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Approved Backflow Preventers

Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB)

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  • An AVB must be installed on each irrigation zone. Control valves (on/off valves) are not allowed downstream of (after) an AVB.
  • Each AVB must be installed a minimum of 6" above the highest point of water in the zone it serves.
  • No chemical or fertilizer may be introduced into a sprinkler system equipped with AVBs.
  • No pumps or back pressure sources are permitted on downstream side of (after) an AVB.

Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker

Pressure Vacuum Breaker Assembly (PVB)*

Must test every three years or after installation, repair, replacement

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  • Only one PVB is required to serve the whole system. Control valves may be located downstream of (after) the PVB.
  • PVBs must be installed a minimum of 12" above the highest point of water they serve.
  • No chemical or fertilizer may be introduced into an irrigation system equipped with PVBs.
  • No pumps or back pressure sources are permitted on downstream side of (after) a PVB.

Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker

Reduced Pressure Backflow Assembly (RPBA)*

Must test every three years or after installation, repair, replacement

image of Reduced Pressure Backflow Assembly
  • Only one RPBA is required to serve the whole system; control valves can be located downstream of (after) the RPBA.
  • RPBAs must be installed a minimum of 12" above ground level.
  • In a RPBA-equipped system, fertilizer and other agricultural chemicals may be introduced downstream of (after) the RPBA.

Reduced Pressure Backflow Assembly

Water Conservation
Backflow Prevention for Lawn Sprinkler Systems
OverviewRequirements> Approved Backflow Preventers