1. Why should I choose Alban Water?
2. Why do I have to have a backflow?
3. Is this just another bureaucracy requirement
that’s not necessary?
4. What is a
cross-connection?
5. What is a backflow
prevention assembly?
6. What is a
cross-connection program and why have I never heard of such a requirement?
7. How often does a
backflow condition occur?
8. How often does a
backflow assembly fail to work properly?
9. Who is authorized to perform the annual
test on backflow prevention assemblies?
11. What happens if I do not have my backflow
preventer(s) tested and maintained as required?
1. Why should I choose Alban Water?
Alban Water is the most experienced and knowledgeable backflow testing company. We have 19 years of experience in state and local water rules and regulations.We are state certified backflow testers. Alban Water has all of the appropriate licenses and insurance needed to provide top notch service.
2. Why do I have to have a backflow?
In 2002 the State of Ohio adopted building codes which make it necessary for the supplier of water to ensure a safe water system and are protected from backflow of water. Ohio EPA rules and regulations Chapter 3745-95-04 states: An approved backflow prevention device shall be installed on each service line to a consumer's water system serving premises, where in the judgment of the supplier of water or the director, a pollution, system, health or severe health hazard to the public water exists.
3. Is this just another bureaucracy requirement that’s
not necessary?
Thousands of people living in underdeveloped countries die
daily from illnesses associated with unsafe drinking water. It is estimated
that less than 50% of the population of underdeveloped countries have access to
safe water supplies. In America, we all assume when we turn the tap on that we
have safe drinking water. This is a luxury that is necessary, but not without
very strong regulations and enormous expense for our public water systems. Our
drinking water is among the safest in the world today. Water protection and
conservation requires the effort and cooperation of everyone.
The term "cross-connection" shall mean any unprotected actual or potential connection or structural arrangement between a public or a consumer’s potable water system and any other source or system through which it is possible to introduce into any part of the potable system any used water, industrial fluid, gas or substance other than the intended potable water with which the system is supplied. Bypass arrangements, jumper connections, removable suctions, swivel or changeover devices, and other temporary or permanent devices through which, or because of which, backflow can occur from backsiphonage and or back-pressure, are considered to be cross-connections.
5. What is a backflow prevention assembly?
There are several types of backflow prevention assemblies.
The type of backflow assembly used is determined by the degree of hazard. In
short, the term "backflow prevention assembly" shall mean an assembly
composed of two independently acting, approved check valves, including tightly
closing resilient seated shutoff valves attached at each end of the assembly
and fitted with properly located resilient seated test cocks. The term
"approved backflow prevention assembly" shall mean an assembly that
has been investigated and approved by the administrative authority having
jurisdiction.
6.What is a cross-connection
program and why have I never heard of such a requirement?
The Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1986, and
regulations of most states, state that the water purveyor has the primary
responsibility of preventing water from unapproved sources, or any other
substances, from entering the public potable water system. The health agency
has the overall responsibility for preventing water from unapproved sources to
enter either the potable water system within the water consumer’s premises or
the public water supply directly.
7.How often does a backflow condition occur?
Thousands of backflow incidences occur daily, but are not detected or not reported. All it takes for a backflow condition to occur is a drop in line pressure such as fire fighting, main line breaking, high usage or back pressure.
8. How often does a backflow
assembly fail to work properly?
Although a backflow prevention assembly is designed to prevent contamination of our potable water system, it is subject to failure. Foreign matter in the water supply system, such as sand, grit or rust particles from the piping system, can foul or damage internal parts of a backflow preventer. Normal wear and tear of the assembly will eventually cause the assembly to fail and need repair. Because the backflow assembly is subject to failure due to all of the above, it is required that they be tested on an annual basis.
9.Who is authorized to perform
the annual test on backflow prevention assemblies?
A Certified Backflow Tester (CBT) licensed and certified by
the State Department of Commerce will be responsible for performing accurate
field tests and for repairing or overhauling backflow prevention assemblies and
making reports of such repair to the consumer and responsible authorities on
forms approved by the administrative authority having jurisdiction.
The tester shall include the list of materials or
replacement parts used. The tester shall be equipped with and capable of using
all necessary tools, gauges, and other equipment necessary to properly test,
repair, and maintain backflow prevention assemblies. It will be the tester’s
further responsibility to insure that original manufactured replacement parts
are used in the repair or replacement of parts in a backflow prevention
assembly. It will be the tester’s further responsibility not to change the
design, material or operational characteristics of an assembly during repair or
maintenance without prior approval of the approving authority. A certified
tester shall perform the work and be responsible for the accuracy of all tests
and reports.
10.Why do I have to have my
backflow preventer tested and maintained on an annual basis and my neighbor
does not?
The consumer has the responsibility of preventing pollutants and contaminants from entering his or her potable water system(s) or the public potable water system. The consumer’s responsibility starts at the point of delivery from the public potable water system and includes all of his/her water systems. The consumer, at his/her own expense, shall install, test, and maintain approved backflow prevention assemblies as directed by the authority having jurisdiction. The consumer shall maintain accurate records of tests and repairs made of backflow prevention assemblies and provide the administrative authority having jurisdiction with copies of such records. The records shall be on forms approved by the administrative authority having jurisdiction and shall include the list of materials or replacement parts used. Following any repair, overhaul, re-piping, or relocation of an assembly, the consumer shall have it tested to insure that it is in good operating condition and will prevent backflow. Tests, maintenance, and repairs of backflow prevention assemblies shall be made by a certified backflow prevention assembly tester.
11. What happens if I do not have
my backflow preventer(s) tested and maintained as required?
WATER SERVICE WILL BE DISCONTINUED and
the consumer could be held responsible if his/her water system(s) contaminate
the public water system. In a public facility, the owners could be held
responsible if they have an unprotected cross-connection that results in
illness or serious health effects to a customer.
12. What are some common examples
of cross-connections that need to be protected with a backflow prevention
assembly?
Residential:
Lawn irrigation systems, Boilers, Garden hoses – A garden
hose with all the uses and attachments that you can connect to a hose makes it
a number one source for cross-connection to your potable water supply.
Commercial:
Landscape irrigation, Boilers, Fire Service Protection,
Film Processors, and Post Mix Soda Machines – If carbonization enters into a
copper tube plumbing system it reacts with copper and causes copper poison.
These
are just a few of the cross-connections to our potable water systems.