Town of Georgina
Building Division
Back Flow Prevention & BylawGeneral Info
Backflow prevention ensures that potable water is protected against the entry of contaminants, pollutants, or other substances. This is achieved through the installation of an appropriate backflow prevention device where this potential exists. The main water supply must be isolated by installing a backflow prevention device at or near the meter. (Premise Isolation)
Backflow occurs as a result of back siphonage, back pressure or both. Back siphonage is the reversal of normal water flow in a system caused by a negative pressure in the water line. Back siphonage is induced when there is a reduction in, or stoppage of, the main water supply pressure due to nearby fire fighting, repairs or breaks in watermains. Backflow can also occur when there is an increase in the downstream water pressure above that of the supplied water pressure (back pressure) or, when there is a direct cross-connection between the potable water supply and another process line which has the potential to transmit a contaminant into the potable supply.
Backflow can occur in any water supply line including individual residential units. The potential for contamination and fatal illness due to accidental poisoning does exist in every building. There is a need to raise awareness of this issue with all residential, as well as, all industrial, commercial and institutional water customers in Georgina.
Purpose of the Program
The Town of Georgina has implemented a Cross Connection Control Program to eliminate actual and/or potential cross connections within the Town's water distribution system to maintain safe water quality to its users.
Bylaw 2007-132 allows the Town to achieve this protection of the public water system by requiring the installation of approved backflow prevention devices on private and/or public properties.
The Bylaw applies to existing industrial, commercial and institutional buildings as well as some residential dwellings. Residential buildings with fire protection systems, irrigation systems or an auxiliary water source (ie well) will require backflow protection. New buildings or those under renovation are covered for protection by requirements in the Ontario Building Code. Annual testing of backflow prevention devices, surveys of premises and requirements for the protection of our potable water system on existing buildings are covered under the bylaw.
Property Owner's Responsibility
| Cross Connection Survey: | The property owner is required to have a certified tester carry out a cross-connection survey of all plumbing in each building or structure every five years and submit a report to the Town. An initial survey will be required to assess the level of hazard of the building and any potential cross connections. |
| Backflow Prevention Device Testing: | The property owner is required to have a certified tester perform backflow prevention device testing every year and submit a report to the Town. (BFP Test Report) |
Property owners will have to hire a Certified Tester for the required survey and testing of their backflow prevention device(s). Any testers who are hired must meet the specific technical requirements indicated in the Backflow Prevention By-law and be licensed by the OWWA. (Ontario Water Works Association) We also suggest that customers check appropriate insurance coverage and discuss costs before proceeding with any work.
The Building Department will maintain a database of affected properties and their devices. We will also maintain a convenience list of Certified Testers for customers to reference.
List of Certified Testers
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Coming soon...
Permits
A permit must be applied for when a backflow prevention device is installed. Permits may be obtained from the Building Dept. at the Civic Centre for a nominal fee. (Fee Schedule)
Building owners should be aware that a contravention of the Bylaw may result in the disruption of their water service and/or a fine under the Provincial Offences Act. Test report notification will be sent out annually to owners and reports should be submitted in a timely manner. With the cooperation of building owners affected by this Bylaw, the Town of Georgina can maintain a safe drinking water system to its residents and meet the requirements of the Ministry of the Environment?s Safe Drinking Water Act.