Backflow Contamination of a public water system by contaminants and pollutants through uncontrolled cross connections could occur at any time. This can occur with a reversal of flows brought about by fluctuations in water pressure within the system (i.e. main break, fire, etc.). Only an active backflow prevention program can reduce the likelihood of such an occurrence.

In order to better serve and protect its customers and to comply with Federal and State Laws regarding safe drinking water, Marietta Water finds it necessary and desirable to control and eliminate possible cross connections in the system. By the method of containment, customer service connections will be isolated from distribution lines with an approved backflow prevention device.

 

Responsibilities

As the water purveyor, the Marietta Water has many responsibilities to its customers. These include:

• Assurance of water quality
• Enforcement of city code
• Development and implementation of a backflow prevention program
• Evaluation and inspection of services and backflow devices
• Maintenance of records for all backflow devices

The customer also has responsibilities to protect the distribution system and users of their system. These include:

• Installation of approved backflow prevention devices
• Annual testing and maintenance of these devices
• Reporting results of testing and maintenance to BLW

 

Requirements

Service connections will be evaluated for the degree of hazard that the service represents to the distribution system. There will be three levels of hazard, these being high, medium and low. A service that has been classified as a high hazard is one that has the potential to introduce contaminants to the distribution system in the event of a backflow event. A contaminant is a substance that could create a health hazard. A service that has been classified as medium hazard is one that has the potential to introduce pollutants to the distribution system in the event of a backflow event. A pollutant is a substance that could affect the odor and taste and be objectionable, but would not create a health hazard. A service classified as a low hazard has the potential to introduce pollutants but the risk factor is much lower. Some of the criteria used to evaluate a service are amount of water use, the existence of cross connections, the potential for cross connections, piping system complexity, and the nature of the business, equipment, machinery or materials handled on the property. The required device will be determined by the BLW based upon this degree of hazard. All containment backflow prevention devices should be installed as close as possible following the service meter to provide maximum protection.

 

Testing & Maintenance

Testable backflow prevention devices are required to be tested and repaired if necessary on an annual basis to ensure proper working order. A certified tester must perform tests and a copy of the results forwarded to this office.

 

For additional information or questions please call:
Environmental Compliance
627-B N. Marietta Pkwy.
Marietta, GA 30060
770-794-5229 or 770-794-5728
770-794-2286 FAX
tmarshall@mariettaga.gov