THE IMPORTANCE OF A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE
WHAT IS BACKFLOW?
It is the flow of any water, foreign liquids, gases, or other substances back into The Village District
of Eastman's potable water system. Two situations can cause backflow: back pressure and back siphonage.
WHAT IS BACK PRESSURE?
It is the condition under which a foreign substance is forced into the water system because it is under a higher pressure than the water system pressure.
WHAT IS BACK SIPHONAGE?
It is the condition under which the water system pressure is under a vacuum and the foreign substance is essentially sucked into the potable water system.
WHAT IS A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE?
It is a valve that will stop the flow of any substance into the water system. It allows flow in only one direction. It not only protects the whole water system but prevents the water system within the house from collapsing.
In the fall of 2003 the Village District of Eastman Commissioners instituted a combined program of replacing water meters and inspecting for backflow devices. Since 1986 a backflow device has been required in all homes per NH STATUTE # 485. The Commissioners desire consistency within the backflow program and have stipulated that the WATTS Number 7 device (shown at left) be used throughout Eastman.
For your additional information, you may click here to view more information on the Watts Number 7 backflow prevention device at the Watts Company web site.