A Little About Backflow

Backflow is the unintentional reversal of flow in a water system. On its own, backflow is merely a physical principle of water. There are two types of backflow events: backsiphonage occurs when the supply water pressure suddenly drops creating a vacuum in the water system, pulling water backwards; backpressure occurs when downstream water pressure increases above the supply side pressure, causing water to reverse direction - this is usually caused by elevation changes or a mechanical pump.

Where backflow becomes a problem is when a potable water system is connected to a nonpotable water system (i.e. swimming pool fill, irrigation system, chemical mixing tank, chiller unit, rainwater tank). If the water in the nonpotable system backs up into the drinking water supply, water quality is depleted and may even cause harmful contaminants to enter the public’s drinking water supply.

The Role and Obligation of Water Consumers

Whether you’re a homeowner, property manager, or facilities manager, you have a responsibility (legally) to prevent contaminants and pollutants from entering the public water system. When you have a cross connection to an irrigation system, swimming pool fill, or other nonpotable water system, you are required by law to have an approved backflow prevention assembly and have it tested annually.

Seeger Water is licensed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for backflow testing and repairs. Call us today at (830) 624-9000 to learn more and schedule a backflow test or repair.