Backflow Prevention

What is backflow?

Backflow is the undesirable reversal of flow of non-potable water or other substances through a cross-connection and into the piping of a public water system or consumer’s potable water system. There are two types of backflows - backpressure and backsiphonage. When this occurs, it can pose a serious public health hazard.

Backflow Prevention

  • Backflow refers to the unintended reversal of water flow through a cross-connection.

  • Imagine a scenario where contaminated water from an industrial process or a garden hose flows back into the potable water system. This could lead to harmful substances entering our drinking water supply.

  • The goal of backflow prevention is to safeguard against such incidents by ensuring that water flows only in the intended direction—from the water supply to the consumer.

What is backsiphonage?

Backsiphonage is backflow caused by a negative pressure (i.e., a vacuum or partial vacuum) in a public water system or consumer’s potable water system. The effect is similar to drinking water through a straw. Backsiphonage can occur when there is a stoppage of water supply due to nearby firefighting, a break in a water main, etc.

What is backpressure backflow?

Backpressure backflow is caused by a downstream pressure that is greater than the upstream or supply pressure in a public water system or consumer’s potable water system. Backpressure (i.e., downstream pressure that is greater than the potable water supply pressure) can result from an increase in downstream pressure, a reduction in the potable water supply pressure, or a combination of both. Increases in downstream pressure can be created by pumps, temperature increases in boilers, etc. Reductions in potable water supply pressure occur whenever the amount of water being used exceeds the amount of water being supplied, such as during water line flushing, firefighting, or breaks in water mains.

The purpose of the FWPCOA is to protect the health of the citizens & preserve the natural resources. We accomplish this by advancing the professional status of water and wastewater operators, providing a licensing system, and arranging training programs. The association works in cooperation with the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association (FS/AWWA), the Florida Water Environment Association (FWEA), the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), the Florida Department of Health and the Florida Educational System.