Today, South Jersey Backflow was in Atlantic City, NJ, providing backflow testing and maintenance services at the Atlantic City Wastewater Treatment Plant, which processes large volumes of water from both residential and commercial properties in the area. The backflow preventer in question was a Zurn Wilkins 975XL Reduced Pressure Zone Assembly (RPZ), installed to prevent contaminants from potentially flowing back into the municipal water supply in case of pressure loss in the wastewater treatment system.

Initial Inspection and Testing

The Zurn Wilkins 975XL RPZ is located in an above-ground housing unit next to the treatment plant’s main valve assembly. During our visual inspection, we noted:

• No visible damage to the assembly or its components.
• Minor rust accumulation around the relief valve, typical of outdoor exposure to the elements.
• Shutoff valves in good working condition, though the relief valve was slightly stiff due to its occasional use.

We proceeded with the full backflow preventer test:

1. Check Valve #1 – Passed, holding at 3.4 PSI.
2. Check Valve #2 – Passed, maintaining 3.2 PSI.
3. Relief Valve – Passed, opening at 2.4 PSI.

Preventive Maintenance

Since the backflow preventer passed all necessary test parameters, we carried out routine maintenance to ensure its continued performance:

• Flushed the relief valve to remove rust and debris.
• Cleaned the check valve seats to prevent wear and maintain proper sealing.
• Lubricated the shutoff valve stems to make operation smoother.

Final Steps and Certification

After confirming the system was in compliance, we:

• Filed the official compliance report with the Atlantic City Public Works Department.
• Provided a copy of the results to the wastewater treatment plant’s maintenance team.
• Scheduled the next annual test to ensure ongoing performance.

Final Recommendations

Before leaving, we advised the plant’s maintenance team to:

1. Inspect the system every six months, as outdoor units are prone to wear from exposure to weather conditions.
2. Clear any vegetation around the housing unit to ensure proper air circulation and prevent potential blockages.
3. Monitor pressure levels in the system regularly to detect any early signs of backflow issues.

Another successful service job by South Jersey Backflow, ensuring that Atlantic City’s wastewater treatment plant remains compliant and protects the integrity of its water systems!