ROSLYN WATER DISTRICT: BACKFLOW COMPLIANCE

Backflow Rules Protect You

Backflow devices and Cross Connection control regulations protect your home, family and neighbors…

If you have an inground irrigation system, or a swimming pool you likely paid to have a Backflow valve installed. Many have questioned the need for Backflow valves and even more have questioned the need for annual inspection.

What It Does

A Backflow valve simply prevents water from reversing direction and flowing back into the main water supply. This reversing is called “backflow.” It is often a result of a sudden drop in water pressure due to a main break, demand from a hydrant (for a fire, etc.) or other incident. Without the benefit of a working Backflow valve this sudden reversal of the water flow could carry contaminants of all types with it as it returns to the primary water supply mains.

Why It Needs Annual Inspection

Whether used in a pool or irrigation environment, these Backflow valves occasionally “hang up” due to minerals and other foreign materials that tend to accumulate within their mechanisms. This test is intended to assure a properly working device.

The Legal Background

The passage of the Safe Drinking Water Act in 1974 made water utilities responsible for monitoring the quality of water at the consumer’s tap, necessitating water utilities to administer cross-connection control programs.

In compliance with State and County requirements, the districts require properly working Backflow devices to be installed wherever a potential backflow problem exists and also require an annual inspection of all installed Backflow devices.

The Roslyn Water District serves all of the Villages of Roslyn, Roslyn Estates, East Hills, and portions of Roslyn Heights, Roslyn Harbor, Flower Hill, North Hills, Greenvale, Albertson, Glenwood Landing & Port Washington.