Backflow Information

ATTENTION:

All lawn sprinkler backflow devices must be tested no later than June first to avoid service interruption!

Protecting Idahos Water

What is backflow prevention?

Protection of the public and private water supplies through containment and isolation.

The City of Weiser has a state mandated cross connection control program to protect the public potable water system and requires testing of backflow prevention assemblies. We also perform surveys to identify possible cross- connections and inspections for proper installation of backflow assemblies.

List of Backflow Testers

What do the following piping systems have in common?

Portable Pressure Washers
Sprayer Hose Attachments
Garden Hoses
Radiator Flush Kits
Fire Sprinklers
Cooling & Heating Systems
Utility Sinks
Swimming Pools
Hot Tubs
Solar Systems
Spas
Lawn Irrigation Systems

Answer:

Each of these water piping systems are cross connections which provide a means for potentially contaminated water and other materials to backflow into the drinking water system.

Backflow occurs whenever water flows in the opposite direction or reverse of the intended direction.

Suppose that a portable pressure washer is attached to a household faucet. The washer can create a greater pressure than the water main supplying the house. If this scenario occurs, contaminants from the pressure washer, such as solvents, grease, or detergents, could backflow into the drinking water system.There are other ways that backflow can harm the water supply. For example, pesticides and fertilizers could be back-siphoned from a hose spray attachment if the water pressure in the main water line is reduced due to a main break, scheduled shut-off, during the event of a fire where a fire truck draws a significant amount of water from the system, or a fire hydrant is opened for maintenance.

Lawn Irrigation Systems

Why Having a Lawn Sprinkler System Tested is Important

Backflow events are a major source of waterborne disease. From 1981 to 1998, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) documented 57 waterborne outbreaks related to cross- connections, resulting in 9,734 detected and reported illnesses.

From May 2002 to January 2003, the University of California studied 400 homes. Homes with a cross connection health hazard constituted 95.7% of the homes. 73% of all water uses were through unprotected cross connections.

All lawn sprinkler backflow devices must be tested no later than June first to avoid service interruption!

If the due date passes and we have not received a test report, we will make an effort to contact the home or business owner to ensure that they are aware of the situation. If the device is not at that time tested in a timely manner, the customer risks having their water service interrupted until the problem has been taken care of.