Backflow Prevention Services

• Multi-Residential - Single water service connection; 5 or more units
• Industrial - Factory, plant or manufacturing facility.
• Institutional - Educational Facility University, College, Hospital, etc.
• Commercial and Retail Facilities

The objective of implementing a backflow prevention program is to take a proactive approach to protect drinking water quality, and public health and safety based on the following reasons:

• Provincial acts and regulations require water purveyors to provide safe drinking water to the public.
• The new Water Supply By-Law is a consolidation of all similar by-laws enforced by former municipalities. A Backflow prevention program will standardize and enforce backflow prevention across the province.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is backflow?

Backflow is the undesired reversal of flow of non-potable water or other substances into the public drinking water supply system. Backflow is a result of back-pressure or back-siphonage.

What is back-pressure?

Back-pressure is the reversal of normal flow in the water supply system when a downstream pressure is greater than the upstream pressure in the water system.

What is back-siphonage?

Back-siphonage is the reversal of normal flow in the water supply system caused by a negative or reduced pressure.

Who is responsible for the installation and annual testing of backflow prevention devices?

The owner of the property or building, who currently has a service connection to the City’s water supply or has applied for a new service connection, is responsible.

What is the consequence of non-compliance?

A person who is convicted of contravention of Section 8 of the By-law can be fined up to $100,000 for a first offence and any subsequent offence.