How It Works

READ - The utility will notify customers whenever action is required.

RESPOND - Failure to respond to the utility's notification may result in code enforcement action.

RECORD - Customers should keep all records for services related to the maintenance of the backflow preventer. 

 

 

Who needs a backflow preventer?

 NON-RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS: All non-residential customers are required to maintain maximum protection at the water meter.

 RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS:  

A premises with a well or separate irrigation system that is supplied by an auxiliary water system (well, lake, pond, or reclaimed water) is required to comply with cross-connection control requirements by installing a backflow preventer at the water meter. Customer will be notified when a required certification becomes due. Alternatively, the water customer may convert to a "Residential Dual Check Valve" at the water meter. This type of device does not require testing and can be installed below ground.

 A premises with a lawn irrigation that is connected to the home’s plumbing is required to meet the Florida Building Code (FBC) requirements (2902.5.3) by maintaining a "pressure vacuum breaker" “reduced pressure zone"” backflow preventer on the irrigation system. The utility may require annual operational test to ensure the equipment is functioning properly. 

A premises with a recirculating treatment system for a swimming pool, hot tub, or spa is exempt from the mandatory protection requirements.

 

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       NON-TESTABLE DEVICE                TESTABLE ASSEMBLY

What is backflow?

Backflow is the backward flow of water through a pipe. The normal direction of water flow is from the utility water main into homes or businesses. The backflow of water from home plumbing systems into the community drinking water supply happens when water is pulled backward due to a pressure loss in the utility main pipe or pushed back by a pressure source like a well pump.

Back siphonage creates a vacuum as water drains toward the community water system. Water or fluid can be siphoned or pulled into the utility main water line.

Back pressure can develop if irrigation well pumps are cross connected to the facility's domestic water supply line.

What is a cross-connection?

Cross-connections are connections between drinking water and other water or fluids of unknown quality. When that occurs, the community's drinking water supply can become contaminated. A backflow preventer is required if the potential for a cross-connection exists.

Why are backflow preventers needed?

Contamination of drinking water is usually the result of cross-connections of piping between your drinking water and some other source such as an irrigation well or pond. Backflow preventers are designed and installed to act as check valves and prevent the backward flow of water from private plumbing lines into the public water supply lines.

In accordance with Local Ordinance, the utility customer is directly responsible for complying with the code requirements. A Homeowner’s Association who wishes to assist residents by coordinating testing should contact the Cross-Connection Control Program for guidance before announcing its intentions to the residents.

Because contaminations can result in serious wide-spread illness, State of Florida DEP requires customers with auxiliary water systems to maintain a backflow preventer on the outlet side of the meter. It is the utility's responsibility to ensure water customers comply with the state regulations.