In Blaine, the partnership between the city and BSI Online is setting a course for pure water with its backflow program. According to the city's announcement, this initiative is in full compliance with the MN Plumbing Code to ensure that backflow prevention devices installed since January 23, 2016, undergo annual checks. Such devices are commonly found in residential properties with lawn irrigation systems or boilers that are linked to drinking water supplies.
Homeowners and businesses sporting these devices won't be left to their own devices; they're set to receive annual reminders for testing from BSI Online. It's an effort to combat backflow events—those moments when water pressure dips and the water flow might reverse, leading to potential contamination from substances like fertilizers or, heaven forbid, animal feces.
A backflow presents more than just an inconvenience; it embodies a critical threat to the purity of our municipal water. Backflow prevention devices stand on the front lines, ensuring that "particulates that are in your lawn can seep into the underground pipes and enter the drinking water supply," as per the city's guidance.
Not just anyone can test these devices; it takes a special breed. Certified by the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) and licensed as a Backflow Prevention Tester by the State of Minnesota, these professionals are the barrier between Blaine's residents and the risks of water supply contamination. A list of registered testers is made accessible for all those prompted by BSI Online, clearing the way for necessary safety checks without the hassle.
