The Kittery Water District is committed to protecting the public drinking water system and complies with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services Cross Connection Control requirements.
Since 1997, the Kittery Water District has required the installation of Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) backflow prevention devices for new commercial services where required by the District’s Cross Connection Control Program. Commercial establishments often present a higher degree of hazard and have the potential to create cross connections with the public water supply. A properly installed and maintained RPZ backflow prevention device provides one of the highest levels of mechanical protection against contamination entering the public water system.
A cross connection is any actual or potential connection between the public drinking water system and a source of contamination that could allow water or other substances to be siphoned or forced back into the public water distribution system during a backflow or backpressure event. Backflow prevention devices are typically installed immediately downstream of the water meter where the water service enters the building.
All customers with testable backflow prevention devices are responsible for having their devices tested by a certified backflow prevention device tester in accordance with the District’s required testing schedule. The property owner is responsible for all testing, maintenance, repairs, and associated costs.
Upon completion of testing, a signed certified test report must be submitted to the Kittery Water District no later than December 31 of each calendar year. Depending on the degree of hazard associated with the property, more frequent testing may be required.
Customers who fail to complete the required testing and/or fail to make recommended repairs to their backflow prevention devices may be subject to discontinuance of water service as a dangerous condition in accordance with the Kittery Water District’s Cross Connection Control Program and Chapter 660 of the Maine Public Utilities Commission Rules and Regulations.
The District continues to take a proactive approach to protecting the public water supply by identifying commercial properties that require backflow prevention devices but do not currently have one installed. If a backflow prevention device is required, the property owner will be notified and provided with the necessary information regarding compliance. When practical, the District will coordinate water meter replacements and backflow prevention device installations at the same time to minimize interruptions to water service.
Example of a Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) backflow prevention assembly.
RPZ assemblies are typically installed immediately downstream of the water meter where the water service enters a commercial building. Devices may vary by manufacturer, size, and configuration.
