International Backflow Perspective Australian Backflow Association Gary Ashwood 31 July, 2015
Introduction Backflow Prevention Assemblies/Devices are used throughout the world to protect the drinking water supply. But because they tend to be seen as a relatively high-end priority, the degree of installations, programs, enforcement, certifications, and testing varies greatly.
Topics • United States • South America • Europe • China • Middle East and Israel • Common Themes • Zurn Wilkins Strategy
United States • Issues: – Lack of awareness – Backflow seen as a cost – rather than a risk – Lack of program/testing uniformity – System complexity – reclaim, grey, etc
United States Takeaway – for the first time, actual data has been generated and observed that proves backflow occurs regularly in a water system. Backflow of water from residences into distribution systems is probably more widespread than currently thought and is thus a potential public health concern for the water industry. Analysis of the data from backflow sensing water meters has shown that backflow events occurred at a rate of 1. 6% of residential services each month, with 5% of homes registering a backflow each year.
United States • Opportunities: – On Line Testing Management – Backflow Theft Web Site – Education – teach the tester how to educate the business and home owner
South America • Issues: – Rarely used – Some reliance on Air Gaps to protect potable water supplies – Limited use of more sophisticated valves on fire protection systems
Europe • Standards: 1. For each country in the European Union, backflow preventers must be certified to at least two standards: • EN 12729 -2002 (European Norm) • Various national certification requirements which differ from country to country 2. Prior to the publication of the European Norm in 2002, certification was required to each country and to separate performance standards
Europe • Enforcement: – Varies greatly from country to country as well as by size of the water authority – Mandatory enforcement across entire countries is rare – Generally, enforcement is weak • Initial and Annual testing: – – Again varies from country to country Some areas of France require field testing 2 times per year Italy – no field testing required United Kingdom – annual testing required
European backflow preventers
China • Standards – ambitious goals set 4 -5 years ago: 1. National Standard PRC: – GB 50015 -2003 Code for design of building water supply and drainage requires that all cross connections must have backflow preventer installed. – GB/T 25178 -2010 Reduced-Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly published at the end of 2010 2. China Association for Engineering Construction Standardization – CECS 184: 2005 Technical specification for prevention of backflow pollution in water supply system 3. China Institute of Building Standard Design& Research – 05 S 108 Installation of Backflow Preventers
China • Enforcement: – There is a national standard requiring backflow on all commercial pressurized systems, as well as a performance standard for Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Preventers – However enforcement is up to the local authority and inconsistent at best • Other Issues: – Initial and Annual testing is virtually non-existent – Low street water pressure issues – Valves that are installed may not actually work
Chinese backflow preventers
Israel • Standards: – Products tested per the Standards Institute of Israel – Performance standard is similar to US standards (ASSE) – Each model and size must be submitted for testing – Approval granted by the Ministry of Health
Israel • Enforcement: – Generally strong enforcement concerning drinking water and fire protection applications – Enforced on a regional level (by city) • Initial and Annual testing: – All backflow must be tested after initial installation as well as annually
Israeli backflow preventers
Middle East (excl. Israel) • No “local” certification except for fire protection in certain countries • Primarily follow US Standards – specs may include ASSE, USC, UL, FM • All major projects (airports, high-rise, etc) include backflow – although contractors may try to eliminate or downsize to reduce costs • Enforcement - none • Initial and Annual testing – none
Common Market Themes • High cost of programs vs. the perceived benefit • Pressure loss is an issue in many regions • Freeze protection • Corrosion resistance • Theft prevention • Internal protection • Space limitations • Ease of installation
Zurn Wilkins Strategy • Low cost maintenance (LCA) • Focus on opening flow curves • Ease of maintenance/winterization • Stainless steel and composites • Reduced footprint and vertical designs • Retrofit solutions • Push fit and press fit connections
Product Innovation • Challenge - Backflow Theft • Solution - Camouflage
Product Innovation • Challenge – Corrosion Resistance • Solution – Stainless Steel Backflow
Product Innovation • Challenge – High Life Cycle Costs • Solution – Simple designs and fewer parts to reduce costs • Relief Valve parts from 23 to 22 to 13 parts over three generations
Summary • North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Israel lead the world in standards and enforcement • We need to continue to promote the need for backflow prevention outside our boarders • Protecting drinking water is a worldwide concern, especially in underdeveloped countries • Cost reduction and technology are vital • Education is the key
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