Water suppliers and plumbers share backflow prevention responsibility

Abstract

A goal of the water supply industry is to provide safe drinking water that meets the minimum standards established by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Utilities have invested millions of dollars in treatment processes to meet these regulations, but their investment can be swiftly negated by something as basic as transient pressure fluctuations, which allow a return flow of a contaminant or pollutant into the distribution system. Utility professionals are typically not aware of plumbing system operation details. Water suppliers need to work closely with plumbing inspectors and licensed contractors to attain cross‐connection control through plumbing code compliance. A partnership with the plumbing industry, that includes code compliance, is essential when providing safe drinking water.