A water hydrant having a housing with inlet and outlet ends, and a valve assembly having a valve seat and a valve closure element. A valve operating rod is secured to the valve closure element to open and close the inlet end. A backflow preventor check valve mounted within the housing provides for fluid flow only in the downstream direction toward the outlet end. In one embodiment, the backflow preventor and valve closure element are formed of a unitary body; likewise, the valve seat and housing are formed of a unitary body. In another embodiment, an extension body is associated with the valve operating rod and the backflow preventor is attached to the extension body upstream from the valve seat. In a further embodiment, the backflow preventor is secured to the housing upstream from the valve seat, and is adapted to remain in a fixed position when the inlet valve is adjusted.