Backflow Information

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Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention

A cross connection is any actual or potential connection between the District's potable water system and a source of contamination or pollution. Backflow can occur when water or other liquids flow through an unprotected cross connection into the water system, often caused by a back pressure or back siphonage event. Backflow into the District’s water system could send harmful pollutants or bacteria into the District’s drinking water and create a drinking water emergency. Drinking water is protected through the installation of backflow prevention devices at cross connections to prevent harmful liquids from backflowing into the water system. 

Our part: to regulate the public water supply and to ensure that reasonable safety measures are taken to protect the safe drinking water from the point of treatment to the point of use - your home or business. We must meet all Department of Health and EPA Standards.

Your part: to make sure that your plumbing system is safe.Some specific examples of backflow incidents that can occur are:

  • Lawn chemicals back-flowing through a garden hose into indoor plumbing and potentially into the distribution system.
  • A physical connection between a private well line for irrigation and a residential potable service connection.
  • Back-siphonage of “blue water” from a toilet water closet into the building's water supply.
  • Carbonated water from a restaurant's soda dispenser entering a water system due to back pressure.
  • Backflow of boiler corrosion control chemicals into an office building's water supply.

BACKFLOW PREVENTION & REGULATORY DEVICES FOR COMMERCIAL ACCOUNTS

Dracut Water is responsible for testing three types of backflow prevention devices:

  • Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA)
  • Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB)
  • Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventer (RPBP)

Testable devices are tested once or twice per year (based on device type), and results from each test are retained by Dracut Water Supply and reportable to MassDEP.

DEVICE INSTALLATION

Before installing a backflow prevention device, approval must be obtained from the Water Division by submitting a design data sheet. Once installed, the property owner must contact Dracut Water to schedule the device to be tested. The cost for testing a backflow prevention device is reflected in Rates and Fees.

REQUIRED BACKFLOW DEVICE TESTING

Dracut Water Supply's backflow contractor performs testing of backflow devices in accordance with MassDEP Cross Connection Control Program Regulations - 310 CMR 22.22. Property owners will be assessed a fee for each test performed on their water bill.

If a backflow prevention device fails to meet MassDEP’s performance standards, the property owner will be notified of the device failure. The property owner is responsible for replacing or repairing the device, and having the device re-tested within the timeline specified by the regulations. Property owners are responsible for fees associated with each re-test.

PLEASE NOTE: Water service is subject to disconnection for properties that do not replace or repair failed backflow prevention devices within the required timeline.