Backflow Prevention

Home 5 Water 5 Backflow Prevention

Backflow Prevention & Safe Water Practices

Protecting your plumbing and your community’s water supply

Backflow prevention plays a critical role in keeping your drinking water safe. Certain properties are required to have backflow prevention devices installed and tested regularly. If you own a property with irrigation, specialized plumbing, or commercial features, this information helps you understand your responsibilities and stay compliant.

Overview

What Is Backflow?

Backflow is the undesirable reversal of flow of non-potable water or other substances into the drinking water system. This can occur when there’s a drop in pressure in the water main—like during a water main break or heavy usage—causing contaminated water to be drawn back into the system.

What Is a Backflow Prevention Device?

A BFP is a device designed to prevent reverse flow in a water system. It is used to protect water supplies from contamination or pollution. Many types of backflow prevention devices also have test ports so that they can be tested or examined to ensure that they are functioning correctly.

Testable backflow devices are required by law where required and must be installed in accordance with the plumbing code. The assembly is installed on the water service or within the plumbing system.

Why Are Backflow Devices Required?

Newnan Utilities is committed to providing safe, high-quality drinking water to all customers. State and local plumbing codes, as well as the Georgia EPD (Environmental Protection Division), require backflow prevention for certain properties to avoid contamination. If your home or business has systems that could introduce non-potable substances into the public water supply, you must install a backflow preventer.

For example:

Lawn irrigation systems
Commercial properties
Properties with fire sprinkler systems
Medical facilities, car washes, restaurants, and more

When Should the BFP Be Tested?

A BFP must be tested upon installation, annually, and anytime it is relocated or repaired.

Who Does the BFP Testing?

Only individuals with current Backflow Prevention Certification may test a backflow preventer.

The State of Georgia maintains a list of certified testers.

Click the link below to access the database.
In the City/Town field, type Newnan.
Click Continue to view available testers in your area.

Georgia Certified Testers

Is This Testing Required?

Yes. State and federal regulations require backflow testing.
The Safe Drinking Water Act and Georgia’s Rules for Safe Drinking Water mandate that all public water systems, like Newnan Utilities, enforce annual backflow testing to ensure contaminants cannot enter the public water supply.