Backflow Prevention and Customer Service Inspection (CSI)

Overview

Providing safe, reliable drinking water to New Braunfels is our highest priority. To protect the public water supply, New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) follows strict standards set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These regulations help prevent contamination caused by cross-connections and backflow hazards on private properties.

Property owners also play an important role in protecting the community’s water. If your property includes a potential source of contamination—such as an irrigation system, pool, or auxiliary water source—backflow prevention devices and inspections may be required to keep the public water system safe.

What Is Backflow?

Backflow occurs when water flows in the reverse direction, potentially pulling contaminants into the public water system. This can happen when there is a sudden drop in water pressure (back-siphonage) or when pressure on a private system exceeds the pressure in the public system (backpressure).

Without proper safeguards, backflow can introduce chemicals, bacteria, fertilizers, or other pollutants into drinking water—making it unsafe for the community.

What Is a Cross-Connection?

A cross-connection is any physical connection between a potable (safe drinking) water supply and a potential source of contamination. Examples include irrigation systems, fire sprinkler systems, pools, or private wells.

These connections must be properly protected using approved backflow prevention methods to ensure contaminants cannot enter the public water system.