Springdale Water Utilities wants to assure each of our customers that the water they are receiving is of the utmost quality. Each year we are required by law to provide our customers with a Drinking Water Quality Report.
WHAT IS BACK-FLOW?
Back-flow is simply the undesirable reversal of flow in a potable water distribution system as a result of a cross-connection. If a cross-connection exists within the customers’ plumbing system, it is possible for water from within that system to backflow, or re-enter the public water system.
A backflow preventer is a mechanical device that prevents unwanted backflow from a customer’s private plumbing.
Most commercial and industrial customers are required by the Arkansas Department of Health to have a backflow preventer on their main water service. All fire sprinklers lines must be protected with some type of backflow preventer. Residential lawn irrigation systems are required to have a backflow preventer according to Arkansas State Plumbing Code.
Devices on domestic and irrigation services must be installed by a licensed plumber certified by the Arkansas Department of Health. Devices on fire protection services must be installed by persons certified by the Arkansas Fire Protection Licensing Board.
Testing of devices on domestic, irrigation, and fire protection services must be performed by personnel licensed by the Arkansas Department of Health as an Assembly Testing Technician.
All backflow devices must be tested within 10 days of initial installation and annually thereafter, in accordance with Springdale City Ordinance 3161, Water Use Code, adopted October 23, 2001, unless exempted by Ordinance 4497 adopted May 10, 2011.
One of the requirements of testing is that a copy of the test report must be submitted to Springdale Water Utilities Cross-Connection Control.
Irrigation devices must be installed above ground on the owner’s side of the meter prior to the first branch of the water line. Commercial devices should be installed inside a mechanical room, with adequate drainage.
Minimum installation clearance dimensions shall be 30” between the assembly and corresponding wall and 12” on the opposite side, 8” on each end, 6” above the highest point and 12” under the assembly. The top of the assembly shall not exceed 72” above finished grade. Adequate support, other than the waterline itself, is needed for 3” or larger devices. A strainer is required except for fire service installations. Device cannot be installed in a vertical position unless it is specifically designed to be installed in that manner.
Your device may be installed in a heated enclosure such as a “hot box,” or inside a heated building. Devices installed on irrigation systems may be removed and stored in a safe place if the system is shut down during the winter.
The owner shall bear the entire burden for the cost of installation, testing and maintenance of the cross-connection device. Springdale Water Utilities encourages customers to request quotes to have their backflow preventer tested. Prices to perform this service can vary greatly.
Technical Services Director
Springdale Water Utilities
P.O. Box 769
Springdale, AR 72765
479-751-5751