The Importance of Backflow Prevention: Critical Incidents That Emphasize the Need for Protection
Backflow prevention is vital for ensuring the safety of drinking water. Real-world incidents have repeatedly demonstrated the dangers that arise when backflow prevention measures are not properly implemented. The following cases showcase the consequences of backflow contamination and emphasize the need for strict regulations and effective prevention devices.
Case 1: Chromium Contamination at Hynes Auditorium, Boston (June 1974)
During the 94th Annual AWWA Conference at Boston’s Hynes Auditorium, an improper backflow condition resulted in chromium contamination of the building’s drinking water. A manually operated valve on the air conditioning system was inadvertently left open, allowing the chemical to flow back into the water system, causing the drinking water to turn yellow. Thousands of attendees were affected, and the issue was only corrected with the installation of a Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Preventer. This case highlights the importance of properly maintaining and inspecting backflow prevention systems to avoid dangerous contamination.
Case 2: Solvent Backflow at Automotive Coating Plant, Ontario (October 1974)
An automotive coating plant in Ontario experienced a severe backflow incident when a pump left running between cycles caused cleaning solvent to enter the public water system. The pump pressure overcame the city’s water supply pressure, allowing the solvent to flow backward. A tenant in a neighboring unit reported a bad taste in the water, leading to the discovery of the contamination. This incident required extensive corrective actions, including the installation of multiple backflow preventers and steam cleaning of the supply lines. It underscores the high cost of remedying contamination compared to the preventative cost of installing proper backflow devices.
Case 3: Chromate Contamination in New York City Office Building (September 1974)
In a New York City office building, chromates from the air conditioning system entered the drinking water supply due to a backpressure condition. This contamination caused illness in twenty people and was traced back to an improperly protected cross-connection. The incident could have been avoided with a simple Hose Bibb Vacuum Breaker on the threaded faucet that served as the source of the cross-connection. This case serves as a reminder that even potential cross-connections can become hazardous if proper backflow prevention devices are not in place.
Conclusion: Backflow Prevention is Essential for Public Health
These incidents highlight the risks posed by backflow and the significant consequences of failing to prevent it. Whether it’s harmful chemicals or biological contaminants, backflow can lead to widespread contamination of the water supply, posing serious health risks. Installing and maintaining proper backflow prevention devices, such as Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Preventers and Hose Bibb Vacuum Breakers, is critical in preventing these dangerous events.
Effective backflow prevention not only protects public health but also avoids costly contamination incidents that are far more expensive to remedy than they are to prevent.
