1 minute read
n Coming Events Celebrating National Backflow Prevention Day
from July/Aug 2023
The third annual National Backflow Prevention Day returns on Aug. 16. The day is dedicated to recognizing the importance of backflow prevention, cross-connection control and those who install, maintain, and test backflow preventers.
National Backflow Prevention Day was first announced in March 2021 by Watts Water Technologies to appreciate backflow prevention and cross-connections control. To celebrate this year, Watts is hosting a new webinar to spread awareness and celebrate the day. The “New Tech in Backflow Prevention: The Future is Now” webinar will be hosted on Aug. 16 at 12 p.m. EST and live-streamed across social media at 2 p.m.
“Backflow prevention was born from the need to keep people and water safe. With new, connected technologies, users are not only protected from backflow events, but are empowered to anticipate and avoid water damage and water waste, along with the downtime and hassle that accompanies them,” explains Watts on its website.
The significance of celebrating National Backflow Prevention Day, specifically on Aug. 16, is due to a hotel incident in Chicago back in 1933, which saw 98 deaths and 2,000 illnesses due to poor plumbing practices, contaminated water mains, and sewage systems in two hotels. As one of the first documented backflow incidents, it resulted in the founding of the Foundation for CrossConnection Control and Hydraulic Research and new safe plumbing regulations for backflow assemblies.
National Backflow Prevention Day was first created in 2021 to recognize the importance this type of technology can have within a building.
National Backflow Prevention Day aims to acknowledge the importance of backflow prevention, educate the public on how this life-saving technology is used, and recognize the water quality professionals responsible for installing and maintaining backflow preventers.
To celebrate the day, social media users can use “#BackFlowDay.” Watts will also offer two Watts Works online learning promotions throughout August.
