The make-up water for a cooling tower must include what component?

The inclusion of a backflow preventer in the make-up water system for a cooling tower is essential for maintaining the integrity of the water supply. A backflow preventer is a critical component designed to prevent the reverse flow of water, protecting the drinking water supply from potential contamination. In the context of a cooling tower, which may have chemical treatments and other additives in its circulation system, ensuring that these do not flow back into the potable water supply is crucial for public health and safety.

This device effectively stops any backpressure or back siphonage that could occur, ensuring that the water feeding into the cooling tower is safe and uncontaminated. Without such a mechanism, there is a risk of contaminated water being drawn back into the main supply in cases of pressure fluctuations, creating significant health hazards.