The City of Ames has updated the backflow assembly testing program by partnering with Swift/Comply to allow submission of test reports online. The testers will submit their test reports electronically directly into the system increasing the accuracy of the reporting and making the process more efficient. The program allows the City to review all data collected in realtime to help better ensure the safety of the City's water supply.

Below are the links to register with Swift/Comply so you can submit backflow assembly tests to the City.

Click here for the Backflow Assembly Testers Digital Registration Submission

Click here for a list of Backflow Assembly Testers and Phone Numbers

Cross Connection Control

Shawn Cole
300 E. 5th Street, Bldg. 2
Ames IA  50010
Phone: 515-239-5151
Fax: 515-239-5251
Email: backflow@cityofames.org

What is backflow?
Backflow simply means that water flows backward into the water distribution system. When backflow occurs, it is usually caused when the pressure in an specific plumbing system is higher than the water pressure in the distribution system. This could be because the distribution system pressure drops (this happens when there is a water main break) or the plumbing system is at a higher pressure than the distribution system. Water wants to go from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. When the distribution system is the low pressure area, there is a possibility of toxic chemicals flowing into the water mains. 

Containment
Containment is a method of preventing backflow by installing a backflow prevention assembly right after the water meter.  Backflow can occur because of a drop in water pressure or because of a back pressure.  A backflow prevention assembly is designed to stop backflow.

Containment Requirements
The Iowa State Plumbing Code requires cities with a population of 15,000 or greater to enact a backflow prevention program with a containment system. The purpose of a containment system is to protect the quality of drinking water from the time it leaves the water treatment plant until it reaches your home. This means the water at your home meets the same standards as those at the water plant. Backflow prevention needs to be proactive, not reactive. We implemented this program not only because it is a state mandate, but also because we intend to prevent accidents such as someone getting a chemical burn in the shower, a house burning down, a washing machine exploding, or having soapy water coming out of a faucet. These are actual accidents that were directly caused by backflow.

Containment Methods
Double Check valve assembly (DC)  
Reduced Pressure principle backflow prevention assembly (RP)  
Air Gap separation

Click here to learn more about these various types of devices. 

The DC and the RP are testable devices. They can be tested without removing them from the line in which they are installed. A DC is approved for use where the fluids which may backflow do not pose a health threat. An RP is similar to the DC, but it also has a relief valve which opens to discard the water that has flowed back and protects whether the fluids pose a health threat or a non-health threat.


Testing
Backflow prevention assemblies must be tested when they are installed and at least once each year after that.  This testing, done by a registered backflow prevention assembly tester, ensures that the assembly is still working properly.  Testing is a big part of what makes backflow prevention work.

Backflow Prevention
Many of the water uses in the home have the proper protection against backflow already built in. The spout on a bathtub is installed higher than the side of the tub to keep the spout from being submerged even if the tub is overflowing. This provides an air gap to prevent backflow. Almost all baths and faucets have an air gap, along with clothes washers and dishwashers. The plumbing code requires fill valves to have a vacuum breaker to prevent backflow. A vacuum breaker allows air into a line to break the vacuum. This stops water from being siphoned out of the toilet tank. To be sure the fill valve has this vacuum breaker, look for the letters UPC (Uniform Plumbing Code) on the valve. Faucets for garden hoses (hose bibs) also need vacuum breakers. Most of the hose bibs installed in the last 15 years have vacuum breakers built in. If yours does not have a  built-in vacuum breaker, one can easily be added. They can be purchased at most hardware and plumbing supply stores.

For more information on bibs and how they work, click here.


For more information:
Shawn Cole is the Cross-Connection Control Coordinator for the City of Ames.  If you have questions about what types and levels of backflow protection is required in Ames, contact Shawn at 515-239-5151 or email him at backflow@cityofames.org.

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