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1. What is backflow?

Normally water flows from Titusville’s water production facility to your home or business. When water flows in reverse, from your home or business into the water system that is backflow. Backflow is the undesirable reversal flow of a substance through a cross-connection and into the piping of a water system. The two types of backflow are backpressure and backsiphonage.

2. What is backsiphonage?

Backsiphonage occurs when a reduction in water pressure creates a vacuum or suction effect that enables a contaminant to be drawn into the drinking water distribution system. Examples of when water pressure within a water distribution system could drop are a main break or firefighting.

3. What is backpressure?

Backpressure is created when a non-drinking water system (such as an irrigation system with a well) is connected into the drinking water system and its pressure exceeds that of the drinking water system. The pressure from this outside system forces the drinking water to reverse its normal flow, which causes the contaminant to flow into the drinking water system. 

4. What is a cross-connection?

A cross-connection is a connection between the public water system, such as Titusville’s drinking water system, and another source or system, such as an irrigation system.

5. How do you prevent backflow?

There are 6 basic devices that can be installed to prevent backflow:

• Air gap
• Double check valves with atmospheric vent
• Double check valve
• Residential dual check valve
• Reduced pressure principle assembly
• Vacuum breaker assembly

The device used depends on the degree of hazard to the water system presented by the type of service. Determination as to what device is required is made by Water Resources Field Operations.

6. What is a backflow prevention assembly?

A backflow prevention assembly (BPA) is an approved, testable device that uses valves in different configurations to prevent polluted or contaminated water from reversing direction and flowing back into the water system.

7. I have reclaimed water. Do I need backflow prevention?

Yes, Every property served with reclaimed water must have a backflow prevention assembly on all drinking water connections, including fire services.

8. Who tests and maintains backflow prevention assemblies?

Field Operations Division is responsible for testing and maintaining backflow assemblies.