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Instant Backflow Program. A foundation to start your backflow program. Why should you invest in a backflow program?. Backflow events occur every day in all types of water systems. People become sick or ill from these events. Your water system quality can be trashed in just a few moments.
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Instant Backflow Program A foundation to start your backflow program www.h2osolutions.com
Why should you invest in a backflow program? • Backflow events occur every day in all types of water systems. • People become sick or ill from these events. • Your water system quality can be trashed in just a few moments. www.h2osolutions.com
Prevention is very cost effective • It takes only a little structure to prevent backflow • Backflow incidents can cost millions. www.h2osolutions.com
Real incidents: • Termite poison siphoned into a picnic lemon-aid cooler. • Fertilizer and anti-fungicide pumped into water system. • Acetylene gas from a carbide gas system “flamed out” in a residential neighborhood • NV school heating system contaminated school water fountain. www.h2osolutions.com
Common enough issues: • Fire systems, industrial applications agricultural pumps etc. • Water shut off or low pressure for: • Main break • Flushing • Fire www.h2osolutions.com
The law puts the responsibility on the water utility • Documented health impacts (death and illness) going back more than a century. • Subcontracting your backflow program doesn’t relieve your responsibility. • Both California and Nevada Law require backflow. www.h2osolutions.com
What are the key components? • Have a simple and clear backflow program • Require backflow compliance as a prerequisite of service. • Track the annual testing. • Document your program www.h2osolutions.com
The customer contract must explain compliance with backflow protection • Typically everybody but residences must have an airgap or reduced pressure principal backflow device at the meter or cross connection • I (personally) would argue FOR requiring a non-testable dual check on residences (at the meter) $25 each. www.h2osolutions.com
Customer installs, owns and pays for annual testing. If it fails a test they can have it repaired and retested. Explain rules Send letters which educate as well as remind of obligation Provide a list of approved testers Track compliance Who does what: www.h2osolutions.com
What will it cost? • Simplest program is index cards of backflow devices • More advanced systems track with computer software • A water system may chose to offer in house testing. www.h2osolutions.com
What are the backflow devices? • Air Gap • RP (double check valve with a dump valve • Double check • Vacuum breaker (two flavors) www.h2osolutions.com
Backflow Control Methods & Devices Air Gap • Most effective and is accepted in all cross connection situations and for all degrees of risk. • The gap between the supply outlet and the overflow of the downstream receptacle must measure (2) times the diameter of the outlets tip but no less than 1” www.h2osolutions.com
The basics: • Statement in customer contract requiring backflow compliance as a term of service • All single family houses to have a dual check valve; all other connections to have a Reduced pressure device • Reduced pressure devices to be checked annually by a certified tester. www.h2osolutions.com
All Reduced Pressure devices to be installed at the __________ (cross connection or meter). • At least 12” clearance all around, above ground • For more information: • http://www.usc.edu/dept/fccchr/intro.html www.h2osolutions.com
www.h2osolutions.com • University of Southern California: • http://www.usc.edu/dept/fccchr/intro.html • Our own section: • http://ca-nv-awwa.org/CA-NV/ • Backflow training at it’s best: • http://www.bandlbackflow.com/ • Four page summary of backflow: • http://www.nesc.wvu.edu/ndwc/ndwc_tb_available.htm#Cross www.h2osolutions.com