Backflow Prevention
In Florida, backflow prevention requirements, outlined in Florida Administrative Code 62-555.360, mandate that water suppliers ensure proper backflow prevention at service connections to premises posing a significant hazard to the public water system, and that backflow prevention devices be tested annually.
Key Requirements:
Cross-Connection Control Program: Florida's Cross Connection Control Program, governed by Florida Administrative Code 62-555.360, aims to prevent contamination of the public water supply.
Backflow Prevention Assemblies: These are mechanical valve arrangements used to prevent the reversal of water flow that may contain contaminants or pollutants.
Testing and Maintenance: Backflow prevention assemblies must be tested upon installation and annually thereafter by a certified tester.
Customer Responsibility: Customers are responsible for ensuring proper installation, maintenance, and testing of their backflow prevention devices.
Specific Installations: Backflow preventers must be installed on the customer's property above grade and be easily accessible.
Types of Backflow Preventers: Common types include double check valve assemblies (DCs), double check detector assemblies (DCDAs), pressure vacuum breaker assemblies (PVBs), and reduced-pressure principle assemblies (RPs) and reduced-pressure principle detector assemblies (RPDAs).
Hazardous Premises: Certain premises, such as beverage processing plants, are required to have backflow prevention.
Fire Sprinkler Systems: Backflow prevention assemblies are also required for fire sprinkler systems.
Residential and Commercial: Backflow prevention requirements apply to both residential and commercial properties.
Irrigation Systems: If you irrigate with potable water, you are required to have two backflow preventers, one at the meter and another one on the irrigation line at the point of connection.
Well Systems: Even if you have a well that is not connected to drinking water, you may still need a backflow preventer.
Enclosures: Backflow preventers should be installed inside an above-ground enclosure for protection and easy access.
Backflow Prevention Assembly Information - Manatee County