Backflow Preventers

Unprotected Systems

In an unprotected system, water can - and does - flow both in and out of a building or fixture. When water service is interrupted in the street or in a building for any reason, there is a pressure drop which can draw contaminated water backwards into the water system. Some examples are: Cleaning fluids may be drawn back from car washes; stagnant water from fire sprinkler systems may enter the drinking waterline; bacteria and pathogens of all sorts can be siphoned back into the water system from air conditioning coiling towers. Chemicals from medical clinic's x-ray development may flow backwards into the potable water system and many others. Backflow prevention is required wherever an end user poses a risk of polluting the city's water.

Backflow Preventers

Backflow preventers, also known as Reduce Pressure (RP), Double Check (DC), or Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) devices, protect the city's water supply from outside contamination. The devices operate by allowing water to flow in only one direction.

Backflow prevention assemblies must be installed externally to protect the City's water from cross connection with the customer.

Internal protection is also highly recommended, protecting industrial and commercial customers from potentially hazardous cross connections in their own system.

Taking Pride in Quality

The City of Fort Lupton's Public Works Department takes every pre-caution to protect the water entering your system. We take pride in the high quality of the water we provide and we will continue to protect it for our residents. However, once the water enters your business property, you become responsible for protecting the water quality. As a consumer you must be aware of cross connections and prevent them. By testing the backflow prevention assemblies at least once a year, and performing repairs when needed, you are helping us to ensure that the assemblies are operating properly. With cooperation, a comprehensive Cross Connection Control program will keep a purified water distribution system free from impurities and health hazards.