WHAT IS BACKSIPHONAGE & HOW CAN IT OCCUR IN A COMMERCIAL SETTING?
Backsiphonage a form of Backflow. Backflow is the reversal of flow of any substance into the safe drinking water distribution system. Backflow is due to backsiphonage.
In all the examples below we are talking about backsiphonage, we have shown the main water lines above ground, however, in most circumstances, they are buried below the ground.
When certain conditions occur, such as in the examples 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, the city is doing some road construction and during the process they puncture the main water line creating a loss of 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.
FIGURE 3:
In this example, there is a fire at a restaurant, the fire department is on the scene, they are connected to the fire hydrant, the connection to the fire hydrant has created a loss of 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.
