08/16/2024
It's national backflow day and wanted to share some infomation on what national backflow day is and spread awareness about what backflow is and why we need backflow devices to protect our water sources.
National Backflow Prevention Day is observed on August 16 every year. The purpose of the holiday is to recognize and honor backflow preventers, the professionals who ensure our available water supply is free of toxins, waste, harmful chemicals, and other contaminants. The holiday also aims to spread awareness about the importance of backflow prevention and how the technology is used. The day was first observed on August 16, 2021, to commemorate the tragic backflow incident on the same day in 1933 at the Chicago World Fair, which led to dysentery contamination in the water supply. This contamination led to over 2,000 individuals falling ill and about 98 passing away.
What is backflow??
‘Backflow’ refers to an unwanted water flow in the reverse direction. It is caused by cross-connections that may allow contaminants to flow into the drinking water supply. Backflow poses serious health risks associated with the contamination of potable water. Countries around the world, thus, have safety standards in place to avoid backflow. Devices known as ‘backflow preventers’ are used to prevent contamination. Professionals, like plumbers, ensure the prevention of backflow to the maximum extent possible.
