Back Flow Prevention
To protect the safety of drinking water supplies from cross-contamination, many municipalities have passed bylaws implementing requirements and controls around cross-connections with that municipality’s water distribution system.
Climate Works performs surveys, installs, consults, inspections, and maintenance of back flow preventers. If you require help with backflow or are required to achieve compliance with legislation, we are here to help.
Ottawa
The city of Ottawa backflow prevention bylaw came into effect on June 28, 2017. While the majority of drinking water consumers will not fall under the purview of this bylaw, over 15,000 industrial, commercial, institutional, and multi-residential properties currently are. If you are impacted, you will have received a letter from the city requesting that a survey be completed, beginning the journey to compliance.
If you have received a letter, you can contact Climate Works. We will walk with you, through the steps to compliance and safer drinking water. While there are multiple timelines for different buildings, the first set will require action by December of 2020.
The steps involved are:
- You receive a letter from the City requesting a survey be completed, at this time we will begin our engagement. Contact Climate Works to conduct a survey,
- Climate Works completes the survey and submits it to the City of Ottawa,
- You receive a letter form the city stating what is required of you,
- An Engineer will need to be engaged at this time to design the backflow prevention system. Climate Works can recommend various engineers or you can use your preferred engineer,
- Climate Works can provide a price based on the engineers drawings,
- Climate Works installs the system and certifies it,
- You are now compliant with the City of Ottawa bylaw
Testing of backflow devices must be conducted annually, with surveys to be completed every 5 years. If a property owner does not comply within indicated timelines, a notice will be issued providing for a 30 day window in which to reach compliance. Failing to reach compliance may result in fines ranging from $500 to $100,000 per day, with potential to have the water supply turned off.
Toronto
Under the Water Supply By-law, it is mandatory for property owners of industrial, commercial, institutional, and Part 3 residential properties (defined by the Ontario Building Code, as amended) to install backflow prevention devices on their water supply lines. Construction sites must also comply.
The backflow device required by the building or site in question will be determined by their hazard level, as defined by their classification under Schedule 5 of the Water Supply By-law. The City of Toronto recommends that you contact Toronto Water should you require assistance in determining the correct device for your facility.
The City of Toronto requires that management must follow certain requirements. These include how to manage records, report tests, and who may conduct work or produce reports. For examples, testers must be certified as Cross Connection Control Specialists. Functions requiring authorization can be found detailed, in-depth, in Schedule 6 of the Water Supply By-law.
