Sprinkler System/Back-flow Prevention

Do you have a Lawn Irrigation System, Pool, Hot Tub, Fire Sprinklers, or Boiler Heat?

There are important steps that water customers must do to protect the water supply from crosscontamination.

A backflow device or reduced pressure zone (RPZ) valve is installed onto your plumbing system to protect your drinking water and the City water supply from contaminants. RPZ valves are required when a building is equipped with an

  • irrigation system, contaminants can enter your system from fertilizer or pesticides that are sprayed onto lawns
  • large boiler or fire suppression systems, where water is stagnant or trapped

Certain things (water main break, leak, hydrant flushing or use) can cause the stagnant or contaminated water to back-up into the public drinking water suply.

An RPZ Valve will prevent this from occurring. For these reasons, Illinois State Law requires the use of an RPZ as outlined in the Illinois State Plumbing Code. The law not only requires the use of an RPZ, but the device must also be tested every year by a licensed plumber with a Cross Connection Certification License. Once the RPZ is tested, the certification paperwork is forwarded by the plumber to the City.

 

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