Cross Connection and Backflow

Backflow prevention

All commercial water billing accounts are required to submit a Cross-Connection Inspection. Owners of private fire hydrants must provide Annual Inspection Reports. In addition, all lawn sprinkler system owners are required to comply with current plumbing code requirements, with specific compliance dates set out in the Cross-Connection Control Program.

Backflow devices

A backflow prevention device is used to protect water supplies from contaminants or pollutants due to the occurrence of backflow (reversal of intended direction of flow).

Backflow device requirements 

Owners of industrial, commercial, institutional, and multi-residential buildings or structures with 6 or more units are required to install and maintain a backflow device. A building permit required for any installation or re-location of a backflow device.

After the permit is issued, the owner must hire a qualified person to install and test the device. The City will inspect the device to ensure all applicable code requirements have been met and issue a final notice confirming the device has been installed correctly and is in good standing.

The backflow device must be tested every thirteen months by a qualified person to confirm it is functioning properly. A copy of the Test Report must remain onsite, and with the other being submitted to the City. A City testing and inspection tag provided by the City at no charge indicating the date and the Qualified Person's signature must be affixed to the device. If the device fails inspection, necessary repairs must be completed at the property owner's expense. 

In addition, an updated Cross-Connection Inspection Report must be submitted every five years and two months, unless the account qualifies for an exemption under the Cross-Connection Control Program.