What are the sewer backflow rules for splash pads?

Backflow prevention is a critical health-code requirement for splash pads. The risk: a sudden pressure drop in the city water supply could siphon contaminated pad water back into the potable supply, or sewer backup could push sewage onto the pad surface. Standard protections: the city water supply line feeding the pad has a reduced-pressure-zone (RPZ) backflow assembly, sized to the line and tested annually by a state-certified tester. The pad drain connects to sanitary sewer through an air gap, never a direct connection. Most jurisdictions prohibit discharge of pad water to storm drains because chlorine and other treatment chemicals would enter natural waterways untreated. Some states require a separate trench drain or sand filter before sanitary sewer discharge. Annual backflow test results must be filed with the local water utility — failure to file shuts the pad down until compliance is restored.