Common Queries About Our Backflow Services

Why doesn’t the governor’s order to cease disconnection of public utilities during COVID-19 apply to backflow?

The governor’s order only applies to delayed or missed payments.
Water quality and backflow prevention is a public health issue that the governor’s order did not apply to.
Backflow prevention protects the community from a second public health crisis related to water quality during the pandemic.
A suspension of the water service is regulated by State Regulation 11.39 due to noncompliance of backflow issues to protect the safety of Denver’s water system.

Why is backflow necessary?

Backflow prevention assemblies prevent contaminants from entering the main drinking water supply that both you and your neighbors share the drinking water from. The installation and maintenance of the property owner’s system is the responsibility of the property owner.
If it is discovered that there is an unprotected cross-connection at a property, the property owner is responsible for hiring a licensed installer to install a backflow prevention assembly. What this entails for each property could vary, and how they are set up to pay for maintenance at their property is unique to them.
Water must be turned off to protect the drinking water supply if the property does not have backflow protection.
Denver Water must ensure that properties that fall under this regulation are up to standard if they are going to be connected to Denver's water system so that we can keep the public water system safe. For example, if there are dedicated irrigation lines, fire lines, recycled water lines, etc. as part of the system at that property, they need to have a backflow preventer installed before connecting to our system so that water does not enter into the public drinking water system.

How can I receive an extension?

Backflow Prevention Assemblies

A backflow prevention assembly is a mechanical valve arrangement designed to prevent the reversal of the flow of water once it has passed through the valve.

Like any mechanical device, a backflow prevention assembly requires maintenance and annual testing. There are different types of backflow prevention assemblies required for different uses and different degrees of hazard.

There are no exemptions or “grandfathering” of backflow prevention assembly requirements.

American Backflow

American Backflow

Common Queries About Our Backflow Services

Backflow Prevention Assemblies

American Backflow