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Reduce Backflow at Cross Connections
<br />Bacteria and chernicals can enter the drinking water supply from
<br />polluted water sources in a process called backflow. Backflow occurs at
<br />connection points between drinking water and non -drinking water
<br />supplies (cross connections) 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 ,f 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 American 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 threaded faucets. Such devices
<br />are inexpensive and available at hardware stores.
<br />• Use a licensed plumber to install backflow prevention devices.
<br />• Maintain air gaps between hose �.,it - -is and liquids. An air gap is
<br />a vertical space between the wat�i outlet and the flood level of a
<br />fixture (e.g. the space between a wall -mounted faucet and the
<br />sink rim). It must be at i,t twice the diameter of the water
<br />supply outlet, and -i! ;ast one Inch
<br />• Commercial prop -• ty owners should rt, •,,•lop a plan for flushing
<br />or cleanin, ,ter systems to minimize t' k of drawing
<br />contamc;.trts into uncontaminated areas.
<br />Beware of Water Treatment Scams — ��✓
<br />1�,.
<br />I False clairns, deceptive sales pnehes, ur scare tactics have been used : e water tent companies Every person has a
<br />right to decide what is best for themselves and their (amity, and you may t• A additional water treatment to further
<br />410 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 the ase of a home water treatment system,
<br />please read the Minnesota Department of Healt' mendahons online at Vv Beware of Water Treatment Scams
<br />(htWs://wwwhealth state mn.us/communities/env _ me-"�rtsheetlbeware hi:
<br />Home Water Treatment
<br />Overview
<br />Most Minnesotans, whettiai :h.,�y drink from a public watei
<br />supply or a private well, hav•, !w,kotg water that does uut
<br />need treatment for health p, t,,. ti�,n Water treatment
<br />units are best for improving the ph":, it qualities of water —
<br />the taste. � ,r. _„ -
<br />No s•ngle treatment process can remove a i I tances tit
<br />If you decide to install a home water tre ,• ::• nt unit,
<br />choose a unit certified and label.,! to reduce or remove the
<br />,.u!„i,ince of concern. If there is imre than one substance
<br />yot. ,%.jilt to remove from your water, you may need to
<br />combo -ral treatment proce»es into one system.
<br />Even well-ci,,- i treatments systems can fad. You should
<br />continue to test y.nu a-Ohng water after you install a
<br />treatment unit. All hrnne 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
<br />treatment unit according to the manufacturer's
<br />recommendations.
<br />Learn more at Home Water Treatment (https://
<br />www.health.state.i-nn.Lis/comniuiiities/eiivironiiient/water/
<br />fact sheet/hometreatment.httnl)
<br />r
<br />f he 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 />ng water softeners unnecessary
<br />1h iter 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 />Softening Ihttt)s://www.heaIth.state,mn.us/communities/environment/
<br />water/factsheet1sciftening.htm
<br />The benefits of soft water include
<br />• Increased efficiency for soaps
<br />and detergents
<br />• Reduction in mineral staining
<br />on fixtures and ,n pipes.
<br />• A potential increase in the
<br />lifespan of water heaters
<br />The drawbacks of soft water include
<br />• Operation and maintenance
<br />osts
<br />• Moresodium People on low
<br />sodium diets should consult a
<br />doctor if they plan to regularly
<br />consume softened water
<br />• -he production of salt brine as
<br />d 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
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