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What are the Dangers of Backflow?

Backflow occurs when contaminated water flows backward into the clean water supply, posing serious health risks. Events like boil water advisories and do not drink orders are often the result of a backflow incidents!

In 2024, Grand Prairie, TX experienced a massive backflow incident when a firefighting foam entered the water supply. No one was harmed, but the personal and financial impact were staggering:

  • 2-day city-wide water use ban
  • 60,000 residents without tap water
  • 637,000 bottles of water distributed
  • $100,000+ in remediation & lost business revenue

Backflow preventers are devices installed to stop this from happening, but most homeowners are unaware they exist and do not understand their purpose. This lack of awareness leads many to question the need for these safety measures, weakening support for regulations that protect public drinking water systems. To explore how awareness affects this perception, we surveyed 1,000 single-family homeowners on public water systems across the U.S. on what they know about backflow.


Survey Results

Key Takeaway: Most homeowners are unfamiliar with backflow prevention

Most homeowners are unfamiliar with backflow prevention

Protecting the public water supply is everyone’s responsibility, and homeowners play a critical role by ensuring their backflow preventers are tested and maintained regularly. However, most homeowners have never even heard of these critical safety devices. This lack of awareness underscores the need for increased education and outreach to ensure homeowners understand the vital role backflow preventers play in maintaining safe drinking water.

Key Takeaway: Once educated, homeowners demonstrate increased support for backflow

Most homeowners are unfamiliar with backflow prevention

Once homeowners are given easy-to-understand information about backflow prevention, they recognize its importance. 73% of homeowners agree that backflow preventers should be necessary, and 71% believe they should be tested at least annually. Education drives awareness, and awareness leads to action—demonstrating that effective messaging can bridge the awareness gap and help turn confusion into commitment.

Key Takeaway: Homeowners feel underinformed on the importance of backflow prevention

Most homeowners are unfamiliar with backflow prevention

Most homeowners feel left in the dark by their municipality. This knowledge gap presents a clear opportunity. By meeting homeowners where they are with simple, easy-to-understand information, we can build the awareness needed to protect backflow prevention programs.

Educating Homeowners in a Relatable Way

Addressing the awareness gap in a format homeowners want to watch is vital to amplifying the importance of backflow prevention. This video was created to offer an easy-to-understand, non-technical explanation of backflow in a format that resonates with homeowners.

Share this video with friends, family, and neighbors to help spread this message nationally and protect our public water supply.

Helpful Resources to Spread Backflow Education

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Educational Resources

Download & share survey results, infographics, resources for municipalities, videos, and more!
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Backflow Education

Backflow Hub

Learn more about backflow prevention technology.
Learn More About Backflow
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National Backflow Prevention Day

Celebrate the technologies and professionals that protect the safety and quality of our potable water supply.
Join the Celebration

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About Watts Water Technologies

With over 150 years of innovation in water safety, Watts Water Technologies is the industry leader in backþow prevention. Our best-in-class backþow solutions ensure the highest standards of safety and reliability, setting the benchmark for quality and performance.