Marana Water: Help us protect your drinking water

Published on August 16, 2023

MARANA- Marana Water is working to educate customers about Backflow Season and the importance of keeping contaminants out of the drinking water supply system.

Backflow is the reverse flow of water in the water system and it can be caused by back-pressure or back-siphonage. Backflow prevention devices or assemblies are used to protect potable drinking water from contaminants and pollutants.

These devices are typically found in commercial and industrial facilities as well as some residential communities. In Marana, backflow devices are required in the Gladden Farms and Rancho Marana areas where non-potable irrigation water is provided by the Cortaro-Marana Irrigation District, which requires a backflow assembly to prevent irrigation water from entering the drinking water supply.

Marana Water customers who have backflow devices are required to test the devices annually by a certified backflow tester that is registered with the water department.

"The water utility's responsibility is to provide notification for those tests and to abide by state and federal regulations as far as monitoring the program, inspecting and permitting new assemblies, and ensuring testers and their equipment is current," said Louis Valencia, Chief Water Quality Operator with Marana Water.

If a homeowner chooses to disconnect their backflow device, Valencia said they must prepare for a potentially higher water bill.

"That is an option they have. There is a process, a permit and a fee, but I need them to keep in mind that once that disconnection occurs and they try to connect to a potable side with irrigation water it could increase their water bill significantly," said Valencia.

Marana Water is urging those impacted by this to take the necessary steps to stay in compliance and help keep the drinking water clean in our community.

"Backflow is very important. It has saved many lives since its inception. That is why it is regulated so hard by the state and federal agencies and we do our best to make sure that we stay in compliance here in Marana for the safety of our water system and the public who uses it."

Learn more about backflow prevention