Backfow Prevention Menu
What is a cross connection?
The actual physical connection between the public potable water supply and a supply of used or nonpotable potable water, industrial fluid, gas, or any substances of questionable quality.
Is this a hazardous situation?
Definitely. One of the more common hazards is the unprotected lawn irrigation system. If the water pressure in the water main in front of your home decreases, fertilizer and pesticides can be drawn back into the water main via the lawn irrigation system. The sprinklers on irrigation systems are nested underground making it possible for contaminated water to flow into the sprinklers. In swimming pools and hot tubs, if water inlets (the points where water flows into the pool or tub) are submerged, a cross connection occurs between the existing pool/tub water and the incoming potable water supply. This often occurs in hot tubs with submerged inlets that are made of permanent hard piping. If this happens, there is a high probability that this water will end up in your household plumbing. Anyone drinking water from your household plumbing could become very ill.
What is backflow?
Peoria’s water distribution system is designed to keep the water flowing from the distribution system to you the customer. However, when hydraulic conditions within the system deviate from the “normal” conditions, water flow can be reversed or backflow. When this backflow happens, water can flow from the customer’s system back into the city’s distribution system. Depending on the customer’s use of water, the distribution system could become contaminated.
What causes backflow?
Backflow is possible in two situations, backsiphonage and backpressure.
What is backsiphonage?
The positive flow or water can be reversed when there is a sudden reduction in water pressure in the distribution system, such as during firefighting or when a water main breaks. This can create a suction effect, drawing the non-potable substance into the potable water system.
What is backpressure?
Backpressure is created when the pressure in a non-potable system, such as in a recirculation system containing soap, acid, antifreeze, or in a boiler system exceeds that in the potable water system that provides the make-up water to the system. This pressure can force the potable water to reverse its direction of flow through the cross-connection. Non-potable substances can then enter the potable water system.
Can you show me an example of Backsiphonage and Backpressure?
Please click on the link backsiphonage and backpressure.
How can backflow be prevented?
By installing approved backflow prevention assemblies, such as Reduced Pressure Principle Assemblies, Double Check Valves, Pressure Vacuum Breakers, and the use of Air Gaps, can significantly reduce the chances of a backflow situation from occurring.
Where are the devices installed?
The devices are installed as close as possible to the customer’s connection to the city’s service line and internally on any equipment that utilizes water that may become contaminated such as boilers, carbonators, cooling towers, x-ray machines, etc.
Who performs the test?
Individuals recognized by the City of Peoria for backflow prevention testing and repair must do the testing. A list of recognized testers is available by calling the Environmental Division at 623-773-7730 or click
Recognized Tester.
What is the cost for testing?
The cost of testing varies and is determined by the person or company who tests your device. Additional charges may be included for repairs or backflow assembly replacement.
If I have questions about backflow prevention, whom do I contact?
City of Peoria
Cross Connection Specialist
Environmental Division
8401 W. Monroe St.
Peoria, AZ 85345
(P) 623-773-7737
(F) 623-773-7998
Email: utilities@peoriaaz.gov
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