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Backflow

Backflow is the flow of water in the wrong direction from a customer's water system into the public water supply. Backflow may be caused by back pressure or back siphonage.

A backflow preventer is a mechanical device that prevents water from entering the public water supply. When an irrigation system using reclaimed, pond or well water is present, backflow devices are required on the JEA drinking water line to prevent water from these auxiliary systems from contaminating the public drinking supply. 

Residential Backflow Preventer

Residential Backflow Prevention Devices

Since 1990, the Florida Building Code has required that residential irrigation systems have a backflow preventer. The state requires that homeowners have the device tested every two years to prevent contamination of the public drinking water.
Learn more about Residential Backflow Requirements

Commercial Backflow Prevention Devices

The City of Jacksonville Building Inspection Division has required the installation of backflow preventers on all commercial fire sprinkler service lines, irrigation lines and potable water lines. Commercial assemblies must be tested every year.
Learn more about Commercial Backflow Requirements

Qualified Backflow Prevention Vendors List

JEA’s qualified vendor program is offered to customers for their convenience in choosing a vendor who meets our requirements to test, repair, replace and install backflow preventers.
Find a JEA Qualified Backflow Prevention Vendor

Forms

For More Information

Contact JEA's Cross Connection Control Department

Related Links

  • Water Supply

    JEA delivers more than 110 million gallons of water each day to our customers. We regularly test the water we send to customers to ensure its safety, as outlined by federal and state regulatory agencies. Our state-of-the-art technology monitors our water supply grid to bring fresh, clean water to your home. We work hard to help our customers learn how to conserve Northeast Florida's most precious resource, the Floridan aquifer, so that we may continue to benefit from it for generations to come.

  • Wastewater

    JEA's sewer collection system handles more than 70 million gallons of wastewater every day. Our waste collection and treatment system consists of more than 3,700 miles of collection lines, over 1,200 pumping stations and fourteen sewer treatment plants.

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