It's time for irrigation backflow testing... Is your system safe?

If you have irrigation lines on your property, there's a good chance you are subject to annual backflow testing.

Backflow devices (also known as RPZ valves) are installed on plumbing systems to protect your drinking water and the city water supply from contaminants. These are required to be in place if your home has an irrigation system, a pool or spa, an irrigated pond, a well, a fire suppression system, a large boiler, or heating and cooling systems.

Specifically for irrigation systems, an example of contaminants entering the water system would be from things like fertilizers or pesticides sprayed onto your lawns or planter beds. If something happened, such as a water leak or water break inside your house, it would be possible for your water pressure to drop lower than that of your irrigation system. If there were contaminants in your water, they would then be free to flow into the water supply. That's not something you want to have happen and it is one of the major reasons why we have backflow devices on irrigation systems.

A backflow device, in this situation, would instead open up and allow the water to drain out instead of backing up into the water supply, thereby protecting the quality of the water.

If your property has a backflow device, you're required to have it tested annually to ensure it is in proper working order. The irrigation crew at Graham Landscape & Design is certified to perform backflow testing and repairs. If you've received a notice alerting you that it's time to be tested, or if you've never had your system tested, please give our irrigation team a call at 541-729-8029. Along with backflow testing, our crew can also help you with any winterization you might need for your irrigation system.

To learn more about backflow devices and testing, visit EWEB's website: http://www.eweb.org/outages-and-safety/water-safety-in-your-home-or-business/backflow-prevention.