To ensure the safety of our community’s water supply, we need to reduce the risk of potential contamination. That means we need to make sure our customers install and maintain backflow prevention devices where they are required.
What is backflow?
Water usually flows to your property at a consistent pressure, so you’ll have the same water pressure from your taps and fixtures every day. If the pressure in the pipes is reduced, it’s possible for contaminated water from your property to be drawn back into our water supply system - this is called backflow.
Backflow can risk the safety of the community’s drinking supply.
Preventing Backflow
Backflow can be prevented by installing a backflow prevention device at the outlet of your main water meter. This device will only allow water to enter your property through the water meter and prevents it from flowing back into our water supply system and causing potential contamination.
When backflow device/s need to be installed
The following new and existing property types rated as Medium or High-Risk are required to have backflow prevention device/s installed at the main water meter:
- Commercial
- Industrial
- Residential.
Most residential properties are considered Low Risk and therefore do not require a testable backflow prevention device. However, properties will be considered Medium Risk if you have a:
- bidet
- toilet douche
- below ground rain water tanks.
We’ll advise you of your property’s risk level, and subsequent need for a backflow prevention device, as part of the assessment of your plumbing application.
