Whenever a potable water supply joins up with a non-potable water supply, there's a risk of backflow and cross-contamination. This happens because when the cross-connection is made, there's a chance that some of the non-potable water will flow back into the potable water.
It's important to prevent backflow because it can create contaminated water in industrial and commercial potable water systems. Because there are harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens in non-potable water systems, these can leak into potable systems and create a potential health hazard. The best way to keep this from happening is with flow control systems.
If you manage industrial or commercial properties and have concerns about cross-contamination, you've come to the right place. This article will explore the importance of flow control systems and how they can help prevent backflow and cross-contamination.
What are Backflow and Cross-Contamination?
Backflow is what happens when non-potable water leaks into a potable water system. Backflow typically happens when a pipe carrying non-potable water branches into a pipe carrying potable water. This is quite common in industrial and commercial properties that have non-potable and potable water in the same system.
When backflow occurs, it can result in cross-contamination due to the unsafe pathogens and materials in non-potable water. Dangerous bacteria, viruses, and other materials are in non-potable water and aren't meant for ingestion. When ingested, these pathogens can cause giardia, E-coli, Legionnaire's disease, and more.
Why are They Serious Problems in Industrial and Commercial Settings?
Backflow and cross-contamination are serious problems in industrial and commercial settings for a number of reasons. The primary one, however, is that many properties don't have proper backflow prevention and cross-connection control. As a result, your private drinking water system, along with the public system, can suffer cross-contamination.
While modern plumbing fixtures and systems often have built-in backflow prevention devices, older systems don't. And, because many commercial plumbing systems were built in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, they may not have these cross-connection control devices. This is especially true with sprinkler systems, outdoor irrigation systems, and similar entities.
Common Causes of Backflow and Cross Contamination
Even in situations where there isn't proper backflow protection, backflow and cross-contamination are rare. In a perfectly functioning plumbing system, water typically goes the way it's supposed to and backflow doesn't occur. However, there are several issues that can occur resulting in backflow and contamination.
Changes in Water Pressure
When there is a sudden drop in pressure in either the drinking water system or the non-potable one, backflow can occur. When both systems are flowing at a set rate, the water pressure acts as automatic backflow prevention. However, the drop in pressure means that one system will be flowing faster than the other, which is what causes the backflow.
Faulty Valves
Even in systems with cross-connection control valves, it's possible for those devices to fail. When this happens, and there's a sudden change in water pressure, backflow is nearly inevitable.
System Malfunctions
It's also possible that you already have a cross-connection control program implemented. While nearly fault-proof, cross-connection control programs can experience breakdowns, leading to backflow and contamination.
Other instances that can cause backflow include a broken water main, improper plumbing installation, or when someone is using a fire hydrant or excess amount of water. Regardless of the cause, the best way to prevent backflow is with flow control systems.
Risks Involved With Contaminated Water
The main reason that cross-contamination is a serious potential problem is because of the pathogens found in non-potable water. These pathogens include:
- Dangerous bacteria, such as E-coli
- Harmful viruses, such as norovirus
- Disease-inducing parasites, such as Giardia
Each of these pathogens is a potential health hazard that can lead to serious issues and even death. Dysentery and cholera, for instance, are extremely painful and deadly diseases caused by unclean water. While these diseases are more common in countries with unclean water, they can also happen in the U.S. when improper cross connections are made.
How Do Flow Control Systems Prevent Backflow and Cross Contamination?
Flow control systems work by only allowing water to flow in one direction. They feature built-in one-way valves, which means that when water flows through them, it's unable to reverse flow. These valves are installed anywhere that a non-potable water pipe connects to a potable one, thus ensuring that non-potable water doesn't flow backwards.
Industries That Can Benefit From Flow Control Solutions
Broadly speaking, nearly every industry can benefit from flow control solutions if they use potable and non-potable water in the same system. However, here are a few that could stand to benefit the most, due to the amount of water they use:
- Restaurants
- Hospitals
- Medical facilities
- Apartment buildings
- Laboratories
- Production facilities
- Beauty and nail salons
- Dry cleaners
- Any multi-tenant space or commercial building taller than 3 stories
How to Choose the Right Flow Control System
Now that you know how important flow control systems are and who should be using them, let's look at how to choose the right system for your needs. There are two basic types of backflow prevention systems - a testable assembly and a non-testable assembly. Here's how to decide which one is right for you.
Type of Fluid
Certain flow control systems are designed to handle thicker fluids, such as gas or oil. For flow control in plumbing systems, it's important to choose a flow control system designed to handle water.
Temperature and Pressure
The operating temperature and pressure also affect how different flow control systems function. Certain systems are designed for higher temperatures and pressures, while others can only handle moderate temperatures and pressures.
Flow Requirements
While preventing backflow is important, you also need your flow control device to maintain proper water pressure. As such, you should choose a flow control system with a maximum and minimum flow rate within your desired pressure.
Maintenance
Finally, if you're installing the flow control valve in a low-access area, it's important to install one that requires little maintenance and monitoring. As such, a non-testable device is better in these areas.