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Backflow Prevention
Download a copy of our Cross-Connection Guide (PDF).
This guide includes what you need to know and frequently asked questions.
Backflow Prevention Program
In its going efforts to protect your drinking water supply, and in accordance with the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation's requirements, the City of Apopka has expanded its Cross-Connection Control program.
The main purpose of this program is to prevent contaminated water from flowing back from our customers into the City's drinking water supply through a "Cross-Connection." A cross-connection is a physical connection between a drinking water supply and a non-drinking water supply.
A reverse flow, or "Backflow" can occur in two ways, by backpressure or backisphonage.
- Backpressure occurs when the water pressure from the customer's plumbing is greater than the water pressure in the City's water supply system.
- Backsiphonage occurs when suction is created in the customers plumbing due to the low pressure in the City's water distribution system, usually caused by a water main break or fire hydrant use.
The most important tool of the Cross-Connection Control program is the backflow prevention device. Usually, this device is installed on your drinking water line between your home or business and the drinking water meter. Backflow preventers come in many shapes and sizes depending on use and application.
The City's Water Maintenance Department will help you determine which backflow prevention device is right for your property and how often you need to have it tested by a certified technician.
For additional information, please email our Water Maintenance Department or call 407-703-1730.
Certified Backflow Testers
Wilkins Double Check
Wilkins 350 Double Check is a box, 2 feet long by 1.5 feet wide, installed approximately 10 inches below ground so that the top of the box is at ground level. In the box is a drinking water supply line with an INLET shut-off valve, (2 inches x 1 inch, a Backflow device, (made of brass with a plastic lid 3 inches long x 2 inches wide), and an OUTLET shut-off valve, (2 inches x 1 inch), the water line then continues underground to the house.
Meter with Dual Check Device
Ford Dual Check is a meter box, 2 feet long by 1.5 feet wide, installed approximately 10 inches below ground so that the top of the meter box is at ground level. In the box are 2 drinking water supply lines, each with a water meter, 4 inches tall and 5 inches wide and a dual check device, 5 inches long and 2 inches tall
Pressure Vacuum Breaker
Pressure Vacuum Breaker is a 1 inch supply line for the irrigation system comes out of the ground. At a height of approximately 3 feet, an INLET shut-off valve, (2 inches x 1 inch), a Backflow device, (cylindrical in shape, 3 inches wide x 4 inches tall), is installed. The pipe exits the backflow device at a 90 degree angle, (becoming horizontal to the ground), where an OUTLET shut-off valve, (2 inches x 1 inch) is installed. The pipe then turns back down 90 degrees and goes below ground.
975XL2 Reduced Pressure
Wilkins 975XL2 Lead Free Reduced Pressure Device is a 2 inch water line coming out of the ground. At a height of approximately 2 feet, it turns 90 degrees to the right, (becoming horizontal to the ground), at which point an INLET shut-off valve, (4 inches x 2 inch, a Backflow device, (12 inches long and 8 inches high), and an OUTLET shut-off valve, (4 inches x 2 inch), is installed. The water line then turns 90 degrees down and goes below ground.
400B Reduced Pressure
Watts 4000B Reduced Pressure Device is a 1 inch water line comes out of the ground. At a height of approximately 2 feet, it turns 90 degrees to the right, (becoming horizontal to the ground), at which point an INLET shut-off valve, (2 inches x 1 inch, a Backflow device, (8 inches long and 5 inches high), and an OUTLET shut-off valve, (2 inches x 1 inch ), is installed. The water line then turns 90 degrees down and goes below ground.
Fire Mainline
Fireline & Det Meter Backflow Devices #2 is a 6 inch water line coming out of the ground, at a height of approximately 3 feet, it turns 90 degrees to the right, (becoming horizontal to the ground), at which point an INLET shut-off valve, (2 feet wide x 3 feet tall), a Backflow device, (3 feet long and 18 inches tall), and an OUTLET shut-off valve, (2 feet wide x 3 feet tall), is installed. The water line then turns 90 degrees down and goes below ground.