Why did you put this notice on my door?
Aurora Water posts notices on doors of all residents or businesses that will be affected by a water service shut off so that they are aware of why they may not have water.
Is my water safe?
If Aurora Water has reached out to your business or residence concerning a missing or failed test report for a backflow prevention assembly, it means we are asking you to do your part in preventing contamination of the public water by providing tests reports as we request. Backflow can happen at any time and to various degrees so the more out of compliance a location is, the greater the chances of cross contamination.
Do I need to do anything as a resident?
Please inquire about backflow testing compliance with your property manager. This goes a long way in ensuring that your water stays safe.
What is backflow?
Backflow is the undesirable reversal of flow of non-potable water or other substances through a cross-connection and into the piping of a public water system or consumer's potable water system. There are two types of backflow; back pressure backflow and back siphonage.
What is a cross-connection?
A cross-connection is any temporary or permanent connection between a public water system (Aurora Water, for example) and any source or system containing non-potable water or other substances. An example is the connection between a city water system and a lawn irrigation system. The water to the irrigation system is supplied clean drinking water from the city, but once this water enters the pipes of the irrigation system, it is no longer safe to drink.
Why do water suppliers need to control cross-connections and protect their public water systems against backflow?
A backflow event can contaminate the water supply, making the water in that system unusable or unsafe to drink. Each water supplier has a responsibility to provide safe water and must take reasonable precautions to protect its public water system against backflow.
What do we do to control cross-connections and protect our water system against backflow?
Water suppliers must ensure that a proper backflow prevention assembly is installed and maintained at the water service connection to our customers. This would include connections to fire protection systems, commercial water meters and irrigation systems.
This is especially critical for the following conditions:
1. Premises with an auxiliary or reclaimed water system.
2. Industrial, medical, laboratory, marine or other facilities where objectionable substances are handled in a way that could cause pollution or contamination of the public water system.
3. Premises that are exempt from the State Plumbing Code and premises where an internal backflow preventer required under the State Plumbing Code is not properly installed or maintained.
4. Classified or restricted facilities.
5.Tall buildings.
What is a backflow prevention assembly?
A backflow prevention assembly is a mechanical means of preventing flow reversal through the use of check valves, designed to close once a reversal is detected.
Why do backflow assemblies have to be tested annually?
Mechanical backflow prevention assemblies have internal seals, springs and moving parts that are subject to fouling, wear or fatigue. Also, mechanical backflow prevention assemblies can be removed or bypassed. Therefore, all backflow prevention assemblies must be tested annually to ensure that they are functioning properly and have not been diminished in some way. Backflow prevention assemblies must be tested with properly calibrated gauge equipment by a certified backflow tester. Generally, you will only be required to test a device once a year. However, if a device fails at some point and needs to be repaired or replaced, we are required to submit a new “Test Report” after the repair/replacement is made.
Will water be shut off during a backflow test?
Yes, the water will be turned off for a brief time. On average, water is shut off for 30 minutes or less.