What is backflow?
Backflow occurs when the water in your pipes (the pipes after the water meter) flows backward (in the opposite direction of normal flow). Two situations can cause the water to flow backward (backflow). Backpressure occurs when the pressure in your pipes is greater than the pressure coming in. Backsiphonage is caused by a negative pressure in one of the pipes. To protect the water system, two kinds of backflow prevention assemblies (devices that prevent the backflow of water) are required for all business customers that present a potential hazard to the City’s water system. An external device protects the city’s water from cross connection with the water on the customer’s premises. An internal device protects the customer from potentially hazardous cross connections within their own system.

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1. How do I report a water and sewer outage?
2. Whom do I call about a missing or loose manhole, meter lid or storm drain cover?
3. I received a notice that my water supply will be interrupted for construction. What should I be prepared for?
4. My water is off and I am not sure why. What I should I do?
5. What is the process for installing a new water or sewer tap?
6. How do I request utility line locates before I dig?
7. How do I access water quality information?
8. How do I check for a water leak at my house?
9. What is backflow?
10. What kinds of hazards do backflow assemblies prevent?
11. What is a cross connection?
12. Does my backflow prevention device need to be tested?