Today, South Jersey Backflow was called out to Vineland, NJ, to conduct a backflow preventer test and maintenance service at a water treatment facility operated by the Vineland Municipal Utilities Authority (VMUA). Given the critical nature of the facility, ensuring the backflow preventer functions properly is essential to prevent contamination of the city’s drinking water.

The unit we serviced today was a Watts 009M2 QT Reduced Pressure Zone Assembly (RPZ), installed on a chemical feed line used for water treatment. This backflow preventer protects against the backflow of disinfectants and other chemicals that are injected into the municipal supply.

Initial Inspection and Testing

The 009M2 QT RPZ was installed in a secured pump house at the treatment plant. During our visual inspection, we observed:

• Slight mineral buildup on the relief valve outlet.
• Check valves and shutoff valves in good condition, with no visible corrosion.
• No signs of external leaks or pressure fluctuations.

We proceeded with a full backflow test:

1. Check Valve #1 – Passed, holding at 3.2 PSI.
2. Check Valve #2 – Passed, maintaining 2.7 PSI.
3. Relief Valve – Passed, opening at 2.3 PSI.

Preventive Maintenance

Although the system passed all tests, we performed routine maintenance to prevent long-term wear and tear:

• Flushed the relief valve to clear minor mineral deposits.
• Inspected and cleaned the check valve seats to ensure a tight seal.
• Lubricated shutoff valve stems to keep them operating smoothly.

Final Steps and Certification

With the RPZ confirmed to be in optimal working condition, we:

• Filed the official compliance report with the Vineland Municipal Utilities Authority.
• Provided a copy of the service log to the facility manager.
• Scheduled the next annual test to keep the system in compliance with state water safety regulations.

Final Recommendations

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

1. Inspect for mineral buildup every six months, as high mineral content in water treatment facilities can accelerate wear on backflow preventers.
2. Monitor system pressure differentials, as fluctuations could indicate a future issue with check valve performance.
3. Ensure redundancy in backflow protection, as facilities handling chemicals should always have backup measures in place.

Another critical job completed for South Jersey Backflow, keeping Vineland’s municipal water supply safe and free of contaminants!