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Backflow Prevention

Water flows from a faucet, shower head or sprinkler system because of pressure. In the event of a main break, hydrant flush or fire fighting activity, these pressures can drop. If pressures drop low enough, the water distribution system can literally pull water out of surrounding sprinkler systems, homes or businesses. When this happens, water flows backward and is called backflow.

Warning! The water flowing back into the water system may now carry fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, industrial chemicals, bacteria, detergents or other hazards. Anytime you or a neighbor uses a hose to apply fertilizer to the lawn, allows water to puddle around a sprinkler head or leaves a hose in a bucket, there is a potential to pull hazards into the drinking water system.

Preventing backflow is an important way Cheyenne protects the drinking water in the community. So important, that the BOPU requires backflow prevention devices be installed, and tested at the time of installation, on all new construction. Also, the BOPU enforces annual testing on all water connections classified as high-hazard for backflow. These connections include commercial, industrial and residential properties with potential cross connections such as a well. The annual tests confirm that the backflow prevention device is functioning properly.

Backflow prevention devices do exactly as the name implies, prevent water from being pulled back into the drinking water system. By stopping the water, the device also stops fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, industrial chemicals, bacteria, detergents or other hazards that may be carried with the water.

Examples of public health consequences from backflow - Environmental Protection Agency

Cheyenne's backflow prevention program

How to winterize your backflow prevention device (pressure vacuum breaker).

How to winterize your backflow prevention device (reduced pressure assembly).