Rick Fields Predicted a 'Smart' Future for Backflow Preventers

Rick Fields predicted the future of backflow preventers: smarter tech, composite materials, real-time alert and better theft resistance, which are all now reality.

If you're not familiar with him, Rick Fields' commitment to water quality ran deep. As a college student, he got his start working for a pipe, valve and fitting supplier. While there, backflow preventers caught his attention.

“[Backflow prevention systems] serve a genuine purpose and are there to protect the sanctity of the drinking water system,” he said. “What could be more important than that?”

Fields went on to build a distinguished career at Zurn Industries where he eventually served as the Director of Fire Protection before retiring in 2019. The firm provides engineered water solutions for the commercial, municipal and industrial markets.

Throughout his carrier Fields remained fascinated by backflow prevention devices. He not only watched the technology evolve — he also anticipated the industry's shift toward smarter, more connected systems.

Backflow preventers, considered life safety products, play a key role in the provision of clean water to citizens. If they don't work, dire consequences can result.

From the beginning of his career, Fields recognized the importance of these assemblies. "I realized that these products are far more important than I ever imagined," he said. “I want to work with that."

Future Improvements to Prevent Backflow Contamination

In 2018, Fields made his predictions for the backflow preventers market. We're now seeing these new improvements for backflow prevention devices like:

• “Incredible gains” in performance, reliability and material improvements. Now buyers can select from stainless steel bodies and composite check materials.

• Backflow prevention systems typically use a rubber seal to seal off the checks. The relative cost of backflow preventers has dropped significantly over the years because the valves are so much easier to service. Repair kits cost less because the designs are simpler.

• Backflow prevention devices created out of composite materials is good news for municipal water system owners… and bad news for thieves.

• Most backflow preventers under two inches are made from bronze. Copper, a natural mineral, is a main component of bronze. (When the price of copper increased from $2.75 to $3 a pound, BP thefts increased, Fields said.)

• Wilkins developed a composite body that is extremely durable and withstands pressure. That's good news for the users and bad news for thieves because it has no value to them outside of its intended use.

• Housing the device in an above-ground backflow protection enclosure is more popular.

Obtain Real-Time Data for Better Backflow Prevention Solutions

In addition to improving materials, some advanced backflow preventers are now part of the Internet of Things. According to Jen Clark of IBM, the Internet of Things is the concept of connecting any device (so long as it has an on/off switch) to the Internet and to other connected devices.

Improved connectivity of backflow prevention devices offers more peace of mind for both public and private potable water system owners.

Zurn is a leader in technological advancements. It launched its first Connected Backflow in 2018. It featured an integral wireless relief valve monitor that provides high hazard protection for portable applications. And it transmited real-time relief water discharge data 24/7 via a secure web portal.

If there's a problem with water contamination and water safety, owners would receive immediate text or email alerts. That's good news for managers of facilities where undetected discharges could cause catastrophic flooding and water damage.

Managers of hundreds of facilities may appreciate tech like this. For example, lights and HVAC may be “smart connected” from corporate headquarters. These managers want the same connectivity with their plumbing systems. After all, flooding results in huge costs.

The Connected Backflow product allowed managers to control the backflow prevention assemblies from one central location, Fields said.

As time goes on, property owners at many levels will seek more instantaneous control of their systems to deliver potable water supplies. Besides concerns about protecting water, owners wish to reduce their liability.

Fields explained, “If a property owner installs backflow preventers in accordance with the rules and is in compliance, the individual has mitigated their risk.”

What's Ahead in the Next Decade for Backflow Prevention Devices?

Fields believes the industry will be “dramatically different” in the next 10 years. “I think you'll start to see more application-specific backflow prevention systems applications,” he said.

He believes a handful of applications will perform differently for irrigation, fire sprinkler systems and plumbing uses. Check out the diverse demands on potable water supplies:

• Plumbing systems perform around the clock and are always using water

• Irrigation systems work intermittently and aren't used 98% of the time

• Fire protection systems aren't used at all unless there's a fire; then the reduced pressure zone valve should open completely with minimum impact on flow or pressure

In addition, smarter, more connected devices will predict failure and then provide self-diagnostic solutions in addition to predictive maintenance reminders.

Materials will continue to improve and users will pay more for water quality, Fields predicts.

Tough Approval Process for Regulatory Compliance

Manufacturing backflow preventers requires patience. Fields once said, “The testing protocol is extremely arduous.” In his experience, for challenging cases, it may take longer to get a new backflow product approved than a drug through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The process from product design to market may take three years.

The Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research, a Division of the University of Southern California, requires stringent lab testing and then field testing. Each size and product type must be analyzed.

Once all is approved, USC tests production samples to make sure they are identical to the product they tested. New backflow prevention solutions may be sold to customers only after USC and other agencies grant approval.

Advice for Design Engineers and Water Utilities

Backflow preventers play a key role in protecting water quality, yet they often don't get proper attention unless there's a failure and contamination results.

Fields wishes design engineers knew that 85% of the cost of a backflow preventer is its ongoing repair and maintenance, not just the high initial installation cost.

Fields contends that there's a “huge difference” among brands, but design engineers may believe they're equal because they all have the same approval.

In an ideal world, water utilities would promote comprehensive backflow programs to protect their water supply and prevent water contamination from the point of treatment to the point of use.

“Our modern plumbing systems are designed from point A to point B,” Fields said. “Reversal of flow has dire consequences.”

Protect Water Resource and Water Safety

Many citizens don't realize that backflow preventers play a key role in water quality and stopping contaminated water from reaching the potable water supply system.

“The community leadership and citizens need to understand how to protect their drinking water,” Fields emphasized.

With the advances in reliable backflow prevention solutions, that process will become easier, benefiting municipal water supply system owners and citizens.