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Backflow Prevention Program

Picture depicting white painted water pipes on a concrete wall with grass in the foreground.

October 31st, 2022 Woolwich Council passed the Backflow Prevention Bylaw 65-2022. This was implemented to protect drinking water from any contaminations entering the distribution system from a building or facility. This program is part of the Township of Woolwich's multi-barrier approach to protecting our drinking water.

Water in the distribution system is meant to flow one way. Backflow occurs when there is back pressure or back siphonage. 

Back pressure happens when the pressure of connection to the drinking water is higher than that in the system. This causes a pushback or reversal of flow in the pipes and can allow contamination to enter the system. Some causes of back pressure include elevated storage, booster pumps, or increases in temperature in boilers. Pressure changes can be the result of air in the system.  Water can become contaminated with industrial chemicals, fertilizers, sewage and soaps/detergents.

Back siphonage happens when there is a vacuum in the water distribution system. This may be caused when there is water large demand from the system like a water main break, flushing or firefighting.

What is a backflow prevention device? It is a device that's sole job is to prevent water from being contaminated from flowing the wrong way in the drinking water system. Think of it as a gate that prevents water going the wrong way.

High or severe hazards require an backflow device known as a Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly (RP). Connections with a low or moderate risk of backflow may need a Double Check Valve Assembly. 

Always hire a Cross Connection certified (Ontario Water Works Association) plumber to be sure that you are getting the appropriate device for your building or facility.

Backflow Solutions Inc. (BSI)

Town of Woolwich has contracted with BSI Online to assist the Town of Woolwich with Province required cross-connection/backflow tracking regulations. BSI Online will serve as the primary point of contact for the program and can be contacted below: 

Customer Service Information:

Cross-Connection Control/Backflow Prevention General Information

This by-law applies to all properties within the Township, except buildings or structures of residential occupancy where each dwelling unit is individually serviced from the water system through a single connection less than 2 inches in diameter.

Or where plumbing in buildings or structures of residential occupancy having connections to the water system with:

  • Any auxiliary water supply; or,
  • A lawn sprinkler system; or,
  • A fire protection system, except for a residential full flow-through fire sprinkler/standpipe system.

Or where a condition exists in any building or structure that may be hazardous or detrimental to potable water supply and services as determined by the Chief Building Official, Director or designate, or in any other situation where it has been deemed appropriate by the Chief Building Official, the Director of Infrastructure or designate.

No person or owner shall connect, cause to be connected or allow to remain connected to the water system or any other potable water system any piping, fixture, fitting, container, appliance, vehicle, machine or the like in a manner which may under any circumstance allow water, wastewater, any source of pollution or any other liquid, chemical or substance to enter such supply or system except in compliance with this bylaw and the CSA standard.

No person or owner shall make any connection to the water purveyor or any other potable water system in a building type set out in Section 3 without first installing a proper backflow prevention device in accordance with this by-law.

In all cases, premise isolation shall be required where an auxiliary water supply system exists.

No connection shall be made between a potable water system supplied with water from a drinking water system and any other water system without the consent of the Chief Building Official, the Director of Infrastructure or designate.

The Township's Responsibilities 

  • Administer and enforce the backflow prevention program for premise isolation through Backflow Solutions Inc. (BSI).
  • Maintain a database of cross connection survey reports and cross connection control test reports.
  • Ensure property owners meet by-law requirements.
  • Provide information, answer questions and address concerns.

Property Owner's Responsibilities

The program requires property owners to have the following completed by a OWWA certified contractor in accordance with the by-law.

Cross Connection Survey Report

The survey identifies connections to the drinking water system and any potential on-site hazards that may exist. Hazards identified as severe or moderate will require the installation of a backflow prevention device. This survey must be completed every five years or after any of the following conditions are met:

  • Ownership change
  • Facility use change
  • Zoning Change
  • Change in chemicals stored or used on the premise
  • As required by the Chief Building Official, the Director of Infrastructure or designate

A permit is required prior to installation of a backflow prevention device(s) pursuant to this by-law and any other relevant Township by-law as well as the Building Code Act. Additional permits may be required for other plumbing work. Please check with the building department before engaging in any work. They can be reached at: 519-669-6035.

Every owner of a property upon which a backflow prevention device is installed shall ensure that such device is in proper working order and good repair at all times.

The plumber may determine that a more stringent backflow device is needed to isolate a hazard, than the premise backflow device.

If a new device is needed, please contact the building department to arrange a plumbing permit and a final inspection at BuildingPermits@woolwich.ca. When the device is first installed and tested, that the results, of such test be submitted electronically, within fourteen (14) days of the test being conducted and tested annually thereafter.

Contractor's Responsibilities

No person shall carry out any backflow prevention functions except in accordance with the functions listed in the Authorized Functions List of the CSA Standard.

Any person permitted to carry out work, shall produce, upon request by the Township or representative, a current tester’s certificate, and a copy of the backflow prevention assembly test certification of calibration.

Except as otherwise set out in this by-law, the selection, maintenance and field testing of backflow prevention devices shall be in accordance with the CSA Standard and the Building Code.

Backflow Test Report Form

  • New contractors must register with Backflow Solutions Inc. providing a copy of the current Ontario Water Works Association Cross Connection Certificate.
  • Send annual testing equipment calibration records to Backflow Solutions Inc. (contractor for The Township of Woolwich).
  • Submit cross connection control survey reports on behalf of the owner to the Township of Woolwich.
  • Contact local municipal building departments and obtain necessary permits to conduct work.
  • Completed Backflow Test Reports must be submitted to: backflow@bsionline.ca

It is the responsibility of the homeowner to verify credentials including the Ontario Water Works Association Cross Connection Certificate, check insurance, obtain a Workplace Safety and Insurance Board clearance certificate before proceeding with any work. 

The Township of Woolwich recommends that home owners discuss costs, obtain several quotes and check references before engaging a certified plumber.

The Township does not recommend or endorse any plumber or contractor over another. This list contains area plumbers that were verified at the time of this page's publishing. If you are a certified plumber and wish to be included in this list, please contact the Township's Public Works department at: 519-669-6043. All plumbers performing Backflow Testing, in Woolwich Township, must preregister at Backflow Solutions Inc. Please see Responsibilities on this page for details.

Property owner receives notification from Backflow Solutions Inc. to conduct a cross connection control survey report for premise isolation.

Cross Connection Survey Report 

The property owner must hire a qualified contractor to conduct the survey. Contractors must be qualified to conduct the work in accordance with the by-law. See authorized functions list below in the by-law. 

The contractor must submit the survey online through BSI's website for the Township of Woolwich to review. Surveys must be completed and submitted within 90 days of receiving notification from Backflow Solutions Inc.

Based on the results of the survey, the property owner will be issued a notice with one of the following instructions:

Notice to install a backflow prevention device. 

The results of the survey indicate that a backflow prevention device is required for premise isolation or existing backflow prevention is not appropriate for the hazard class. The property owner must retain a to install the appropriate device. This must be completed within 180 days of receiving notification.

If a new device is needed, please contact the building department to arrange a plumbing permit and a final inspection at BuildingPermits@woolwich.ca. There is a fee associated with the Plumbing Permit.

Notice to repair an existing backflow prevention device.

The results of the survey indicate that an existing device needs repair. The property owner must retain an authorized tester to repair and test the device. Must be completed within 180 days of receiving notification.

Notice to test an existing backflow prevention device.

The results of the survey indicate that an existing device needs testing. The property owner must retain an authorized plumber to test the device. Must be completed within 180 days of receiving notification. The plumber is required to be signed up with BSI for the test results to be accepted in the Township of Woolwich. This is to ensure that all certificates and calibration records are current. Please note that there is a filing fee for each report submitted to BSI.

Township of Woolwich's Backflow Test Report

The Township of Woolwich in conjunction with Backflow Solutions Inc. will begin tracking all backflow prevention devices for premise isolation. Property owners will be notified in advance when their device is due for annual testing. A cross connection survey control report shall be competed every five years from the date of the first requested survey, subsequent any tenant or ownership change, re-zoning of property, change of process or chemical use or as required by the Chief Building Official, the Director of Infrastructure or designate.

Infrastructure Services (Public Works)
24 Church Street West
P.O. Box 158
Elmira, Ontario N3B 2Z6
519-669-6043
Email

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