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This
equipment is required with the use of underground sprinklers, swimming
pools or any other appliance connected to the public water supply.
All homes built after 1983 have this device installed at the water
meter. The New York State
Health Department requires annual inspection and testing of all backflow
devices to be performed by a state certified tester each year, a service
provided free of charge for residents by the water district. |
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Every year, the Bethpage Water employees conduct annual
inspections on customer's backflow devices, called double check
valves. Before letting anyone into your home, please
remember, all district employees carry photo ID's and wear dark
blue uniforms with the district name printed above the breast
pocket. If you have added a swimming pool or irrigation
system in recent years or if you are unsure about whether or not
you have a backflow device, call the water district office at
(516) 931-0093. Without this equipment in place and in
good working order, water containing pool or lawn chemicals, for
example, can be siphoned back into the water system during a
sudden drop in pressure from an occurrence such as a main break
or a fire fighting effort. If you plan to install an
underground sprinkler system, you should take time to
learn about the regulations that are involved. To avoid
difficulties, you should check with the district office before
work starts on an irrigation system or a backflow prevention
assembly. A free booklet of guidelines prepared by the
Cornell Cooperative Extension is available to assist
you. Among the local requirements are, an approved double
check valve (backflow preventer), a rain sensor to prevent
sprinkling when the soil contains enough moisture for growth and
a timer that can comply with the mandated alternate day schedule
rules. Your plans must also minimize coverage overlap of
sprinkler heads and control spray from watering sidewalks, roads
and other areas of waste. A number of other technical
requirements make it necessary to submit plans in writing for
district approval before construction begins. A list of
certified testers is available at the district offices.
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