Cross-Connection and Backflow Prevention Program

A cross-connection, present in every water supply system, is defined as "any actual or potential connection between a potable water system and any source of pollution or contamination." Any cross-connections that are not protected against backflow (a flowing back or reversal of the normal direction of flow) are potentially a dangerous source of contamination. When backflow occurs through an unprotected cross-connection, pollutants or contaminants can enter the municipal water system. Due to the resulting health hazards, it is important for the municipality to have an effective cross-connection control program (CCCP) in place.

Examples of a Cross-Connection

A garden hose submerged in a container of water	Water softener drains attached to a drain line with no air break

Without a program in place, Orillia could face:

• Serious health effects
• Emergency measures
• Disruption of service
• Liability for violating the Ministry of the Environment Safe Drinking Water Act

Private Fire Hydrants: All owners of private fire hydrants are required to submit Annual Inspection Reports. The first report was to be submitted by August 1, 2007.

Lawn Sprinkler Systems: All owners of lawn sprinkler systems must comply with current plumbing code requirements. Effective dates for compliance are noted in the by-law.

There are several steps in the process for meeting compliance with the Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program which are outlined below.

First Compliance Notice: The City of Orillia will issue a Compliance Notice to all commercial property owners who do not have a backflow device installed at their property and are therefore not in compliance with the Cross-Connection and Backflow Prevention Municipal Code Chapter 1020. This notice outlines that a Qualified Person must submit a Cross-Connection Inspection Report on behalf of the property owner within 30 days of receiving the notice.

Cross-Connection Inspection Report: After inspecting the premises and identifying any potential or actual cross-connections, the Qualified Person contracted by the property owner (at the property owners expense) will complete & submit the Cross-Connection Inspection Report on the owners behalf.

Second Compliance Notice: Upon review of the submitted Cross-Connection Inspection Report, the City of Orillia will issue a second Compliance Notice assigning the property a premise health hazard level.  This notice identifies which backflow device must be installed based on the hazard level associated with the property.  This device must be installed within 30 days of receipt of the letter.

Device Installation and Report Submission: Before the backflow device can be installed, the owner must obtain a Building Permit. Once the building permit has been obtained, the Qualified Person contracted by the property owner (at the property owners expense) will install and test the required device. The Qualified Person will then complete and submit a Cross-Connection Inspection Report - Corrective Actions and a RP & DCVA Backflow Prevention Device Test Report confirming that the backflow device has been installed on behalf of the property owner.

Inspection: Upon receipt of the acceptable documentation, the device will then be inspected by the City of Orillia to ensure all code requirements have been met.

Successful Completion Notice: After completion of a successful inspection, the City of Orillia will issue the property owner a final notice recognizing that the acceptable device has been installed and is in good standing.

Maintenance: The backflow device must be tested once every thirteen (13) months by a Qualified Person to ensure the device is in good working condition. One copy of the Test Report is to be left onsite at the premises and one copy is to be submitted to the City of Orillia. All inspections and tests conducted shall have a City of Orillia testing and inspection tag affixed to the device denoting the date and signature of qualified person who has completed the work. If the device has failed an inspection, the Qualified Person will arrange with the property owner (at the property owners expense) to make the necessary repairs to ensure the device is in good working order.

NOTE: An updated Cross-Connection Inspection Report must be submitted to the City of Orillia every five (5) years and two (2) months, unless the account meets one of the conditions identified in 1020.3.2.

List of Qualified Persons

Qualified Person Application

Inspections & Tests

Cross-Connection Inspection Report - Corrective Actions

RP & DCVA Backflow Prevention Device Test Report (For printing only)

RP & DCVA Backflow Prevention Device Test Report (NEW: Fillable on-line submission)

PVB Backflow Prevention Device Test Report

NOTE: An updated Cross-Connection Inspection Report must be submitted to the City of Orillia every five (5) years and two (2) months, unless the account meets one of the conditions identified in 1020.3.2.

Report to Council - 2

Report to Council - 3

Sustainable Communities website

Please contact us at enviroservices@orillia.ca or visit our Tips & Frequently Asked Questions page for further information.