The Village of Oak Park | 123 Madison St.  Oak Park, IL 60302 | village@oak-park.us

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Lawn sprinkling, hot water heating systems require backflow preventers

As Oak Parkers get ready to put their lawn sprinkling systems back online for the season, they are reminded that federal, state and local regulations require a device that prevents any water from flowing back into and possibly contaminating the municipal water supply.

Cross connections between in-home devices and the public water supply typically are protected by a valve called a backflow preventer. Property owners are required at their own expense to have these valves installed and checked annually. Most plumbing contractors can install backflow preventers and are certified to test them. But it is not just water irrigation systems that require backflow-prevention valves.

Residential backflow preventers typically are found on systems for filling swimming pools and water features, and on fire sprinkler systems. If your heat is supplied by radiators, the hot water boiler should have a backflow preventer, too, as should a water softener.

Toilets, bathtubs, sinks, hot water heaters and other standard plumbing fixtures do not require backflow preventers.

The Village has contracted with Aqua Backflow to administer and oversee the local backflow prevention program. Property owners contacted by the firm for compliance inspections or surveys are urged to follow the instructions in the communications. Aqua Backflow does not test, install or repair backflow preventers. For more information, call 708.358.5700 or email publicworks@oak-park.us.