The Panama City Beach Utility Department will begin next week enforcing a state law that requires backflow prevention devices be installed on all residential irrigation that use potable (drinking) water.

The devices, required by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), ensure the public water supply is safe by preventing contaminants from flowing back into the public system.

Even though the requirement has been in effect for years, the City of Panama City Beach, like many government entities, is just now enforcing the requirement.

“There was a delay in our requiring that these devices be installed because we hoped the state would provide some relief to homeowners, and that changes to the regulations were possible.” That has not happened said Utilities Director Al Shortt.

Letters will start going out on August 17 to those utility customers who are required to have the device – about 2,000 households. The letter will include a list of more than 30 companies and certified technicians who can install the device. Residents will have 60 days to have the device installed and tested or face having their irrigation water line turned off.  Under that circumstance, residents would then have to pay a reset fee to have the irrigation water line turned back on.

The Utility Department is beginning this enforcement and educational process with customers on the far east end of the City. Staff are working east to west on implementation.

This requirement is being enforced by the Utility Department’s Cross-Connection Program. A cross-connection is any connection between a public water system or consumer’s drinking water system and any source of contamination.

“One of two types of devices is required depending on the particulars of your property elevations and irrigation system installation,” said Shedric Walker, cross-connection technician.

A pressure vacuum breaker is used for locations where the entire yard is generally flat or slopes away from the meter box. A reduced pressure device is for locations where the meter box is lower than any part of the yard. The devices will need to be installed 12”, or higher, above the ground depending on the yard elevations and installed types of sprinkler heads.

“We want to work with the community through this process. We understand it is an expense that was not planned for, but we are under pressure to get this done, and it is the right thing to do – to protect our water supply,” Walker said.

Shortt said homeowners can purchase the device at building supply stores and install the device themselves, but inspection must be done by a licensed tester. The FDEP also requires the backflow devices be inspected every two years by a licensed tester.

Those with wells are not required to have the device, nor are those whose irrigation is tied to their home water supply. Those using reclaimed water for irrigation also do not need the device.

Below are the two devices which can be installed:

Approved Residential Backflow Prevention Devices: 

Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) – For locations where entire yard is generally flat or slopes away from meter box.

A Pressure Vacuum Breaker cannot be installed where it will be subject to backpressure. Backpressure occurs when the pressure downstream increases over the system pressure and causes a reversal in the flow. The PVB can only provide protection against back-siphonage of non-toxic pollutants. The device shall be installed in an accessible location to facilitate inspection and maintenance. The vacuum breaker shall be installed downstream of the shutoff valve and at least 12 inches above the highest sprinkler head. The device must be installed on the customer side of meter and not more than five feet from meter.

Reduced Pressure (RP) – For locations where meter box is lower than any part of the yard.

An RP is a mechanical backflow preventer that consists of two independently acting, spring-loaded check valves with a hydraulically operating, mechanically independent, spring-loaded pressure differential relief valve between the check valves and below the first check valve. It includes shutoff valves at each end of the assembly and is equipped with test cocks. An RP is effective against backpressure backflow and back-siphonage and may be used to isolate health or non-health hazards. The device must be installed on the customer side of the meter and not more than five feet from the meter.

For more information, contact Walker at swalker@pcbgov.com or by calling (850) 233-5100.