Backflow

Since the mid 1980’s the State of Colorado through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has mandated that each Water District in the State must implement a Cross Connection Control Program (CCCP) on the potable water system with enforced compliance reporting required by the end of 2020. The purpose of the Bow Mar WSD’s CCCP is:

• To protect the public water system from the possibility of contamination or pollution by cross connections.
• To eliminate and/or control actual or potential cross-connections as herein defined.
• To provide a continuing program of cross-connection control and backflow prevention that will effectively prevent the contamination or pollution of the public water system by cross connection.

Backflow and cross-connection control are crucial components of maintaining safe drinking water in public water systems. 

Backflow occurs when water flows in the opposite direction from its intended path, potentially allowing contaminants to enter the potable (drinking) water supply. This can happen due to:

Backsiphonage – A sudden drop in water pressure (e.g., from a broken main or high demand from firefighting) causes water to be siphoned backward into the system.

Backpressure – When downstream pressure exceeds the supply pressure, possibly due to pumps, boilers, or elevated storage tanks, forcing non-potable water into the drinking water system.

A cross-connection is any actual or potential connection between the potable water system and a source of contamination or pollution. If not properly controlled, cross-connections can allow backflow to introduce hazardous substances into the drinking water supply.

To prevent this, water systems implement cross-connection control programs, which include:

• Identifying potential cross-connections (e.g., irrigation systems, fire suppression systems, industrial equipment, and private wells).
• Installing backflow prevention devices at critical points where contamination could occur.
• Regular testing and maintenance of backflow preventers by certified professionals.

• Enforcing regulations and inspections to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal drinking water protection standards.

   

Air Gap – A physical separation between the drinking water outlet and any potential contamination source.

Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Assembly – A mechanical device that prevents backpressure and backsiphonage using two check valves and a relief valve.

Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA) – Contains two independent check valves to prevent backflow, commonly used in non-health hazard applications.

Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) – A device used primarily in irrigation systems to prevent backsiphonage.

Backflow prevention is essential for protecting public health and ensuring that drinking water remains safe and free from contamination. Many municipalities require businesses and some residential properties to install and maintain backflow prevention devices, especially for high-risk cross-connections.