What does backsiphonage in a water system refer to?

Backsiphonage in a water system refers to reverse flow caused by negative pressure in the plumbing system. This situation can occur when there is a sudden drop in water pressure, such as when a main water line breaks or during firefighting efforts. The negative pressure can create a vacuum that draws water from undesired sources, potentially including contaminated water or stagnant water found in storage tanks or basins, back into the clean water supply. This presents a significant risk of contaminating potable water systems. Understanding backsiphonage is critical for water operators because it underscores the importance of maintaining proper water pressure and implementing backflow prevention methods to protect public health.