Frequently Asked Questions

The program safeguards our public drinking water and protects the health of our customers by ensuring that any contaminants that could backflow into the public water supply system are isolated within the customer's internal distribution system. 

Backflow refers to the reverse flow of non-potable water, or other substances, into the piping of a public water system or a customer's potable water system.  Two types of backflow are backpressure and back-siphonage. 

A backflow prevention assembly is a means or mechanism to prevent backflow.  The basic means for preventing backflow is an air gap, which provides a barrier from backflow.  The principal types of backflow prevention assemblies are reduced pressure, pressure vacuum breaker, and double check valve. 

Mechanical backflow prevention assemblies have internal seals, springs, and moving parts that are subject to fouling, wear, and fatigue.  Also, backflow preventers and air gaps can be bypassed.  Therefore, all backflow prevention assemblies have to be tested to ensure that they are functioning correctly.  All assemblies have to be tested with properly calibrated gauge equipment.

A licensed tester will input the approved backflow testing report to BSI's database.  BSI will notify the City upon input completion.  If the customer's backflow testing report is not submitted to the BSI database on or by the due date, then BSI will mail a past-due notice to the customer.  If the backflow report is not placed into the BSI database two weeks after the due date, BSI will notify the City that the customer's backflow assembly is not in compliance - at which time - the City may disconnect the water service until the customer's backflow device comes into compliance.

You can email BSI at support@backflow.com or call 888-966-6050.

James Pollock
Backflow Inspector
Phone: 972-551-6600 ext. 5203 
Email: jpollock@cityofterrell.org