What Is Backflow and Why Does It Matter?
Backflow occurs when water flows backward in a plumbing system, opposite the intended direction. This backward flow can pull contaminated water—containing chemicals, bacteria, or sewage—back into the clean water supply.
Here's a real example: A clogged irrigation line loses pressure. Without a backflow preventer installed, dirty water from your lawn can flow back into your home's water supply—and even into the city's water system, affecting your entire neighborhood.
Contaminated backflow can introduce pesticides, fertilizers, sewage, or chemicals into drinking water. The EPA and City of Georgetown take this threat seriously; testing is mandatory wherever backflow risk exists.
Backflow preventers are one-way valves or check systems that stop contaminated water from flowing backward. They protect your home and your community's water supply. They're required by code wherever risk exists—including irrigation systems, booster pumps, and cross-connections.