Backflow Prevention
Backflow is a situation that can occur when hydraulic conditions within a water system deviate from "normal" conditions, possibly allowing contaminated water to enter through a cross connection in the drinking water distribution system. In order to prevent this situation from occurring, the Okeechobee Utility Authority requires non-residential and large meter customers to install and maintain testable backflow prevention assemblies to protect the public drinking water distribution system.
A backflow prevention assembly is an approved and testable assembly that uses valves in different configurations to prevent potentially contaminated water from reversing direction and flowing into the OUA water distribution system.
Backflow is possible in two situations: backsiphonage and backpressure.
Backsiphonage is when there is a sudden reduction in water pressure in the OUA water distribution system, such as during fire fighting or when a water main breaks, water flow can potentially be reversed. This can create a suction effect, possibly drawing contaminated water into the drinking water system.
Backpressure is created when the pressure in a private non-drinking water system exceeds the pressure in the public drinking water system that it is connected to. This can force the contaminated water into the drinking water system.