from its intended direction and, buy way of a cross connection, is pushed or siphoned back into the public drinking water system. Backflow can occur by the following mechanisms:


Backsiphonage - The pressure in the drinking water system is lowered. This type of backflow can result from water line flushing, fire suppression or water main breaks.


Backpressure - The pressure in a customer's plumbing system is greater than that of the public drinking water system. This primarily occurs in commercial applications involving pumps, high rise buildings, or boilers.






What is a Cross-Connection?


A cross-connection is any actual or potential connection between the public drinking water system and pollutants and/or contaminants, such as chemicals, bacteria, pesticides, or waste water. Examples of common residential cross-connections are: Garden hoses submerged in polluted/contaminated water (bucket of soapy water, hot tub, swimming pool, animal water trough) Lawn irrigation system Examples of common commercial cross-connections are: Carbonator for soda machine Coffee and/or tea brewers Chemical dispensers