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Keeping Your Water Safe From Contamination

A Cross Connection is the actual or potential connection between the drinking water system and with any other source that threatens the quality of  water.

Backflow is the unintended reversal of water within a drinking water system. Backflow events are caused by extreme pressure events.

Low supply pressure creates situations where contaminates could be drawn into the plumbing system. These events may be caused by firefighting activities, water line failures or water line shutdowns.

High pressure events are caused when downstream pressure is higher than the supply pressure. These events are commonly caused by internal pumps or equipment located within a facility or premise.

Clean water from kitchen faucet
Clean water from kitchen faucet

Keeping Your Water Safe From Contamination

A Cross Connection is the actual or potential connection between the drinking water system and with any other source that threatens the quality of  water.

Backflow is the unintended reversal of water within a drinking water system. Backflow events are caused by extreme pressure events.

Low supply pressure creates situations where contaminates could be drawn into the plumbing system. These events may be caused by firefighting activities, water line failures or water line shutdowns.

High pressure events are caused when downstream pressure is higher than the supply pressure. These events are commonly caused by internal pumps or equipment located within a facility or premise.

Lawn irrigation sprinkler

Lawn Irrigation Systems

Lawn irrigation systems are required to have backflow tests done by June 1st each year to ensure it is performing properly by blocking dirt and other contaminants such as pesticides and fertilizers from entering your home drinking water and to protect our water distribution system.

If you are not planning on using your irrigation system for an extended period of time, you may request to have it sealed at no cost. Annual tests are not required if your system is sealed.

**Note: Having your irrigation system sealed is not the same as winterizing. You should winterize prior to sealing.**

According to code 10 CSR 60-11.010, specific equipment must be installed to protect against backflow events. This equipment is referred to as “Backflow Assemblies” and they are specifically designed to protect against the type of hazard that may exist. The risk is further mitigated by insuring backflow prevention assemblies are tested annually and maintained in good working order.
Image of backflow devices
Image of backflow devices
According to code 10 CSR 60-11.010, specific equipment must be installed to protect against backflow events. This equipment is referred to as “Backflow Assemblies” and they are specifically designed to protect against the type of hazard that may exist. The risk is further mitigated by insuring backflow prevention assemblies are tested annually and maintained in good working order.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 


My backflow device has a violation. What should I do?

My water service has been disconnected because my backflow device is in violation. How can I get it turned back on?

Your water service will only be restored after you have backflow inspection scheduled or if you request to have your irrigation system sealed. If you do not want to have your irrigation system sealed, then you must have your backflow device inspected by a state-certified tester.

Steps to follow:
  1. Select a state-certified tester and schedule your inspection.
  2. Have your tester contact City Utilities at (417) 831-8551 or (417) 831-8399 to restore your service and provide the upcoming test date*. A reconnect fee will apply.
  3. Your state-certified tester must submit results to City Utilities that you are no longer in violation.

*If City Utilities does not receive your backflow device test results within 15 days after reconnection, your water will be disconnected again and there will be an additional charge to reconnect your service.

What is backflow?

Backflow

Backflow occurs when the water in your pipes goes in the opposite direction of normal flow. There are two conditions that cause backflow:

  • Backpressure – when the pressure in your pipes is greater than the pressure in the water distribution system.
  • Backsiphonage – when there is a sudden reduction of pressure in the water distribution system that causes fluids (water, chemicals, etc.) from your pipes to be sucked into the water distribution system.
Cross-Connection

A cross-connection is any actual or potential connection between your drinking water system and any non-potable source that could result in contamination of the potable water system.

How do I prevent backflow?

Preventing Backflow

Backflow Prevention

Backflow prevention, or cross-connection control, is the process by which backflow hazards are identified and eliminated.  Potential backflow hazards are eliminated by installing a backflow prevention assembly, in accordance with 10 CSR 60-11.010.

Do I need to implement backflow prevention at my residence or business?

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requires all residential lawn irrigation systems to have an approved backflow prevention assembly. Other common examples of residential cross-connections that may require backflow prevention are swimming pools, hot tubs, and fire sprinkler systems.

Businesses that may be required to install backflow prevention in accordance with 10 CSR 60-11.010 are manufacturing  and processing plants, medical facilities, laboratories (including school chemistry and biology labs), and buildings with boilers, fire sprinkler systems, or irrigation systems.

What is a backflow prevention assembly?

Backflow preventers do exactly what the name implies — they prevent contaminated water from getting into the city’s water system and back to your home or business. Backflow preventers use a system of valves that open in the proper direction of flow and close whenever the flow tries to reverse.

According to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri only allows double check valve assemblies, reduced pressure principle assemblies, or approved air gap as containment devices.  For more information on approved backflow prevention assemblies, visit dnr.mo.gov.

City Utilities requires that all commercial domestic water services be protected by a RPZ (reduced pressure zone).

Backflow device prevents water from traveling back into your drinking water.

 

Must I have my backflow prevention assembly tested?

Am I required to test annually?

Yes. Customers are responsible for having each assembly inspected and tested by a certified backflow prevention assembly tester at the time of construction or installation and annually thereafter. If the tester finds the assembly is not working, you must arrange to have it repaired and tested again. It is your responsibility to pay for the test and repairs. The tester is required to provide a copy of the test report to you and to City Utilities.

 

What happens if I don’t?

10 CSR 60-11.010 requires City Utilities to disconnect customers from the community water system if the customer fails to comply with the testing/compliance requirements.

 

Where do I find a certified backflow testing contractor?

We want to help you get started by providing a list of backflow testing contractors in the Springfield area. It is still strongly recommended that each customer obtain two or three different contractor bids on each project, check references, and make sure all contractors’ insurance requirements are up-to-date.

(This is not an endorsement by City Utilities of any product, service, individual, or company.)

What does "sealing" my irrigation mean?

If you do not intend to use your irrigation system for an extended period of time, City Utilities will seal your backflow assembly at no charge. This action can be reversed upon request. Sealing your irrigation system doesn’t winterize your system, it simply removes the need for a required annual test.

Professional Backflow Testers

As of January 1, 2023, all backflow tests must be submitted via the Backflow Testing Portal. Certified testers may request access and submit tests using the link below.

View of a lawn irrigation backflow device in ground
View of a lawn irrigation backflow device in ground

Professional Backflow Testers

As of January 1, 2023, all backflow tests must be submitted via the Backflow Testing Portal. Certified testers may request access and submit tests using the link below.