What is Backflow?
Backflow is the undesirable reversal of flow of water from its intended direction in any pipeline or plumbing system. Backflow is dangerous because it can allow drinking water in plumbing systems to become contaminated and unusable.
Department of Environment and Conservation Division of Water Supply Certified
What is a Backflow Preventer?
Backflow Preventers are mechanical plumbing devices installed in a plumbing or irrigation system to prevent water from flowing backward in the system. A properly installed, tested, and maintained backflow preventer at the water service connection to a building or property can reliably prevent the backflow of water of an unknown quality from flowing back into the community water system.
The Tennessee Division of Water Supply has taken important steps towards keeping our drinking water safe and pure by initiating a backflow prevention program. This program is designed to prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the water mains. This is accomplished by the installation of a backflow prevention device at each service connection. Property owners are required to install the devices and have them tested annually.
Is it Important to Prevent Backflow?
Is It Important to Prevent Backflow? Absolutely! The Tennessee Division of Water Supply requires all public water systems in the state to operate an ongoing program to protect the public water supply from contamination from possible cross-connections. The most effective method of the water utility to meet this requirement is to require customers to install a backflow preventer on the main supply line to their property, facility or irrigation system, thus protecting the community water system from any cross connections that may be present inside a customer’s plumbing system or irrigation system. All water users benefit from an active, on-going cross-connection control program that includes the installation of backflow preventers where required by state regulations and local codes.
Department of Environment and Conservation Division of Water Supply Certified