Backflow, Explained
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Public Water Main
clean, potable water
Consumer's Potable System
Non-Potable Source
e.g. chemical tank, pool, irrigation
Cross-Connection
Pressure: Normal
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Backflow: When Water Flows the Wrong Way

A short visual explainer.

What is backflow?

Backflow is the undesirable reversal of flow of non-potable water or other substances through a cross-connection and into the piping of a public water system or a consumer's potable water system. This reversal can draw contaminants backward into the clean water supply.