Backflow

At Parkville Water District, we are proud of our water quality and we work hard every day to ensure that the water we deliver to your home or business is completely safe and good tasting.

However, even with the best possible water system, the quality of our water can be compromised by a single cross connection.

Cross Connection

A cross-connection occurs when a treated and potable water meets with the outside environment. Any bathtub,sink, clothes or dish washer, or toilet is a potential or actual cross-connection. There are two fundamental types of cross-connections; low hazard and high hazard. Low hazard is any form of contamination that degrades the quality of water but represents no health risks. Low hazard contamination may change the color, taste, and or smell of our water but will not cause any health risk. High hazard may range from minor irritations to the extreme situation of hospitalization or even death.

Cross Connections are seldom dangerous because we maintain water pressure in our distribution system. High water pressure is the best defense against contamination. But in the event of a water line break or equipment failure, even the best system may experience sudden drops in system pressure. If system pressure drops too low contamination from a higher pressure source may be allowed to enter into our water system.

Backflow Prevention Device

A Backflow Prevention Device is a specially designed valve that is installed at the connection to a public water system to prevent reverse flow when system pressure is too low or a back siphoneage situation exists. Each water service requires a specific level of backflow protection depending on the degree of hazard at each location. By law, every water service needs a backflow prevention device. Parkville will determine the type of device required for each service connection, specific to the intended purpose at each location.

All devices must be installed by a qualified and properly certified technician. Each device must also undergo an initial testing by a qualified person using properly certified testing equipment. After the installation and initial testing, an inspection by District personnel must be scheduled and performed prior to service activation. Each device must also be tested at least annually and test verification submitted to the District.

Our goal is to maintain our excellent water quality and never let the safety of our water be compromised in any way. With the help and cooperation of our customers, we will never have a dangerous backflow situation or contamination of our system.