BACKFLOW PREVENTION
PROGRAM
ENSURING SAFE DRINKING
WATER
What is Backflow?
Water normally flows in one direction—going from
the public water main in the street into the customer’s plumbing. Under
certain conditions, water can flow in the reverse direction. This is
know as “backflow”. Backflow can result because of :
· Backsiphonage
which
can occur during a significant change in pressure. For example, your
hose is hooked to a chemical sprayer for fertilizing or weed treatment
of your lawn. Down the street a fire hydrant is opened or there is a
main break. The pressure in the main drops and water is siphoned from
that container through the house’s plumbing, and back into the public
water supply.
· Backpressure
may be created when a source of pressure (such as a pump) creates
a pressure greater than in the water main. For example, if a
pump supplied a garden pond the pond water could be pumped back into the
public water supply.
Potential Cross
Connections problems in your home
Aspirator, weedicide and fertilizer sprayer,
auxiliary system (unapproved well supply), boiler system, dishwasher,
fountain (ornamental), swimming pool, bathtub, ice maker, lawn sprinkler
and water closet, flush tank, ball cock. These are a few of the most
common ones.
The Water Department started their Backflow
Prevention Program by having commercial, industrial and governmental
customers install backflows.
Your safety and the safety of others depends on
ensuring that the quality of our water supply is never threatened.
How can you do this?
· Check
to see if you have a backflow.
· If
you do not have one, we need you to have one installed by
April 30, 2011.
· Once
you have it installed, either you or the plumber needs to send us the
paper work on the type of backflow.
· If
you are unsure and would like help determining if you do or not, give us
a call.
· If
you already have one, just give us a call and let us know what type it
is.
Phone: (207) 989-4214
Contact: Nelson Murphy
Distribution Foreman
Cross Connection Coordinator
The Brewer Water Department backflow prevention
program or cross-connection program derives its authority from 10-144A
MRSA Chapter 226 as authorized by 22MRSA Chapter 601, Subchapter ll ss
2612 (5) and from the State of Maine internal plumbing code.
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