Help Promote the Importance of Backflow Prevention on August 16

National Backflow Prevention DayNational Backflow Prevention Day was created in March 2021 by Watts Water Technologies to highlight the importance of backflow prevention and cross-connection control. It is celebrated annually on August 16.

In 1933, two popular hotels in Chicago shared a rooftop water source for their potable water. On August 16, both hotels were filled to capacity thanks to the Chicago World Fair, which attracted tourists from far and wide. Unfortunately, unsafe cross connections led to a dysentery contamination in the shared water supply for the hotels. Overall, 2,000 people became ill and 98 people lost their lives, making this one of the deadliest backflow incidents in America’s history. Although backflow incidents have continued to be an issue in the United States, modern regulations and backflow assemblies have been crucial in preventing water safety disasters like what took place on August 16, 1933.

Watts encourages all industry professionals to join them on August 16 in acknowledging the importance of backflow prevention, educating the public on how this life-saving technology is used, and recognizing the water quality professionals responsible for installing and maintaining backflow preventers.

Source: Watts Water Technologies

Want news delivered right to your inbox?

Sign up for our free newsletter, delivered every other Thursday.

Scroll to Top