What is National Backflow Prevention Day?
Since 2021, August 16th has marked National Backflow Prevention Day.
On this day, we celebrate the technologies and professionals that protect the safety and quality of our potable water supply.
Embracing advanced backflow prevention technologies is not just about compliance with backflow codes and regulations; it's about safeguarding our communities and ensuring the purity of our water supply for generations to come – together.
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A Turning Point in Water Safety
Long before backflow prevention became standard, one event exposed just how dangerous uncontrolled water flow could be.
During the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair, two hotels sharing a water supply unknowingly experienced a reversal in flow caused by a cross-connection. Contaminated water carrying amoebic dysentery spread throughout their plumbing systems, affecting countless guests.
200 people became severely ill, and 98 of them ultimately lost their lives. This tragic story continues to be a driving factor in backflow innovation.
As we engineer each new generation of valve, and each new connected feature, we remember that backflow prevention, at the heart of it, saves lives.
Join us in celebrating National Backflow Prevention Day!
Get involved and explore the materials below to support your efforts and amplify the message within your community.
Celebrate with Others
On National Backflow Prevention Day, we come together to raise awareness of the critical role backflow prevention plays in protecting public health, and we'd like your help in spreading the word by providing special media kits.
Explore Promo KitsRegister for the Webinar
Register for the Backflow 101 educational webinar to build a strong foundation in backflow prevention. You’ll learn the core causes of backflow, key connection types, and how modern solutions enhance system protection and reliability. Complete the full session to earn PDH credit.
Registration Opens Soon
Learn and Earn with Backflow Training Courses
New training opportunities are on the way. Stay tuned for upcoming courses designed to help you strengthen your backflow knowledge—plus earn tokens along the way for a chance to win exclusive prizes.
Start Learning and EarningHonoring the Backflow Hero Award
The Backflow Hero Award celebrates excellence in protecting water quality and safety. As part of this celebration, we proudly highlight the award's significance and recognize those selected to receive this distinguished honor.
Learn More About the Backflow Hero AwardDownload Free Assets to Help Celebrate National Backflow Prevention Day
Want More Information on Backflow?
Check out the The Backflow Hub
Learn About Backflow Prevention - Despite our best efforts, there will always be an underlying threat to these safety standards, and we're here to help educate the importance of preventing backflow.
Explore Upcoming News and Events - Check out the latest backflow announcements, watch expert-led webinars, and see what trade shows we will be attending.
Browse Our Backflow Resource Library - View and download our extensive list of resources, specification sheets, FAQs, videos and more.
Trusted Backflow Brands from Watts
Watts, Ames, Febco, and Syncta bring together decades of engineering expertise to deliver dependable backflow prevention solutions. Designed to safeguard potable water, these brands help customers meet safety standards while ensuring long-term performance.