Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It is the City of Peoria's priority to provide provide quality service and safe drinking water to its customers. To help achieve this goal the Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program was implemented and enforced in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth by The Safe Drinking Water Act and the Arizona Administrative Code, to ensure that all potential sources of cross connection can be minimized with the installation of approved backflow prevention assemblies at the point where all potential hazards of cross connection may exist.
What is Backflow?
Peoria’s water distribution system is designed to keep the water flowing from the distribution system to you the customer. However, when hydraulic conditions deviate from “normal” flow conditions, water flow can be reversed or backflow. When this backflow occurs, water can flow from the customer’s system back into the city’s distribution system.
What is Backsiphonage?
The positive flow or water can be reversed when there is a sudden reduction in water pressure in the distribution system, such as during firefighting or when a water main breaks. This can create a suction effect, drawing the non-potable substance into the potable water system.
What is Backpressure?
Backpressure is created when the pressure in a non-potable system, such as in a recirculation system containing soap, acid, antifreeze, or in a boiler system exceeds that in the potable water system that provides the make-up water to the system. This pressure can force the potable water to reverse its direction of flow through the cross-connection. Non-potable substances can then enter the potable water system.
Can you show me an example of Backsiphonage and Backpressure?
Please click on the link backsiphonage and backpressure.
What is a Cross Connection?
A cross connection is the actual physical connection between the potable (drinking) water and any substance of questionable quality. A cross connection commonly occurs when a water hose is left running, yet is submerged in a tree well or in a bucket of soap water. If a backflow event were to occur, these substances could enter the drinking water supply and possibly be distributed throughout the distribution system where numerous consumers would be exposed to these substances.
How can backflow be prevented?
Installing approved backflow prevention assemblies, such as Reduced Pressure Principle Assemblies, Double Check Valves, Pressure Vacuum Breakers, and the use of Air Gaps, can significantly reduce the chances of a backflow situation from occurring.
Where are the devices installed?
The devices are installed on the City's water supply line as close as possible to the customer's water meter and/or internally on any equipment that utilizes water that potentially may become contaminated such as boilers, carbonators, cooling towers, x-ray machines, etc.
Who is required to test and how often?
Backflow prevention assemblies are to be tested annually or more often if requested by the Environmental Division. The Cross Connection Program applies to and is primarily enforced on commercial businesses. However, circumstances may apply that would require these devices to be installed on non-commercial properties. It is recommended that when installed on residential properties that these devices be tested annually by a Certified Tester to ensure equipment performance.
Who performs the test?
Individuals recognized by the City of Peoria for backflow prevention testing and repair must perform the tests. A list of recognized testers is available by either calling the Environmental Division at 623-773-8444 or by clicking Recognized Tester List Upon completion, the tester will then submit the test report(s) to the Environmental Division for entry.
What is the cost for testing?
The cost of testing varies and is determined by the person or company who tests your device. Additional charges may be included for repairs or backflow assembly replacement.
What types of backflow preventers can be installed to help protect our home?
Pressure Vacuum Breakers can be installed on the water supply line to any landscape irrigation system or on the water fill line to swimming pools. Hose Bibb Vacuum Breakers are small inexpensive devices that are installed on hose bibs or threaded sill cocks where garden hoses are attached.
If I have questions about backflow prevention, whom do I contact?
City of Peoria Cross Connection Specialist - Environmental Division
8401 W. Monroe St., Peoria, AZ 85345
(Phone) 623-773-8444 | (Fax) 623-773-8490
Email: kathleen.garcia@peoriaaz.gov
