A cross-connection is created when two water supply systems meet. This can be as simple as a garden hose dropped into a pool of dirty water, an irrigation system, or a commercial system. Once connected, back-siphonage can be created when there is a pressure drop of the main water supply due to a close by interruption by repairs, main supply pipe breaks, or the opening of fire hydrants.If water going back into the public water system is not clean, then it can pollute or contaminate the public water system and make the water unsafe to drink. Because of this, water suppliers have the responsibility to ensure water is safe to drink under all possible circumstances.
Pursuant to Title 30, Texas Administrative Code, Section 290.44, it is the responsibility of the City of Denton Cross-Connection Program to protect its drinking water supply by instituting and enforcing a cross connection program. The program includes the installation of backflow prevention assemblies where deemed appropriate or necessary.
It is a logical assumption that because water is always under pressures it can only flow in one direction. However, it is possible for the flow to be reversed. Water will always flow towards the point of lowest pressure. If a main line in our system should break, or if a fire occurred and the fire department opened several hydrants, the pressure in our water mains could drop dramatically, causing a reversal of flow. The potential for this reversal of flow is why our department is concerned about the possibility of backflow of contaminants into our water system. Some cross connections are necessary and cannot he eliminated. Therefore, appropriate isolation methods and assemblies must be employed to protect against the potential of a backflow incident.
Why use a certified backflow tester?
All certified testers must be registered by the City of Denton. A certified backflow tester will have taken the training and met the requirements of the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission guidelines which are defined by the Texas Administrative Code.
Back flow testing in Denton County is regulated and administered by the Denton county Freshwater Supply District.
Denton’s policy on back flow devices is to prevent the county water supplies from possible pollutants. Regulation is strict and water supply to any premises may be disconnected by the utility if a backflow prevention device is not correctly installed, maintained and annually tested.
For the County of Denton, backflow prevention devices are required to be tested when first installed and then annually after that. All businesses, commercial and industrial water users are required to send annual test results to the Denton County F.W.S.D. No. 1-A office located at 2540 King Arthur Blvd. Suite 220 Lewisville, Texas 75056.
Backflow prevention assemblies requiring testing by the County of Denton as required by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission include reduced pressure principle, reduced pressure principle-detector, double check valve, double check-detector, pressure vacuum breaker and spill-resistant pressure vacuum breaker. The backflow tester must be registered with Denton County.
Need A Denton Annual Backflow Test Or A New Installation Test Certificate?
Call Accuracy Backflow testing today. If you have been cited, or want to be pro-active, we can quickly see that your commercial property is compliant to insure that your water supply is not turned off by the utility.