Fluid Category 5 Water and Backflow Protection

In this article we will discuss Fluid Category 5 water, the applications involved, the associated hazards, regulations and solutions to prevent backflow from occurring in water systems.

Quick Links

Applications

A CAT 5 water booster set is a specialised pump system designed to increase the pressure and flow of water and prevent the backflow of potentially contaminated water. This type of water, often referred to as Fluid Category 5 or CAT 5 water, poses significant health risks due to the presence of pathogens, radioactive substances, or highly toxic materials. Such water is typically found in commercial settings like abattoirs, agricultural wash-down areas, and dental practices. CAT 5 prevention is crucial to prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the potable water supply, particularly through hose pipes.


CAT 5 water boosting systems are typically used in applications such as:

  • Wash down in bin stores
  • Vehicle washing
  • School laboratory water supplies
  • Abattoir cleaning
  • Hose pipes
  • Firefighting
  • Chemical processing
  • Waste water treatment

Regulations

CAT 5 water boosting systems must comply with strict regulations to ensure that there is no risk of back contamination to the mains water supply. To safeguard drinking water and prevent backflow in the UK, the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme was launched in 1999. Since 1999, commercial entities have been prohibited from directly connecting hose pipes to taps for cleaning machinery or vehicles and other similar uses. To prevent the contamination of the potable water supply, backflow prevention devices are essential to avoid the backward flow of bacteria through the hose pipe. Understanding and complying with these regulations is essential for ensuring the safety and quality of water supplied to residents and property users.

These regulations require that CAT 5 water boosting systems have a number of features, such as:

  • An air gap between the water supply and the water in the tank
  • A non-return valve to prevent backflow
  • A pressure switch to turn on the pump when the water pressure drops 

Choosing a CAT 5 Water Boosting System

Flowtech Water Solutions CAT 5 range is a series of compact and efficient water booster sets designed to increase water pressure in various settings, including domestic homes, commercial properties, and industrial facilities. Our CAT 5 booster set range offer the maximum in space saving solutions for boosting water in large domestic and commercial premises. Standard tank sizes from 600 litres designed to fit through standard doorway to 3000 litres with other sizes on application. The break tank in a CAT 5 Booster Set creates an air gap between the inlet and outlet pipes, which prevents contaminated water from flowing back into the mains water supply. The tank also helps to regulate the water pressure, ensuring that it is always at a safe level.

When choosing a CAT 5 water boosting system, it is important to consider the following factors:

  • The required flow rate and pressure
  • The category of water being boosted
  • The physical constraints of the installation site

Our CAT 5 Products

Flowpac Compact SS Packaged Booster Set

Flowpac Compact SE Packaged Booster Set

Flowpac DB CAT5 Packaged Booster Set

Flowpac Base CAT5 Booster Set

Installation and Maintenance

CAT 5 water boosting systems must be properly installed and maintained to ensure their safe and efficient operation. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. At Flowtech Water Solutions we operate a network of service engineers located throughout the UK, our specialist engineers ensure the efficiency of your booster set and minimise interruptions to the water supply. 

Testing

CAT5 water boosting systems should be tested regularly to ensure that
the equipment is working properly, this includes testing the following:

  • The air gap
  • The non-return valve
  • The pressure switch
  • Safety features incorporated in the inverters/controllers

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips for CAT 5 water boosting:

  • Make sure that the pump is properly sized for the application. A pump that is too small will not be able to provide the required flow rate and pressure. A pump that is too large will be inefficient and may waste energy
  • Regularly inspect the CAT 5 water boosting system for signs of wear and tear and replace any damaged parts immediately
  • CAT 5 water is considered to be a serious health hazard, it is important to take all necessary precautions when working with CAT 5 water

Want to learn more?

Sign up to our Flowzone today for access to our resource guides!