The Bethpage Water District (BWD) would like to remind all of its residents that annual compliance testing for all backflow devices is required by both Nassau County and New York State health departments by December 31, 2021. Testing of back flow devices by a certified professional is required because the important measure ensures potentially harmful contaminants are not making their way into the public distribution system.
“Having a properly functioning backflow device will better protect you and your neighbors by preventing harmful contaminants from making their way into our community’s water system,” said BWD Chairman John Coumatos. “Without a backflow device, substances such as fertilizers and weed killers from residents’ lawns can be syphoned into the public water supply system in the event of a pressure disturbance. This device ensures that doesn’t happen.”
Backflow prevention devices consist of a mechanical double-check valve, which prevents the reversal of water flow. Reversal of flow can occur when there is a sudden loss of water pressure in the public distribution system like firefighter usage or a water main break. For this reason, backflow devices must be tested annually to ensure proper installation and function in order to protect the water supply from contamination and pollution.
The BWD encourages all of its customers to arrange for a New York State Department of Health certified backflow tester to come test their backflow devices as soon as possible and avoid any potential penalties for noncompliance. A list of local, certified backflow testers is available at bethpagewater.com. Residents with questions about annual backflow testing, compliance questions, or certified backflow testers are encouraged to contact the District516-931-0093 or info@bethpagewater.com.
More About the Bethpage Water District:
The Bethpage Water District has six pump stations and nine supply wells throughout its five square-mile service area. This essential infrastructure has the capability to pump more than 13,000 gallons of water in a single minute, or six billion gallons of water per year. While system design far exceeds the District’s average demand of 1.5 billion gallons per year, it must stand ready to meet demands during peaks times of the year and during cases of extreme weather, fires or supply system issues. To prepare its water systems to supply potable water in any circumstance, the District has two elevated storage tanks and two ground storage tanks capable of storing more than six million gallons of water in total.