Backflow

What is backflow?
Backflow is the flow of water in the wrong direction from a customer’s water system into the public water supply. Water should flow from the main water supply line into your home. If it travels backward due to pressure changes in pipes or back siphonage, it can contaminate the public drinking supply.

What is a backflow prevention device?
A backflow prevention device ensures that potentially contaminated, or non-potable, water does not come into contact with the public water system through a backflow or cross connection.

How is the residential backflow installation done?
Click here to read about residential backflow installation plans. 

How often does my backflow prevention device need to be tested?
Your backflow prevention device must be tested annually to ensure that it is working properly.

Who is responsible for the testing and maintenance of the device?
OUC is responsible for testing and maintaining your backflow prevention device. There’s no scheduling required on your part – OUC aims to make this as easy as possible on our residential customers.

Will backflow testing or the installation of a backflow require an interruption of my service?
The initial installation of your backflow prevention device will require an outage of approximately 20 minutes. After that, the device will be tested annually, and at that time, there will be a short, approximately five-minute lapse in service. If further repairs and/or testing are required, you may experience an outage of approximately 20 minutes.

What happens if my backflow test fails?
Your device will be repaired or replaced at no additional charge. After the repair, the device will be retested at no charge before normal water service resumes. 

What happens if I don’t want to have my backflow prevention device tested?
Testing will be conducted automatically by OUC. Failure to comply with testing requirements may result in termination of your water service. For more information, please contact [email protected]. 

Will OUC employees access my residence or yard during the process? 
No, OUC employees will not need to enter your dwelling for any reason.  They will need to access your lawn.

Will my lawn be disturbed during the installation of a backflow device?  
There are very few cases in which a customer’s lawn may be disturbed. If this is necessary, OUC will carefully remove and replant the sod.

Where is this device located on my property?
Your backflow device is located in the same spot as your water meter.

How much does installation cost?
There is no cost to you. Your backflow prevention device will be installed free of charge by OUC.

How much will a backflow test cost?
Starting in the month of installation, a $4 per month maintenance fee will be added to your utility bill to cover the costs of annual inspection and maintenance.

How does OUC comply with FDEP backflow regulations?
Annual testing and on-site inspections completed by OUC are in accordance with all Florida Department of Environmental Protection regulations. For more information, visit the FDEP website. 

I don’t use my irrigation system. Do I still need to test and maintain my backflow prevention device?
Yes. Backflow prevention devices, along with testing and maintenance, are required for all residences. If irrigation on the premises, there is a potential for cross-connection. The domestic meter will be required to have a backflow device.

I live in multi-family housing. What happens if my landlord doesn’t install the device?
If you live in a multi-family residence, your landlord is required to install the backflow prevention device. Failure to do so may result in service interruption.

I use well water/lake water for irrigation. My irrigation system is completely independent from my drinking water supply. So, why do I need a backflow prevention device?
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection states that regardless of the water source, all premises must have a backflow device installed if the potential for cross connection is present.

What are potential sources of contamination?
The backflow prevention device prevents contaminants such as sediments, bacteria and chemicals from entering drinking water.

Where does my water come from?
OUC’s water comes from the Lower Floridan Aquifer, an underground reservoir that, in many places, is a quarter-mile below parts of the Earth’s surface. The aquifer is fed by rainwater that goes through a natural filtration process as it seeps through hundreds of feet of sand and rock. OUC pumps water from the aquifer to facilities where it’s treated to meet standards that ensure the water is safe to drink.

Who can I contact for additional information on cross connections and/or backflow prevention?
If you have any additional questions on cross connections or backflow prevention, please email OUC at [email protected].

What is a backflow prevention device?
For decades, OUC has worked hard to ensure safe, high-quality drinking water continuously flows to your taps. Water should flow from the main water supply line into your building. If it travels backward due to pressure loss or increase on the customer side, it can contaminate the public drinking supply. Backflow prevention devices help ensure public safety by preventing contaminated or polluted water from flowing back into the public water supply.

Who is required to have a backflow prevention device installed?
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection requires property owners to install backflow prevention devices. A backflow prevention device ensures that potentially contaminated, or non-potable, water does not come into contact with the public water system through a backflow or backsiphonage.

What types of vendors install backflow devices?
Plumbers, fire line companies, and backflow specialists typically install backflow prevention devices. The installation and testing of backflows must be done by properly licensed individuals through the State of Florida.

I rent my facility/building. Does this still pertain to me?
Backflow prevention devices are the responsibility of the building owner.

I provide water to multiple tenants through a main connection. Does this mean I need a prevention device for each tenant?
Backflow prevention devices must be installed at the point of service for the public water supply. If there are multiple meters on the property, each must have a backflow prevention device installed.

Who is responsible for the testing and maintenance of the device?
Commercial customers are responsible for maintaining the backflow prevention device. The customer can opt to have OUC test annually. However, commercial customers have the right to have their own plumber handle the installation and/or any repairs/replacements and testing. If repairs are needed, OUC will provide a deadline for completion. 

How often does my backflow prevention device need to be tested?
Your backflow prevention device must be tested annually to ensure that it is working properly.

Will backflow testing or the installation of a backflow require an interruption of my service?
Installation times will vary greatly based on the size of the device needed. Your installer—whether OUC or a third party—will be able to provide more details on a case-by-case basis.

What happens if my backflow test fails?
If a backflow test fails, the device likely needs to be serviced or possibly replaced entirely. In this instance, you are responsible for the cost of repairs and/or replacement.  

How much is commercial installation?
Commercial installation fees vary on a number of factors. A cost estimate requires a full assessment.

How much will a backflow test cost?
For commercial devices 5/8” through 4”, the test is $48 annually when performed by OUC. For 6” and above, the test is $110 annually when performed by OUC.

How does OUC comply with FDEP backflow regulations?
Annual testing and on-site inspections completed by OUC are in accordance with all Florida Department of Environmental Protection regulations. For more information, visit the FDEP website. 

I don’t use my irrigation system. Do I still need to test and maintain my backflow prevention device?
Yes. Backflow prevention devices, along with their testing and maintenance, are required for all commercial customers. Domestic and irrigation services will be required to have backflow prevention devices in place.

Will OUC employees need to come inside my building during the process? 
No, OUC employees will not need to enter your building for any reason.

Where is this device located on my property?
If you have a water meter, the backflow device is located in the same spot. However, fire lines often do not have meters. In this case, most backflows can be found within 25’ of the point of service.

I use well water/lake water for irrigation. My irrigation system is completely independent from my drinking water supply. So, why do I need a backflow prevention device?
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection states that regardless of water source, all premises must have a backflow device installed.

Where does my water come from?
OUC’s water comes from the Lower Floridan Aquifer, an underground reservoir that, in many places, is a quarter-mile below parts of the Earth’s surface. The aquifer is fed by rainwater that goes through a natural filtration process as it seeps through hundreds of feet of sand and rock. OUC pumps water from the aquifer to facilities where it’s treated to meet standards that ensure the water is safe to drink.

Who can I contact for additional information on cross connections and/or backflow prevention?
If you have any additional questions on cross connections or backflow prevention, please email OUC at [email protected].