What is the purpose of a pressure vacuum breaker in an irrigation system?

The primary purpose of a pressure vacuum breaker in an irrigation system is to prevent backflow due to back-siphonage. This device is designed to protect the potable water supply by ensuring that if there is a sudden drop in pressure in the system, the water will not siphon back into the drinking water supply. It achieves this by creating an air gap that allows air to enter the system, breaking the siphon effect and preventing contaminated water from flowing back into clean water lines.

When water pressure drops, contaminants from the irrigation system might be drawn back into the water supply if no preventative measures are in place. The pressure vacuum breaker operates effectively as a crucial component in maintaining the safety and quality of the water supply, thereby adhering to health regulations and standards for irrigation systems.

In contrast, other functions such as regulating water pressure, improving water taste, or filtering out impurities do not directly relate to the function of a pressure vacuum breaker. These tasks might be handled by different equipment, such as pressure regulators for pressure control or filters for impurity removal.