What is a backflow?
Backflow occurs when water flows backwards through your water pipes into City water mains. Backflow can be caused when a drop in pressure occurs in the incoming water main or when pressure in the pipes inside your residential or commercial building becomes greater than the pressure in the water main. If your water pipes are connected to a source of pollution when backflow occurs, contaminants from that source can be siphoned into your drinking water, as well as that of the entire community.

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1. What is a backflow?
2. What are common reasons for a drop in water main pressure?
3. What is considered a source of pollution?
4. What is a cross-connection?
5. What is a cross-connection or backflow preventer?
6. Why do backflow preventers have to be tested?
7. Who can test backflow preventers?
8. Where can I find a list of certified Cross-Connection Device Inspectors (CCDI)?
9. Who should I contact with questions about whether I currently have a backflow device and what type of device I have?
10. Who should I contact with questions about the completion of a survey, annual testing or delinquency notifications?
11. Where can I submit completed surveys or test forms?
12. What can I do to prevent backflow?
13. What happens if I do not install a backflow prevention device or comply with annual testing?
14. What if my backflow prevention device fails the test?
15. How do I get my backflow prevention device removed?
16. Where can I find additional information regarding backflow prevention?