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.y <br />Reduce Backflow at Cross Connections <br />Bacteria and chemicals can enter the drinking water supply from <br />polluted water sources in a process called backflow. Backilow occurs at <br />connection points between drinking water and non -drinking water <br />supplies (cross connect -tons) due to water pressure differences. <br />For example, if a person sprays an herbicide with a garden hose, the <br />herbicide could enter the home's plumbing and then enter the drinking <br />water supply. This could happen if the water pressure in the hose is <br />greater than the water pressure in the home's pipes. <br />Property owners can help prevent backflow Pay attention to cross <br />connections, such as garden hoses. <br />The Minnesota Department of Health and 4merican Water Works <br />Association recommend the following: <br />• Do not submerge hoses in buckets, pools, tubs, or sinks. <br />• Keep the end of hoses clear of possible contaminants. <br />• Do not use spray attachments without a backflow prevention <br />device. Attach these devices to threaled faucets. Such devices <br />are inexpensive and available at hardware stores. <br />• Use a licensed plumber to install backflow rrevention devices. <br />• Maintain air gaps between hose - is and Irgutds. An air gap is <br />a vertical space between thr ,; at-:i outlet and the flood level of a <br />fixture (e.g. the space be' :% a wall -mounted faucet and the <br />sink rim) It must be a� r..... the diameter of the water <br />supply outlet, and r::st one .. <br />• Commercial prop ,.y owners shoo..: d, .w lop a plan for flushing <br />or cleaning r. -,!er systems to minimize ^ v • .1t of drawing <br />contan ;tiaras into uncontaminated areas. <br />s Beware of Water Treatment ScamsP <br />False clainis, deceptive sales pitches, , v: tie td;ttr s ::,,ve L ell used ; e water tent companies Every person has a <br />right to decide what is best for themselves and their family, and you may r, it additional water treatment to further <br />lower the levels of contaminants of emerging concern, chlorine, and other :.s in your water However, you should be <br />cautious about purchasing a water treatment system If you are considering thL ase of a home water treatment system, <br />please read the Minnesota Department of Healtt -"endations online at W Beware of Water Treatment Scams <br />Lhttps://www health state inn us/communities/em __ ny .`-ortsheet/beware hi <br />Home Water Treatment <br />overview <br />Most Minnesotans, wheth•rr they drink from a public water <br />supply or a private well, have drinking water that does not <br />need treatment for health poitechon. Water treatment <br />units are best fnr improving the physical qualities of water — <br />the tasty, r : P. r. <br />r <br />The Pros and Cons of Home Water Softening <br />hen considering whether to use a water softener, contact your public water <br />'em to find out if you have hard water. Many systems treat for hardness, <br />•tg water softeners unnecessary <br />W eter softeners are a water treatment device They remove water hardness <br />(dissolved calcium and magnesium). Water softeners must be installed and <br />maintained properly to be safe and effective. Learn more at Home Water <br />Qfte_ningthttps.//www.health.state.mn us/communities/environment/ <br />water/factsheet/softening html <br />No vngle treatment proces, ran remove all • ur,stances in <br />The benefits of soft water include <br />water. If you decide to install a home water treatment unit, <br />• Increased efficiency for soaps <br />choose a unit certified and labeled r : reduce or remove the <br />and detergents <br />substance of concern. If there is ninie than one substance <br />• Reduction in mineral staining <br />you tV.wl to remove from your water, you may need to <br />on fixtures and in pipes. <br />combir. .. ­ral treatment processes into one system. <br />• A potential increase in the <br />lifespan of water heaters <br />Even well-dc,, q^ : I treatment- systems can fail. You should <br />continue to test your &-tiit, ng water after you install a <br />treatment unit. All hnme water treatment units need regular <br />maintenance to work correctly. Regular maintenance may <br />include changing filters, disinfecting the unit, or cleaning <br />scale buildup. Always install, clean, and maintain a 0 <br />treatment unit according to the manufacturer's I <br />recommendations. <br />Learn more at Home Water Treatment (httos:// <br />www.heaIth.state.mn.LIS/COrYIMunities/environriient/waterl <br />fact sheet/ho metreatment.Intint) <br />The drawbacks of soh water include: <br />• Operation and maintenance <br />costs. <br />• More sodium People on low - <br />sodium diets should consult a <br />doctor if they plan to regularly <br />consume softened water <br />• The production of salt brine as <br />a byproduct This can have <br />negative effects at wastewater <br />treatment plants and on <br />ecosystems. Reduce the amount of salt brine used or install a salt -free <br />system <br />Page 7 <br />