BACKFLOW PREVENTION
The Norway Water District maintains a robust initiative aimed at identifying and preventing cross connections between potable and non-potable water sources within the drinking water distribution system.
This program adheres to Maine regulations that mandate water systems to guarantee that their customers are consuming water directly from the main source, rather than from adjacent swimming pools.
Browse this page for more information about what a cross connection is, why you should be worried about it, and what you can do to prevent it from happening.
TESTING
Many devices do not need to be tested. However, other devices that are installed at high hazard locations are tested each year on the following schedule:
- Annual test results are due each year.
- WHAT IS A CROSS CONNECTION?
A cross connection occurs when a drinking water supply pipe connects to a non-drinking water supply source or pipe. An example of this is a connection with a residential home. You may not think of your home as having hazards to a water supply, but if you have a hose that has a submerged end in a kiddie pool or a carwash bucket, then you’ve created a cross connection. Fortunately, by being aware of this possibility, we can take proactive steps to prevent any issues. If a water main were to break, the potential for a suction event could be managed effectively. This means that with some precautions, we can ensure that the water in your kiddie pool or carwash bucket stays safe and where it belongs. By working together, we can protect our water supply and ensure it remains clean and safe for everyone. This is a vital priority for all water utilities. We can treat water, and by staying vigilant, we can continue to protect it as it travels through hundreds of miles of water pipes, storage tanks, and into people’s homes.
Another example is home photo developing labs. If you had a water connection into a sink full of chemicals, you’ve created a hazardous connection that needs to be protected with a backflow preventer.
Other examples of potential cross connections:
- dentist’s offices
- schools (janitor buckets, clean-out hoses
- fire stations (sometimes trucks are not filled with public water supply water)
- hospitals
- mortuaries
- Any Sprinkler systems
HOW CAN I PREVENT BACKFLOW FROM OCCURRING?
Backflow preventers (cross connection control devices prevent water from moving backwards into the water system through combinations of check valves or hydraulic breaks) can reduce this risk and protect our customers from widespread contamination. Some horror stories have been reported across the country which have involved backflow from dentist’s offices, funeral homes and wastewater treatment plants. For your neighbors’ and your own protection, please maintain your backflow devices as required.
Any Questions reach out to the Norway Water District at 209-743-2414
Download
Download cross connection / backflow prevention documents below. Click on a link to view it, right click on a link to download it to your computer.
- Backflow Prevention Pamphlet (Adobe Acrobat; explains different devices and uses)
- Cross Connection Control Program (Adobe Acrobat file)
- Approved Backflow Tester List (Adobe Acrobat file)
- Backflow Device Report form (Microsoft Word file) Backflow Device Report Form (Adobe Acrobat file)
Backflow Prevention Links