Backflow

Residential Contamination

Occasional water pressure disorders can occur in the public water supply distribution system or within your own residence. These disorders can be caused by a sudden loss of pressure such as when a construction contractor breaks a service line or water main. Because of reduced pressure, the flow of the water in the system may be reversed. As a result, contaminants may flow backwards or be sucked into your plumbing system and the public water system through unprotected hoses or other possible cross connections. 

New Homes

All new homes and businesses built since 1990 have backflow protection devices in place as part of the new construction plumbing inspection. However, it is required that these locations be checked on a periodic basis to ensure that a previous occupant did not make changes to the plumbing that may require backflow protection. 

Private Wells

Some water customers may have private wells. If an old well remains in operation with valves that allow its use in the customer's water supply system, the potential exists for that well to pump well water into the public water distribution system. The private well must be completely and permanently disconnected from the plumbing system and the public water supply system.

Protect Yourself

• Check your faucets to be sure that all faucet endpoints are above the flood level of the sink, tub, basin, or other apparatus they supply.
• Protect faucet extensions by installing proper backflow prevention devices on all faucets capable of having a hose or other extension attached.
• Check drain lines (refrigerator drink dispensers, water softeners, heat exchangers, etc.) to be sure there is an adequate air gap between the drain line and the floor drain or sewer line into which they discharge.
• Never use unprotected faucets to fill non-drinking water containers (i.e. water beds, wading pools, stock tanks, hot tubs, etc.)

The City of Kearney requires all backflow devices to be inspected by Certified Backflow Inspectors. To view a list of these plumbers click here.

A copy of the Backflow Inspection form can be accessed here.