NATIONAL BACKFLOW PREVENTION DAY!

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Yesterday was National Backflow Prevention Day! I'm a day late - but wanted to bring your attention to these critically important devices and the people who work on them.

What is a Backflow Preventer?

Backflow preventers keep drinking water safe
A backflow preventer is a device that is used to protect the drinking water systems from contaminants that could backflow into them.

All industries and commercial businesses are required to have backflow preventers on their incoming potable water service lines.

As an example, an industrial plant may use water to mix with chemicals.

Normally, the water distribution system is pressurized. But if pressure is lost, for instance due to a fire or large water break, the water in the industrial plant could flow backwards into the utility's distribution system.

The backflow preventer keeps this from happening. 

In addition to industrial and commercial facilities, backflow preventers must also be installed if a property has a private well that could possibly be connected to the water service.

I'll add more information later on how backflow preventers work, and who maintains and inspects them.

But now you know, when you see one of these - they aren't just ugly piping systems. Their actually beautiful and important protectors of your drinking water.


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