The City's Backflow Prevention Ordinance requires reclaimed water customers who also have drinking water service to use a backflow prevention assembly to keep reclaimed water from contaminating the drinking water system. While our reclaimed water quality is very high, it still does not meet drinking water standards, and water from the two systems should not mix.
Backflow Prevention Assembly
The appropriate backflow prevention assembly depends on the water use.
- Fire line connections can use a double check valve assembly, which can be installed underground in a vault.
- A reduced pressure backflow assembly is required for the domestic potable water connection.
These are installed above ground. Freeze protection for above ground backflow prevention assemblies prevents them from being damaged during cold winter weather.
Cross-Connection
A cross-connection test is required to ensure that on-site potable water plumbing was not inadvertently connected to the reclaimed water plumbing.
Testing
Testing is performed prior to receiving service and are conducted by a third party who submits testing results to Austin Water.