All City of Galesburg water customers will soon receive a survey from Aqua Backflow, which is scheduled to be mailed on Friday, January 16, 2026. All water suppliers are required to conduct this survey every three years to audit any potential health hazards from individual plumbing systems that could contaminate the public water supply. While not common, some plumbing components may require backflow prevention devices to prevent the reversal of water flow, which could carry contaminants from businesses or homes back into the public water supply. This quick and easy survey gauges any plumbing components which would require backflow prevention systems.
Upon receiving the survey, citizens can simply scan the QR code or visit TrackMyBackflow.com to complete the brief survey, utilizing the unique site ID provided on the postcard. Aqua Backflow is contracted to administer the backflow program for the City of Galesburg and serves as the primary point of contact for any questions.
Please follow the directions on the notification card for completion of the online survey. There is no cost, and it takes only a few moments to complete. Surveys should be completed within 30 days of receipt of the notice.
Backflow Program Overview
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) requires every water supplier to develop and implement a comprehensive cross connection control (backflow) program for the elimination of existing cross connections and prevention or protection from all future cross connections. Regulations are in place to protect our drinking water systems.
Backflow preventers and/or potentially hazardous connections may be found at any number of locations in our water systems. Typically, most commercial customers will have backflow preventers just after the water meter and also on wet fire protection systems. They may also have lawn irrigation systems which require backflow protection. Note too, that there may be other water connections throughout commercial or industrial facilities that also require backflow protection.
In addition to lawn irrigation systems and wet fire protection systems, residential backflow preventers may exist or be required on hot water heating (boiler) systems, swimming pool fills, water features, etc. Backflow preventers may also be required if there is another water source on the site such as a well, pond, river, etc.
Backflow preventers are the property of the water customer, and the responsibility lies with the customer for annual testing and maintenance. The water customer must contract with a licensed tester to perform the required annual tests and any necessary repairs. Most local plumbers are certified to test backflow preventers.
The City of Galesburg utilizes Aqua Backflow, located in Elgin, IL, as the contractor for backflow program administration. This organization specializes in comprehensive cross-connection control program management. Please be advised that property owners requiring backflow protection may receive compliance notifications, including requirements for testing, repairs, or installations, directly from Aqua Backflow. Inquiries regarding these notices may be directed to 847-742-2296 or info@aquabackflow.com.
The Galesburg Cross Connection Control Program serves to safeguard public health and ensures the integrity of the municipal water supply. Cooperation with program requirements and timely responses to information requests from Aqua Backflow are essential to maintaining these safety standards.
***Courtesy of Galesburg Water Superintendent, Mike Mackey***
