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1. Why do I need a backflow preventer?

To prevent actual or potential cross contamination into the public water system.

2. What is backflow or cross connection?

Examples include:

• Cross connection is any connection or possible connection between the drinking water system and any source of contamination
  • Cross connection can occur due to backpressure of backsiphonage
• Backflow is the reversed flow of contaminated water or other liquids into the drinking water
• Backsiphonage occurs when a partial vacuum causes the water flow to reverse and contaminates are siphoned or sucked into your drinking water
• Backpressure occurs when contaminants under pressure greater than the pressure in your drinking water system are pushed into your drinking water

3. What are the most common ways for cross connections to occur in a residential setting?

The most common ways include:

• Lawn chemicals backflow through the garden hose
• Backsiphonage of "blue water" from a toilet into the water supply
• Backpressure of boiler water into office building water supply
• Backflow from fire sprinkler system

4. Where can I find a backflow preventer?

Most common backflow preventers for household use can be found at a local hardware store. The following are some examples of what these devices look like (number 2 is the most common):

1. Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly (RPZ)
2. Hose bib vacuum breaker
3. Pipe applied atmospheric vacuum breaker
4. Wall hydrant with hose bib vacuum breaker
5. Pressure vacuum breaker
6. Double gate -double gate check assembly
7. Dual check valve

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1. Is Amelia’s water safe?

Amelia County drinking water is safe and meets all federal Environmental Protection (EPA) safety standards. As always, if customers have special health concerns, they may want to consider extra precautions.

2. Where does Amelia's water come from?

Amelia's water is provided by five ground water wells. The quality of your drinking water must meet state and federal requirements administered by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).

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1. My water is cloudy and is milky colored. What should I do?

This is typically air in the line. If you run your water for a short time, it should clear. If not, please call our office at 804-561-4565. If during non-business hours, please call 804-561-2118; this is the non-emergency number for the Sheriff's office.

2. My water has a reddish tint. What should I do?

The reddish tint is iron oxide from the water distribution piping. Sudden changes in the system, such as when a fire hydrant is opened, can stir up the iron oxide sediments and cause temporary discoloration. If you run your water for a short time, it should clear. If not, please call our office at 804-561-4565. If during non-business hours, please call 804-561-2118; this is the non-emergency number for the Sheriff's office.

We will send a crew to flush the line. County crews flush the lines through fire hydrants during the year to minimize the buildup of sediments, disinfectants are still present and the water is safe once it clears up.

3. The reddish water caused a load of clothes to be discolored. What should I do?

Call our office at 804-561-4565 and you will be able to pick up a special detergent to use. Use this product according to the directions, and this will remove discoloration from the clothes. Note: please keep the clothes wet until you can pick up the product.

4. I think I have a water leak, what should I do?

The homeowner is responsible for the pipes within the house, as well as the water service line from the house to the water meter box. If you think you have a leak you may request a leak investigation. You may contact our office at 804-561-4565. If you see water coming out of the ground near your water meter box please call our office at 804-561-4565. If during non-business hours, please call 804-561-2118; this is the non-emergency number for the Sheriff's office.

We will investigate this at no charge to you.

5. What is the best way to turn the water off at my house in an emergency or for repairs? How?

You can turn the water off inside your home/building at the main valve. The main valve is generally located where the water service enters the house/building. You should maintain this valve so it is easily accessed in case of an emergency. If you cannot turn your water off, and need emergency assistance please call our office at 804-561-4565. If during non-business hours, please call 804-561-2118; this is the non-emergency number for the Sheriff's office.

6. Whom should I call if I notice water running down the street?

If you notice an unusual discharge of water, whether it is in the street, from a meter, or a hydrant, call 804-561-4565 and a crew will be dispatched to investigate the situation and take the appropriate action.

7. Can I paint the fire hydrant near my home to make it more decorative?

No. The red color of county fire hydrants is designed to allow it to stand out from its surroundings and make it easily identified by the fire fighters. Also, the color on the top of the hydrant identifies the flow that can be expected from that particular hydrant.

8. There are colored paint marks in the grass and on the road in my neighborhood. What does this mean?

These paint marks are probably placed by Miss Utility locating crews, and they identify the location of underground utilities for scheduled excavation. Red indicates electric, orange indicates telephone or cable TV, yellow indicates gas, blue indicates water and green indicates sewer.

9. There is an Amelia County crew working in my neighborhood. They have cut and removed the roadway surface, but they are not digging. Why aren't they finishing the job?

State law forbids the opening of a trench without the underground utilities being marked. If there is a water main break, a call is made to Miss Utility for an emergency underground utility location at the site. It may take two to three hours for the locators to arrive because of a backlog of work. The crew may remain on the job site, and even start breaking pavement while waiting for the locators. As soon as the locators arrive, the work will resume.

10. Sewage is backing up into my basement, who should I call or what should I do?

We recommend you first contact our office at 804-561-4565. If during non-business hours, please call 804-561-2118; this is the non-emergency number for the Sheriff's office. We will flush the public serer you are connected to at no charge. This will help determine where the blockage is. If the blockage is in your house lateral we will advise that you call a plumber.

11. What can I do to prevent sewer back ups?

Be careful what you put down the drain. Several items that should not be put into your sewer system are paper towels, diapers, grease, and any item that will not dissolve. To read more about disposing of fats, oils and grease (FOG) and why you should not put then down the drain, visit our FOG page. In addition, visit our Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal page for more helpful tips on pipe health and preventing sewer back ups.