Leoma Utility District



Cross-connection:

Great care has been taken to make sure the water delivered to your home and business is clean and healthful. It is the District's responsibility to protect customers from contaminated water.

The backflow prevention assembly is the key to preventing unwanted substances from entering our distribution system. In case of a drop in the District's water pressure, the backflow device will stop water from flowing in reverse and possibly contaminating the drinking water supply.

What causes backflow?

Backflow might occur either by back-pressure or back-siphonage. Back-siphonage can be caused by high velocities in pipes from maintenance, line breaks, or fire fighting. Back-pressure occurs when the pressure at the point of use is higher than the supply pressure. Sources of back-pressure include booster pumps, boilers, elevated piping, and interconnections with auxiliary systems.

Potential hazards include:

• Fire sprinklers

• Multiple water meters

• Boilers

• or other pressurized substances

What is a Cross Connection?
Cross Connection is any actual or potential physical connection between a public water system or the consumer’s water system and any source of non-potable liquid, solid or gas that could contaminate the potable water supply by backflow. Examples of “cross-connections” are: post mix soda machines, soap aspirators, chemical injectors, swimming pools, sinks, tanks, cooling towers, boilers and chillers connected to the potable water supply.

We track the results of annual backflow prevention assembly testing which are to be conducted by Certified Backflow Assembly Testers.

Customers are encouraged to assist with the success of this program by attaining the proper approval for plumbing changes including well and utility water installation and arranging for annual testing of existing assemblies by a certified tester.

Backflow Prevention:

How to prevent Backflow at home.

Never connect well and utility systems together.

Never submerge hoses in buckets, pools, spas, tubs or sinks. They may containharmful cleansers or dangerous bacteria.

Always keep the end of the hose away from possible contaminants.

Do not use any spray or cleaning attachments on your hose without a backflow prevention device on the hose. This includes pesticide applicators, portable pressure washers, drain openers and radiator flush kits. All of these devices utilize chemicals, detergents and waste water which are toxic and can be fatal if ingested. Install hose connection vacuum breakers on all of your outdoor faucets.

For more information contact us.