Back Flow Testing your Big Bear Lake Fire Sprinkler System

I’ve had some clients recently ask about “back flow testing” for their newer constructions in Big Bear Lake.  Below is some information from the Big Bear Lake Department of Water and Power which I hope will be useful.   This test needs to be done annually.  I would recommend contacting either Bob with A Plumbing at 909-585-5203, or Rick Williamson from Running Springs at 909-867-3684.  Both are on the approved contractor’s list at the DWP and can test your system.

Backflow (Cross-Connection) Prevention

In water supply systems, water is normally maintained at a pressure to enable water to flow from the tap, shower etc. When water system pressure drops or declines, contamination may be drawn into the system.

Where Can Cross-Connections Occur? Cross-connections can occur at many points throughout a distribution system and a community’s plumbing infrastructure. Cross-connections can be identified by looking for physical interconnections between a customer’s plumbing and the water system. Some specific examples are:

• Lawn chemicals backflowing (backsiphoning) through a garden hose into the distribution system.
• Backsiphonage of “blue water” from a toilet into a building’s water supply.
• Carbonated water from a restaurant’s soda dispenser entering a water system due to backpressure.
• Backsiphonage of chemicals from industrial buildings into distribution system mains. Backflow of boiler corrosion control chemicals into an office building’s water supply.

What Technologies are Available to Control Cross-Connections and Prevent Backflow?
The type of backflow that is most likely to occur in your system (either from backpressure or backsiphonage) and the related health effects will determine which backflow prevention technology is best for your water system. The available technologies are described briefly below. Backflow prevention devices can protect your health and are mandatory to safeguard public health.