An installed backflow preventer (blue device, center) protects the public water supply from contamination.
One billion gallons of clean drinking water are distributed to the taps of nearly nine million New Yorkers each day. The city's potable water supply, however, can be contaminated via back pressure or back-siphonage from buildings. The solution: properly installed backflow prevention devices.
Backflow preventers are mandated for most buildings in New York City. In RAND's latest Ask the Engineer column, we discuss:
- What is backflow, back pressure, and backsiphonage
- Which types of buildings require a backflow preventer device
- Compliance and installation
- Installation costs and penalties
- Maintenance requirements
For more on backflow prevention, read the full article and send us your questions or comments to info@nullrandpc.com, or call us at 212-675-8844. We look forward to hearing from you!
You Ask, We Answer: Have a repair or upgrade question about your building or a topic you would like more information on? Send your queries to Ask the Engineer at info@nullrandpc.com.
Peter Varsalona, PE, is RAND's Principal and head of the firm's Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Team.
