WHAT IS BACKSIPHONAGE & HOW CAN IT OCCUR IN AN INDUSTRIAL SETTING?
Backflow is the reversal of flow of any substance into the safe drinking water distribution system. Backflow is due to backsiphonage.
In the example below we are talking about backsiphonage.
When certain conditions occur, such as in the example below, any unprotected cross-connections on premises can cause contamination within the city’s drinking water.
FIGURE 1:
In this example, everything is operating correctly. The Water Source (1) (the place where our water comes from) is the water tower. The water then flows out of the tower into the city’s main water lines (2), then from there each premises is connected to the main water line, also known as a service connection (3).
FIGURE 2:
In this example, look at the industrial company #1, this company has an unprotected cross-connection at the point where a hose is connected to a water hose connection, the other end of the hose is submerged in a tank with toxic chemicals. A contractor is doing some construction underneath the road, during this process, they make contact with the main water line and puncture the water main. This creates a loss in pressure in the city’s main water lines. Due to the loss of pressure backsiphonage may occur and any unprotected cross-connections on your premises can cause contamination within the city’s drinking water. Backflow & contamination (noted red water lines) is passed onto your neighbors and anybody else connected to the main water line.
