Backflow Prevention
Another important part of maintaining a safe water supply and delivery system is to prevent contaminants from entering the system at the point of delivery. In order to comply with City of Phoenix Ordinance No. 708 Rules and Regulations for Backflow Prevention, in compliance with OAR (Oregon Administrative Rules) Chapter 333-61-070, if there is a cross connection on your property, such as a sprinkler system, a backflow prevention device must be installed and tested annually by a certified tester to prevent unpotable water from entering the household and City water supply.
Understanding Backflow
Normally, pressure forces water to flow from the public water system to the locations where it is used. But occasionally, a reduction in pressure can occur which allows backflow or a reversal in the direction of flow.
If a customer's piping is in contact with water which has become contaminated when this backflow occurs, tainted water may be drawn back into the drinking water supply, thus compromising water quality.
Your Role
A successful test of your device(s) must be completed as least once a year and each time your device(s) becomes disconnected and reconnected to the municipal water system by a state licensed tester. The tester must submit the test results to the City of Phoenix Public Works Department each time your device(s) are tested.
Your backflow assembly must be successfully tested within 60 days of the date you receive your reminder letter from the city. If the backflow test report is not received after the 60-day compliance period, the city will deliver a 72-hour notice for water service disconnection. Water service will be reinstated once the backflow assembly test has passed and a confirmation report from a certified tester has been received by the City of Phoenix. It is the property owner's responsibility to schedule a backflow inspection by a Certified Tester.
Do-it-yourselfers may obtain brochures with more information on the various backflow devices and their installation requirements from local irrigation suppliers. In some circumstances, other plumbing items may also need backflow protection. Examples are solar panels, pool equipment, hot tubs, ponds, and fire sprinkler systems.
Ask us for more information if these apply to your home. For more information, please contact Public Works at (541) 535-2226
Sprinkler Systems
Much of the focus of our residential backflow prevention program is on underground sprinkler systems. Water in irrigation pipes can be contaminated with garden chemicals and microorganisms. Because of this, landscape irrigation systems always require installation of backflow prevention devices. State health rules stipulate that all of these devices, except Automatic Vacuum Breakers, are to be tested each year. Many new homeowners install underground sprinkler systems as on of their first home improvement projects. It is hoped that we can assist you in avoiding the need for making later corrections.
