Meters and Backflows

How to Read Your Meter

  • Flow Indicator: Used when measuring very low flow through the meter
  • Meter Register: Every turn of a number in the first black register measures 10 gallons; the second, 100 gallons. Every turn in the white register measures 1000 gallons.
  • Placeholder: Indicated by (0)
  • Meter Dial: Spins when water is flowing through the meter
  • Leak Indicator: If no water is being used inside or outside, this indicator should not be moving. If it is rotating, you may have a leak.

What is that "thing" in my yard?

The pipe sticking up in your yard is a reduced-pressure backflow preventer. The backflow preventer protects the public drinking water system from the unintentional reversal of water flow through a cross-connection. The RP must be installed a minimum of twelve (12) inches above final finished grade to a maximum of thirty (30) inches as measured from the lowest point of the assembly.

What is backflow?

Backflow is a reversal of the flow of water through a cross-connection, pulling undesirable water into the drinking water supply system.

Backflow Prevention Device video

What do I do if the backflow preventer is leaking?

If water is leaking from the pipe, call the Water Department immediately at 239- 252-6245. It could be leaking because of backflow or the backflow preventer may need service.

What do I do if I accidentally run over or damage the backflow preventer?

If you run it over, please call the Water Department immediately: 239-252-6245. Even if it looks fine, it could be leaking below ground. If the backflow preventer needs to be replaced, the Water Department will charge you the cost of the device plus the installation time. You may need a plumber to reconnect your water line on the downstream connection depending on the severity of the damage.

What is cross-connection?

Any connection between the potable (drinking) water supply and any other source of water is a cross-connection and has the potential to contaminate the drinking water supply through a process known as backflow. Some common things we do around the house and yard can create a cross-connection. For instance, without the proper vacuum breaker installed, leaving a garden hose submerged in a swimming pool is a cross-connection. The Collier County Water Department has a responsibility to provide water that is safe to drink under all foreseeable circumstances. That is why we take precautions to protect the drinking water system against backflow.

What is done to a cross‐connection?

Having a cross-connection on your property not only creates a potential health hazard for you and your family, it could result in the discontinuance of your water service. Florida Administrative Code 62-555.360(3) states that, upon discovery of a prohibited cross-connection, the Water Department shall either eliminate the cross-connection by installing an appropriate backflow prevention device or shall discontinue service until the contaminant source is eliminated.

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