Underground Sprinklers & Your Drinking Water – Suggestions & Tips #34

Underground sprinklers and irrigation systems for your lawns can be both convenient and save you time & money.

However, you may be surprised to learn that certain connections to your drinking water supply / potable water system should be protected from contamination with a backflow preventer. Perhaps the most common example outdoors of a “cross connection” is an underground spinkler (irrigation) system. A backflow preventer is required so that non-potable water or substances that may render the water non-potable can’t enter and contaminate your drinking water. In fact, many municipalities require backflow preventers be tested yearly (manufacturers suggest at least annually).

Of course, there are other types of cross connections that can contaminate your drinking water too:

• a garden hose attached to an outside / garage tap (hose bib) that is connected to a pesticide sprayer;
• a hose left submerged in a ornamental pool;
• indoor fixtures such as a toilet;
• laundry sink connected to a hose (or a handheld shower wand) that is immersed in water.

Still, other connections include boilers, fire protection systems, in-house water treatment (softeners) systems and high pressure washers.

Protect your family and your drinking water. Ensure that your underground sprinklers and other potential cross connections are protected from your drinking water.