The Hicksville Water District would like to remind Hicksville residents that New York State and Nassau County mandate backflow devices be tested annually by a certified professional. In order to assist residents in being compliant, the Hicksville Water District has provided a list of state-certified testers.
“The Hicksville Water District has taken it upon ourselves to reach out to local certified backflow prevention device testers,” stated Board of Commissioners Chairman Nicholas J. Brigandi. “We hope that through our proactive effort to make arrangements to assist our residents in complying with the state and county at an affordable cost, more residents are fast-acting to have their device tested.”
A backflow prevention device is a mechanical unit that prevents the reversal of water flow, which may occur when there is a loss of water pressure in the street water main due to a water main break. All appliances attached to the public water system must be tested annually to ensure they are properly installed as a measure to protect the public water supply from pollution.
“Homeowners may not realize it is not uncommon for water pressure to drop, which means if their device connected to a public water supply line is not backflow compliant, they can threaten the safety of the public water supply,” explains Commissioner Bill Schuckmann. “For instance, a sprinkler on your front lawn may syphon water nearby back into the public water supply if pressure nearby drops. Hazardous toxins, such as fertilizer in the grass, are then in the public’s source of drinking water.”
The District suggests residents arrange for a New York State (NYS) Department of Health certified backflow tester to test your backflow prevention device to make sure it meets all mandated guidelines.
