Backflow Prevention Program
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Backflow Prevention Program
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.
About Backflow and Backflow Solutions Inc. |
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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 |
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Who Is Affected By This Bylaw? |
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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:
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. |
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Prohibition of Cross Connections |
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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. |
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Responsibilities |
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Certified Plumbers |
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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.
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The Process |
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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. Must be completed within 180 days of receiving notification. 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 tester to test the device. Must be completed within 180 days of receiving notification. 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. |