Important Irrigation Installation Update

General Information about Backflow Prevention
People often think water travels in only one direction through the distribution system, but under certain pressure conditions, water can actually travel backwards. If a customer's water supply line is connected to a substance not fit for drinking and the line is unprotected, then the unfit substance could travel backwards through the water distribution system.

This is known as backflow.

Consider a hose submerged in a bucket of garden chemicals. If the water pressure in your area becomes lower than normal, the chemicals in the bucket can flow backwards through the hose and into your drinking water supply.

Backflow Brochure (pdf)

The key to protecting your safety is having proper backflow measures in place.

All backflow prevention devices must be tested once a year.  Click here to see a list of approved testers (pdf) - (updated monthly).


Backflow Prevention Device Links
All industrial, commercial, and irrigation customers are required by city ordinance to install and maintain backflow prevention devices at every service connection to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities.

DOWNLOAD Documents, Information & Requirements
      (AutoCAD Downloads included)

Industrial and commercial construction projects

Link to City of Charlotte code of ordinances

Residential customers with irrigation systems

Winterize your backflow assembly


Land Use & Environmental Services Agency.  Other links within LUESA include code enforcement, reference desk, and Plans Submittal Requirements - Commercial.

Fire hydrant program for temporary water service - The backflow prevention program issues permits for customers to obtain water for non-drinking use from a public fire hydrant safely and legally.

meter dismantlement application

For more information about backflow prevention, contact us by email or call 704/399-2426 and ask for someone in Backflow.