FAQs • Fayetteville, AR • CivicEngage

What is a backflow preventer and why are they needed?: A backflow prevention assembly is an approved, testable assembly that uses valves to prevent potential contaminants from flowing into the drinking water system. Two commonly required devices are the Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA) and the Reduced Pressure Valve Assembly (RP). Both devices protect drinking water systems from backflow.

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Backflow Prevention

1. Why is the City doing this now?: In the past, the backflow prevention ordinance had addressed commercial and industrial installations. In May of 2017 the City amended its local backflow ordinance to comply with the state plumbing code, which addresses all backflow preventers, including residential installations, as well as the requirement of annual testing and documentation of that testing. To ensure the high quality of our drinking water, the City of Fayetteville Water Department is initiating an automated tracking system and enforcement protocol of this amended requirement.

2. What is backflow?: Backflow is the flow of water or other liquids, mixtures or substances, under positive or reduced pressure into the distribution pipes of a potable water supply from any source other than its intended source. Backflow is caused by either backsiphonage or backpressure. Backsiphonage occurs when a flow of used, contaminated, or polluted water from a plumbing fixture or vessel enters into the public water system, often due to negative pressure in a pipe. It is important to note that a drop in pressure is out of your control and can occur at any time. Backpressure occurs when the pressure is greater than the pressure in the potable water distribution system.

3. What is Cross Connection?: Cross Connection is any connection between the public water supply and a source of contamination or pollution. Examples of cross connections include a hose connection to a chemical solution, lawn irrigation systems, water softeners, hose connections, boilers, hot tubs and swimming pools.

4. What is the most common form of cross connection?: The ordinary garden hose is used to create the most common form of cross connection. A hose can be easily connected to the drinking water supply and used for a variety of potentially dangerous applications.

5. What is a backflow preventer and why are they needed?: A backflow prevention assembly is an approved, testable assembly that uses valves to prevent potential contaminants from flowing into the drinking water system. Two commonly required devices are the Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA) and the Reduced Pressure Valve Assembly (RP). Both devices protect drinking water systems from backflow.

6. Who needs a backflow preventer?: All commercial and industrial water customers are required to have backflow protection at the water service entrance and at actual or potential points of use where contaminants may be introduced. This includes all residential water customers having a lawn irrigation system or a water use identified by the City of Fayetteville as an actual or potential cross connection.

7. How do I find a licensed backflow assembly tester?: Our licensed and certified backflow assembly tester list is available on our Licensed Backflow Testers page. You may also contact the City of Fayetteville’s Backflow Prevention Department by email or by phone at 479-575-8386.

8. How often does my backflow preventer need to be tested?: Annually. The State of Arkansas Plumbing Code requires all backflow prevention installations be inspected/tested once per year on a regularly scheduled basis.

9. Who is responsible for the testing and maintenance of the backflow preventers?: It is the responsibility of the water customer to ensure that the backflow prevention assembly is in proper operating condition at all times.

10. Who can test backflow preventers?: Backflow preventers must be tested by an Arkansas State Licensed Assembly Backflow Testing Technician. Known as ATT- #

11. Who can repair backflow preventers?: Backflow preventers must be repaired by an Arkansas State Licensed Assembly Backflow Repair Technician. Known as RT - # (In order to repair backflow preventers a technician must hold both licenses: Testing and Repair.)

12. What is a TRAC # ?: Our new online system allows the tester to enter the test results into the City of Fayetteville Water Department's compliance records using a TRAC# (Tester Remote Access Code #). The TRAC# gives testers information about the assembly(s) at a location -- such as size, make, model and serial number -- to simplify data input and maintain data integrity. It does not identify the water customer’s name or provide the customer’s contact information.

13. How much will a backflow test cost?: The cost of having a device tested varies among testers. The cost is also dependent on several factors, including the size of the device, where the device is located, the type of device, etc. You may want to call several Certified Testers to obtain quotes for your test.

14. What happens if my backflow test fails?: Any backflow preventer that fails during a periodic test shall be immediately repaired or replaced within 10 days. When repairs are necessary, the backflow preventer will need to be re-tested upon completion of the repair.

15. What happens if I don’t have my assembly tested?: Failure to conduct the yearly test will result in the discontinuation of water service.

16. Who can I contact for additional information on the City of Fayetteville’s Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program?: Contact the City of Fayetteville’s Backflow Prevention Department by email or by phone at 479-575-8386.