Ever wondered about those funny-looking pipes sticking out of the ground near your house? Those are called backflow preventers, and they play a crucial role in keeping our drinking water clean and safe.
Think of it this way: our water system is like a highway, always flowing in one direction – from the City to your home. Backflow preventers are like one-way signs on that highway, making sure water only travels the right way.
But what happens when things go wrong? Imagine a sudden drop in water pressure, maybe during a fire or a water main break. This can cause water to flow backwards, potentially sucking in contaminants like fertilizers, pesticides, or even sewage. Yuck!
That's where backflow preventers come in. They act as a shield, stopping those nasty contaminants from entering our drinking water supply.
What Can You Do?
Now, here's the thing: it's not just up to the City to keep your water safe. Homeowners have a role to play, too!
• Regular Checkups: Just like you get annual checkups at the doctor, your backflow preventer needs regular checkups too. The City of Raleigh requires testing once a year for most systems and every three years for irrigation systems.
• Know Your Schedule: Testing schedules vary depending on where you live. Check with the City to find out your specific testing dates.
Learn more about the Cross Connection Program here.
Why Backflow Assemblies Matter
Why Bother?
Keeping our drinking water safe isn't just about avoiding a gross taste. Contaminated water can pose serious health risks, from stomach upset to more serious illnesses. So, let's all do our part to keep Raleigh's water sparkling clean! Schedule those backflow preventer tests, and let's work together to protect this vital resource for ourselves and our community.