{"id":1275,"date":"2024-12-17T12:49:55","date_gmt":"2024-12-17T12:49:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/centralstateswaterresources.com\/?page_id=1275"},"modified":"2026-03-18T07:09:45","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T13:09:45","slug":"backflow-prevention","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/centralstateswaterresources.com\/backflow-prevention\/","title":{"rendered":"Backflow Prevention"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div  class=\"cswr-blue-title\">\n    <div class=\"container page\">\n        <h1>Backflow Prevention: An Overview                    <\/h1>\n                <div class=\"second-line\">\n            If you would like to request an EXEMPTION, complete the form linked below: <div class=\"buttons-group\"><a class=\"button\" href=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Bakflow-Exemption-Form.pdf\">BACKFLOW EXEMPTION REQUEST FORM<\/a><\/div>        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div  class=\"backflow-prevention\">\n\t<div class=\"container page\">\n                <div class=\"white_section\">\n            <p><b>We are pleased to partner with Backflow Solutions Inc. (BSI) to manage test records and assist you with annual backflow device testing. BSI provides customers reminders, guidance, and resources to help you stay on top of your backflow prevention device. If you have any questions related to backflow prevention, please reach out to BSI\u2019s customer service center at 888-966-6050 or\u00a0<a title=\"support@backflow.com\" href=\"mailto:support@backflow.com\" type=\"custom\">support@backflow.com. <\/a><\/b><strong>Device test records can be uploaded to <u><a href=\"mailto:bsionline@backflow.com\" data-linkindex=\"2\">bsionline@backflow.com<\/a><\/u>\u00a0or faxed to 1-888-414-4990.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h4><b><u>What is Backflow?<\/u><\/b><\/h4>\n<p><b>Backflow<\/b>\u00a0is when a drop in the incoming water pressure allows a reverse flow from a homeowner\u2019s plumbing system back into the public water system. For example, if you have a garden hose submerged to fill a bucket, Jacuzzi, fish tank, etc., and the water system suddenly loses pressure, the flow of water can be reversed, sucking any contaminants in the water backwards into the system.<\/p>\n<p>A\u00a0<b>Cross-Connection<\/b>\u00a0is any physical connection between a possible source of contamination and the public water system. For example, if a homeowner uses a cistern or an old well for outdoor watering, it cannot be connected to pipes that are connected to the public water system. Even with a bypass valve in place, it is prohibited.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"blue_section\">\n            <h4><span class=\"colorspan\" data-color=\"#80ad40\" data-luminance=\"undefined\"><b><u>Why is Preventing Backflow Important?<\/u><\/b><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><b>Cross connection control is extremely important in public water systems as it is a matter of public health and safety<\/b>. Many contamination issues in public water systems, including bacteria from sewage, are not due to the water source but are due to cross-connections. Therefore, it is very important that all customers are aware of the dangers and take necessary precautions. We ask all customers to notify us if they currently have or require a backflow prevention device to safeguard against these potential hazards. For comprehensive information and support, including how to identify if you need a backflow prevention device or submit an existing device, please complete and submit the form included on this webpage<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/centralstateswaterresources.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/backflow_houses.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"image_banner\">\n\n        <div class=\"backflow-slider-block\">\n            <div class=\"slicked\">\n                                    <div>\n                        <h4>Examples of Cross-Connection and Backflow Scenarios<\/h4>\n                        <ul>\n<li>Water softener, under-sink reverse osmosis unit, or water filter discharge tubing connected to a drain creates a direct connection to the sewage system.<\/li>\n<li>A bottled water system such as a water cooler that is connected to the home\u2019s plumbing system could contaminate the water system if the bottled water becomes contaminated.<\/li>\n<li>A toilet in your home installed prior to 1964 that does not have an anti-siphon fill valve to prevent backflow from the tank into the water supply.<\/li>\n<li>Soapy water or other cleaning compounds could back siphon into your water supply plumbing through a faucet or hose submerged in a bucket, basin, or mop sink.<\/li>\n<li>An aquarium, dishwasher, or sink that fills from below the normal water level provides a conduit for contaminants to enter the water supply plumbing.<\/li>\n<li>A hose submerged in a swimming pool creates a pathway for pool water to enter the water supply plumbing.<\/li>\n<li>Fertilizers\/pesticides or animal waste can be drawn into the water supply plumbing from a lawn irrigation system with submerged nozzles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <div>\n                        <h4>What Can You Do?<\/h4>\n                        <ul>\n<li>Be aware of and eliminate cross-connections.<\/li>\n<li>Maintain air gaps. Do not submerge hoses or place them where they could become submerged (create a gap of air between supply and container).<\/li>\n<li>Use hose bib vacuum breakers on fixtures (hose connections in the basement, laundry room and outside).<\/li>\n<li>Make sure toilets have anti-siphon ballcock assemblies.<\/li>\n<li>Install approved, testable backflow prevention devices on lawn irrigation systems. Contact your water system on acceptable backflow devices to be installed and testing requirements.<\/li>\n<li>Do not create a connection between an auxiliary water system (well, cistern, body of water, puddles) and the water supply plumbing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div  class=\"cswr-accordion\">\n    <h2>Backflow Prevention Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n    <div class=\"info-card\">\n        <div class=\"accordion\">\n                            <div class=\"accordion-item open\">\n                    <div class=\"accordion-header\">\n                        What is Backflow? <span class=\"accordion-toggle\">+<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"accordion-content\">\n                        <p>Backflow is a reversal of the normal flow of water \u2013 from the customer side of the meter into the water system, possibly introducing potentially hazardous contaminants into the public water supply. There are two types of backflow events \u2013 back pressure backflow and back siphonage backflow.<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"accordion-item \">\n                    <div class=\"accordion-header\">\n                        What is backpressure backflow? <span class=\"accordion-toggle\">+<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"accordion-content\">\n                        <p>Backpressure occurs when the pressure on the customer side of the meter is higher than the supply pressure in the public water system. This can occur in many ways such as customer installed pumps, temperature increases in boilers or hot water heaters, and elevation differences.<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"accordion-item \">\n                    <div class=\"accordion-header\">\n                        What is back siphonage backflow? <span class=\"accordion-toggle\">+<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"accordion-content\">\n                        <p>Back siphonage occurs when there is a reduction in water pressure in the public drinking water distribution system. This can occur by open fire hydrants for fire fighting or a water main break.<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"accordion-item \">\n                    <div class=\"accordion-header\">\n                        What is a cross connection? <span class=\"accordion-toggle\">+<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"accordion-content\">\n                        <p>Cross connection is a physical or potential connection between potable water supply and non-potable water system. Backflow can occur through cross connections.<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"accordion-item \">\n                    <div class=\"accordion-header\">\n                        What are some examples of cross connections? <span class=\"accordion-toggle\">+<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"accordion-content\">\n                        <ul>\n<li>A hose submerged in polluted or contaminated water.<\/li>\n<li>A private well or pump that is directly connected to potable water system.<\/li>\n<li>A heating boiler with chemical treatment added to prevent internal corrosion is connected directly to the water supply for make-up water.<\/li>\n<li>An underground lawn sprinkler system is directly connected to the water supply system.<\/li>\n<li>A fountain or swimming pool has a direct connection with the water system for filling.<\/li>\n<li>A home pressure washer that is directly connected to the potable water supply system.<\/li>\n<li>In each of these examples, a drop in water pressure could draw contaminants (Chemicals, fertilizer, soapy water, bacteria) back into your pipes and into the public water supply.<\/li>\n<li>A fire suppression system containing stagnant or chemically treated water.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"accordion-item \">\n                    <div class=\"accordion-header\">\n                        How do I know if I need a backflow prevention device? <span class=\"accordion-toggle\">+<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"accordion-content\">\n                        <p>A certified plumber can visit your property to complete a customer service inspection (CSI) and complete a premise survey for backflow requirements. They will identify potential or actual cross connections and provide service to install the appropriate backflow device.<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"accordion-item \">\n                    <div class=\"accordion-header\">\n                        Is there a general compliance schedule and process? <span class=\"accordion-toggle\">+<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"accordion-content\">\n                        <p>Yes, your backflow device must be in compliance with Central States Water Resources\u2019 (CSWR) Cross Connection Control Policy (CCCP). Customers must notify CSWR of any new or existing cross connections and have a licensed plumber install the correct backflow prevention device. The device must be tested upon installation and annually thereafter. Testing results must be submitted to CSWR via BSI, <u><a href=\"mailto:bsionline@backflow.com\" data-linkindex=\"2\">bsionline@backflow.com<\/a><\/u> or fax 1-888-414-4990. If a backflow prevention device does not pass the inspection, a licensed plumber must be used to complete repairs or replacement.<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"accordion-item \">\n                    <div class=\"accordion-header\">\n                        Who can install a backflow prevention device? <span class=\"accordion-toggle\">+<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"accordion-content\">\n                        <p>A licensed plumber must be used to install, test, and repair any backflow prevention devices. Many state environmental regulatory agencies also maintain lists of state certified backflow testers. Check your state environmental regulatory agency&#8217;s website, ask your local plumber, or contact BSI\u2019s customer service center at 888-966-6050 or <a href=\"mailto:support@backflow.com\">support@backflow.com<\/a>\u00a0for referrals.<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"accordion-item \">\n                    <div class=\"accordion-header\">\n                        Where should my backflow prevention device be located? <span class=\"accordion-toggle\">+<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"accordion-content\">\n                        <p>Backflow devices must be installed on the customer\u2019s side of the meter and installed in accordance with both state plumbing code and manufacturer specifications. It must be in such a place where inspection and maintenance can be completed easily and safely.<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"accordion-item \">\n                    <div class=\"accordion-header\">\n                        Who owns and is responsible for testing and maintenance of the backflow prevention device? <span class=\"accordion-toggle\">+<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"accordion-content\">\n                        <p>The customer is responsible for ensuring that a licensed backflow professional installs, tests, certifies, and maintains the backflow prevention device. On behalf of CSWR, BSI will send a reminder letter annually to remind customers of testing deadlines. Note that after a FAILED backflow prevention device test, the device must be repaired and re-tested immediately.<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"accordion-item \">\n                    <div class=\"accordion-header\">\n                        Why must a backflow prevention device be tested annually? <span class=\"accordion-toggle\">+<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"accordion-content\">\n                        <p>Backflow prevention devices have many moving parts that can wear overtime, annual testing ensures that the device is function properly and will stop a backflow event.<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n        <section class=\"under_accordion_text\">\n        <p>If you identify any cross-connections that cannot be eliminated you must install a backflow prevention device to ensure continued water service. Please submit your annual Backflow Field Test Report to\u00a0<a title=\"env.comp@cswrgroup.com\" href=\"mailto:env.comp@cswrgroup.com\" type=\"custom\">env.comp@cswrgroup.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Additional resources are available from the American Backflow Prevention Association at\u00a0<a title=\"https:\/\/www.abpa.org\/\" href=\"https:\/\/www.abpa.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" type=\"custom\">https:\/\/www.abpa.org\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n    <\/section>\n    <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1275","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Water Quality | Backflow Prevention | Information &amp; Form | 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