Regulatory Requirements
New York State Sanitary Code §5-1.31 requires complete containment of water on many properties through approved backflow prevention devices. These controls are mandated to safeguard the public water supply from potential hazards under private control.
How Backflow Prevention Works
Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) and Double Check Valve (DCV) devices prevent foreign liquids or contaminants from being siphoned back into the potable water supply. This can occur if public system pressure drops below private system pressure, such as during firefighting or a main break.
Directional Flow: These assemblies allow water to flow in one direction only. If pressure reverses, the device closes automatically to maintain system integrity.
Property Requirements
- New Commercial: Installation of an RPZ device is mandatory for all new buildings.
- Existing Commercial: Requires an RPZ or DCV depending on the degree of hazard assessed by SCWA.
- High-Hazard Residential: Mandatory for properties with private wells connected to the home, chemical-fed irrigation, or geothermal HVAC.
- Marine/Dock: All new non-residential dock services must install an RPZ device.
Fire-Flow Capacity
While essential for safety, backflow devices can impact water pressure and fire-flow capacity. Property owners must coordinate with fire departments and fire marshals to ensure compliance. New construction or fire line services over 2 inches require engineering plans to be filed.
Resources & Online Services
Ready to proceed? File a Backflow Application →