Every time you turn on the tap, you expect water that is clean and safe. Behind the scenes, Roseville takes many steps to protect that water before it reaches your home. One key safeguard is preventing something called backflow.
How cross-connections happen
A cross-connection occurs when drinking water could accidentally touch non-drinkable water. Think of a garden hose left in a swimming pool, a fertilizer sprayer attached to a faucet, or a booster pump in a large building. If water pressure suddenly changes, those sources can flow back into the drinking water system. That is backflow, and it puts not just one home at risk but the entire community supply.
“Protecting drinking water is a shared responsibility,” said Bob Strebel, Water Distribution Superintendent. “We keep the system flowing safely, but property owners must prevent cross-connections on their side of the meter.”
What is backflow and why it matters
Backflow happens in two main ways:
- Backpressure when pressure inside another source, like a boiler, is greater than the water system.
- Backsiphonage when a sudden pressure drop, such as a water main break or firefighting, pulls water backwards.
To prevent this, Roseville requires backflow prevention devices in certain situations. Simple habits also help, such as keeping hoses out of buckets and pools or leaving an air gap between a faucet and a container.
“Our goal is to make sure every drop of water stays safe from the treatment plant to your tap,” said Strebel.
Your role in prevention
Property owners are responsible for keeping air gaps in place and arranging annual testing of backflow devices where required. Certified testers ensure devices continue to work properly. Skipping inspections can lead to fines or even temporary water shutoffs.
“Education is key,” said Jaime Po’oi, Water Distribution Supervisor. “When customers understand how backflow works and what they can do to prevent it, our entire system is stronger.”
Simple steps you can take
- Keep hoses clear of standing water, pools, and buckets
- Maintain proper air gaps around faucets
- Schedule annual testing of backflow devices, if required
By taking these everyday precautions, you help protect the water we all rely on. Learn more about Roseville’s Cross-Connection Control Program at roseville.ca.us/backflow.