Backflow Testing in Fort Lauderdale – Why Is It Necessary?
In most cases, backflow device installation and testing is a responsibility incurred by owners of commercial and industrial property. However, in some cases, even homeowners find themselves in circumstances in which backflow devices must be installed and tested annually. One such case would be when a Fort Lauderdale homeowner has installed a lawn irrigation system which is metered independently from the original potable water supply to the residence.
Most business owner/operators seem to take the required annual backflow device testing (and repairs, if necessary) in stride as just a normal cost of doing business. However, there seems to be some resistance at times from homeowners. I believe this resistance comes from a lack of understanding by the homeowners on two points.
1) Fort Lauderdale Homeowners sometimes resist this annual expense because they feel the cost of this testing should have been covered in their water bill.
2) There is a general lack of understanding as to the extreme importance of the Backflow Prevention/Cross Connection Control process in general, and the extreme hazard possible if this program should suffer as a result of neglect or failure. The threat of pollution or contamination entering the potable water system is very real, and indeed, has occurred in some communities within the U.S. previously.
To address these issues in the order given, first, homeowners need to understand that their water bill does not include a charge or fee for backflow device testing. Also, the water supplier (from whom they purchase their water) owns only the water lines from their source up to and including the water meter. Beyond the meter, including water pipes, a backflow device, etc. belongs to the homeowner. The water supplier is not required by law to perform the device testing or repairs, and usually they do not. They are required, however, to ensure that the testing is accomplished by the owner of the device. In some cases, the water utilities have attempted to provide this service to their customers, only to find the costs prohibitive.
In most cases, the devices are tested by an independent contractor who has obtained certification from the state to do so. The certification process takes money and time. The Fort Lauderdale backflow testing contractor must complete a state approved training course, including a written test, and a practical (hands on) test which must be passed in order to receive the certification. The contractor must then maintain his certification through
scheduled re-testing. Also, the independent technician/contractor must invest in the test equipment, tools, etc., in order to be able to conduct tests and perform repairs. The test equipment is costly to purchase and must be calibrated by a certified facility annually, as well. In essence, all of this costs money and the water suppliers are typically not able to absorb all of that cost.
Secondly, regarding the cross-connection control process in general, it is mandated by the federal and state governments. It is not simply an inconvenient policy implemented by a particular water purveyor. The threat to our potable water systems is very real, and the laws regulating the cross connection control processes are very stringent. Water utilities/suppliers are required to comply with these regulations, it’s that simple. These regulations are in place to protect the public from the potential results of contamination and pollution in the potable water supply.
In short, the Cross Connection/Backflow Prevention program in place in your community is for your protection. Non-potable substances such as pollutants (typically not health hazards in small quantities), and contaminants (high level health hazards), may be introduced into the potable water system at any point at which they may come into contact with each other. In other words, any place where these non-potable substances could be introduced into the potable water system through backsiphonage or backpressure, a backflow device must be in place to preclude that occurrence. Should that device fail to operate properly when a backflow condition exists, non-potable substances (contaminants, pollutants) could freely flow into the potable water system setting the stage for a possibly catastrophic public health hazard. Since backflow preventors are mechanical devices with moving parts, springs, gaskets, o-rings, etc., they wear, weaken, and fail over time. This is the reason they must be tested annually by law.
Therefore, it is in the best interest of everyone connected to any public potable water supply to participate responsibly in the Backflow Prevention program in place. In this way, we can help each other ensure that the drinking water we utilize is pure, safe, and healthy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5460396
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