From the Johnson County website regarding backflow prevention:

“Protect the City of Johnson County potable water system from contamination or pollution by preventing contaminants and pollutants within the water systems of customers from entering City of Johnson County water system. 2. Provide for the maintenance of a continuing program of cross connection control by requiring the installation of approved backflow prevention devices and requiring the certification and operational testing of all testable backflow prevention assemblies. 3. Comply with federal regulations related to cross-connections and backflow prevention, including, without limitation, those of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency. 4. Comply with state regulations related to cross-connections and backflow prevention, including, without limitation, those of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.”

Let’s break it all down so you have a better understanding of the situation.

Backflow prevention regulations

Yes, there are local, state, and federal regulations regarding backflow prevention.  It’s that important!  And what are those regulations?  In most cities, most states, commercial building owners (and properties with irrigation systems) are required to have all backflow devices inspected annually.  In addition, backflow preventors must only be inspected by licensed and certified backflow testers. In addition, only approved backflow and cross connection parts may be used on repairs and replacements.

These regulations may vary slightly from town to town, but they are fairly consistent in most cities because of federal guidelines established back in the 1970s.

If it all sounds rather ominous it’s because it could be without all the precautions.  We are, after all, talking about clean water and protecting citizens from contaminated water, which is what backflow is all about.

What is backflow?

Backflow is the reversal of flow in our water systems.  Instead of water flowing from the city’s water supply to your home or business, it is possible for it to reverse flow if there is a sudden drop in water pressure. This reversal in flow is called backflow, and it means contaminated water from your property is flowing back towards the city water supply.

Backflow prevention regulations prevent that from happening.

What is a cross connection?

Where ever the main water pipes meet a device which channels water for a specific use i.e. bathroom, kitchen, etc., this is a cross connection, and at that point a backflow prevention device must be installed, maintained, and inspected annually.

What does a backflow inspection entail?

USC 10^th Addition Testing Procedures:

• Notify- Notify the customer we are here for testing
• Identify- Make sure serial number is correct and that we have the right assembly
• Inspect- Make sure there are 4 test ports and 2 Shut off handles
• Observe- Attach test equipment and follow proper testing  procedures  for this assembly
• Test Reports- Enter values for the  assemblies after the backflow service is completed
• Turn in all test Reports to the local water Purveyor or City

About City Backflow Testing

We are City Backflow Testing, serving the Greater Fort Worth area.  If you have questions about backflow or backflow testing, give us a call at (817) 996-2000 and we’ll do our best to answer them.