CROSS CONNECTION BACKFLOW DEVICE POLICY
The California Code of Regulations Title 17 requires public water suppliers to protect their water systems from cross-connections and prevent backflow situations.
Learn more about Cross Connection below:
DOES WATER EVER FLOW BACKWARDS?
It is a logical assumption that because water is always under pressure, it can only flow in one direction. however, can it flow the opposite way from its intended direction? The answer is yes, and when it does it can sometimes cause disastrous results! Water will always flow toward the point of lowest pressure. If a main line in our system should break or If a fire occurred and the fire pressure in the water mains drop dramatically it can cause a reversal of water flow pulling water from whatever water lines are attached to it and is why TGW is concerned about the possibility of backflow of contaminants into our drinking water distribution system. Below are some scenerio's to be aware of:
If your water hose is submerged in your swimming pool, jacuzzi, pond, fountain, or car radiator and a main breaks, that hose could siphon the non drinkable water material back into our water mains!!
The garden hose is the most common cross connection in the home. It acts like an extension of the water line. The hose is attached to the outdoor faucet and the other end is connected to an aspirator that contains insecticides, fertilizer or other chemicals used with the aspirator.
If your plumbing carrying drinking water is connected to piping carrying fluid such as an air conditioner containing chemicals to kill algae, the contaminant could be drawn back into our water mains.
If you have a private well that is connected to the indoor plumbing is higher water pressure than the water system main pressure, that well water can contaminate the water system.
You can install a hose bibb vacuum breaker to prevent any back siphonage.
If you have a water tank, make sure that it has an Air Gap device.
YOUTUBE RESOURCES
Sprinkler backflow prevention: https://youtu.be/FdTTi75zZKg
Backflow Prevention applications: https://youtu.be/Qr7JYhDe7fc
Cross Connection Control: https://youtu.be/ETqvDrPYlsc
What is Backflow: https://youtu.be/YyUi4RMb-bA