Backflow Prevention Program
Water systems depend on water pressure to keep water flowing in the proper direction through pipes and hoses. However, anything that causes a drop in water pressure can create a reverse flow, such as from a home’s plumbing system back into the public water system. This is called backflow.
Two conditions can cause backflow:
1. Backpressure occurs when the pressure in a pipe or hose is greater than the pressure coming in.
2. Backsiphonage occurs when there is a negative pressure in one of the pipes or hoses.
Why is Backflow Prevention Important?
Our community’s water supply can become unsafe when backflow occurs and the city’s plumbing system comes in contact with contaminants through backflow. Such cross connections, are usually created by people unaware of the potential for backflow.
In fact, most cross connect problems usually involve an ordinary garden hose. Putting your garden hose in a swimming pool to fill it or connecting it to a plant fertilizer or bug spray unit could cause potentially hazardous backflow.
If your property has outside water sources, you are required by Idaho State law to have backflow prevention devises in use and to have them tested annually.
Backflow Prevention Requirements
In accordance with the City of Payette Municipal Code, section 13.05.040 we are required to ask you to protect against possible backflow by using one of the three options stated below:
1. Stay hooked to the city water system and protect against backflow by installing an approved backflow prevention assembly.
2. Keep your well, sprinkler system or other hazard without a connection to the city water. The city will remove your water meter upon your request.
3. Abandon your hazard, and stay connected to city water. This method would eliminate the need for a backflow prevention assembly behind your water meter.
Need a Backflow Prevention Device?
The City of Payette has a list available, below, of certified backflow testers. It is the customer's responsibility to verify pricing prior to testing or installation.
