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<br />FROM TOWN OF CRSTLE ROCK
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<br />04.26.1994 11'24
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<br />P.12
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<br />Crou..Co.,nedlon Cftrn@r....
<br />You may have heard the term cross-connedlon, or IHddlow, but you might be saying, .Whal is i~ and how could
<br />;1 effect me?" One definition of backflow Is the flow of water or other liquids, gasses, mixtures or other substances into the
<br />distribution pipes of a potable water supply. Fluid actually can flow backward into and through the piping system. Now that
<br />you know what It Is, what causes III
<br />There are two types of backflow, backsiphonage, and backpressure. Backsiphonage is caused by negative pressure.
<br />An example of this Is a person drinking out of a straw. The person sucks on the straw and the liquid flows up the straw. Whal
<br />Is actually happening is that a negative pressure Is created in the person's mouth, and the atmospheric pressure is pushing down
<br />on the surface of the liquid, forcing that liquid up the straw.
<br />Backpressure 15 the other form of backflow. It 15 caused by a higher downstream pressure connected to the piping
<br />system than the system Is alone creating. An example of this would be a hot water heat system with the mak&-up line directly
<br />piped to the boiler. The higher pressure in the boiler can force non.potable boiler water back through the mak&-up water line
<br />and into the potable water supply.
<br />Finally, the term cron-connedlOflshould be defined as any actual, or potential connection between a drinking (potable)
<br />water system and any other source or system through which it Is pOSSible to Introduce non-potable water, or other types of
<br />contaminants.
<br />So, now that we have explained a little bit about cross-connectlon, where do we go from herel Federal and stale law
<br />requires the Town, as a water supplier, to develop and maintain a crosKonnectlon control program that ensures that
<br />unprotected crosKonnectlons do nOI exiSI. The Town therefore adopted Chapter 13.06 of the municipal code, addressing
<br />croSKonnectlon, and what It means to the Town and Its customers. First the Town looked at Its system and tried to detennlne
<br />which taps could present the highest degree of hazard to the distribution system, should a backflow siluation occur. logically,
<br />Industrial, commercial, and large Irrigation accounts could pose a larger threat. Therefore businesses were requested to fill out
<br />a survey that outlined the type of activities that occur In the business, whether It be manufacturing, a restaurant, etc. Some of
<br />the equipment used was noted, and whether backflow prevention devices were already In use was also diftemed. From there
<br />a specially trained technician from the Town is doing actual site inspections, meeting with business owners and touring
<br />facilities. When this process Is complete, the type of backflow prevention that 15 required Is detennined for each account.
<br />These backflow prevention devices must be tested by a state certified technician upon installation, and at least yearly thereafter.
<br />II'S a lotto kee track of, ou bell But It Is the law.
<br />
<br />Will this law effect you, a
<br />residential customerl Yes.
<br />Backflow prevention Is not just
<br />limited to Industry, Irrigation, and
<br />commercial c:ustomel'l. In
<br />conjunction with uniform
<br />plumbing and building codes, all
<br />new residential homes are
<br />required to have adequate
<br />backflow prevention devices IS
<br />well. existing residences are not
<br />exempt from this law either.
<br />Surveys will be given to
<br />residential customel'l as well.
<br />Most of you are probably
<br />familiar with some types of
<br />residential backflow prevention,
<br />like the little gizmo on your
<br />outside hydrant, or the funny
<br />- - - - - - - - device coming off the side of
<br />your house going to your lawn Irrigation system. These aid in keeping the water In the hose, or sprinkler system from coming
<br />back into your home, and the Town's distribution system.
<br />Part of Ihe survey process is to determine the degree of hazard present from existing residenlialtaps as well. So soon
<br />you will be seeing a survey outlining the Individual customer's waler system. Do you have a hot tubl Hot water heatl
<br />Sprinkler system I Are these lines isolated from the rest of the systeml You will be seeing this survey in the near future.
<br />If you are concerned about backflow and ils effecls, or if you simply have questions abouI how compliance will effect
<br />you, give us a call at Town Hall. We are more Ihan happy to answer your questions. Being more aware, and better Informed
<br />about back flow, and how it can be conlrolled is more than half Ihe battlel
<br />
<br />Double Check Valve Assembly Instollatlon
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