Backflow Prevention

To confirm compliance with a new Backflow Prevention and Cross Connection Control By-law (No. 125-14) and to help reduce the risk of contaminants in our drinking water, Richmond Hill's Water and Wastewater Division is implementing a Backflow Prevention Program for Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) property owners and businesses.

Please Note: This program does not apply to residential property owners.

Backflow Prevention Test Report

Submit Backflow Prevention Results

What Does This Mean to You?

Richmond Hill's drinking water is clean and safe to drink. This Program will help ensure it stays that way through annual maintenance and testing.

There are two phases involved in this Program that begin after you receive a letter from Richmond Hill. The first phase requires all property owners/business operators (including industrial, commercial and institutional) in Richmond Hill to complete a Cross Connections Survey and have existing backflow prevention devices tested. This will help staff determine the type of property you own and its use, as well as its risk level.

In Phase Two, Richmond Hill will notify property owners about the next steps required (if any, based on the survey and test results). Here is a step-by-step guide:

Once you receive a letter from Richmond Hill, hire a contractor qualified to work with and test backflow preventers and who meets the Backflow Prevention Qualified Person Requirements (see definition below).
The contractor will conduct a Site Survey of your facility and complete a Cross Connection Control Survey Report. The survey report is due by the date indicated on the letter sent to you from Richmond Hill. Please email your completed survey report to backflow@richmondhill.ca.
Wait for a response from Richmond Hill regarding actions that may be taken regarding backflow prevention devices in your facility.
If new devices are required to be installed in your facility, you will have to request a Building Permit from the Building Division. The Backflow Checklist outlines all the documents required to apply for the building permit.
Once your new device(s) is installed, you must have the device tested and submitted through the online test report form. Once the test reports have been approved and the compliance processing fee is paid, a digital tag/certificate is generated and must be affixed on the backflow prevention device or in the general vicinity of the device.
Once the backflow prevention processing fee has been paid and the tag/certificate has been affixed to the device, contact the Building Division for a final inspection.
Next year and on an annual basis thereafter, retest the facility backflow prevention device(s).

Backflow Cross Connection Control Survey Report

Fees

As per Richmond Hill's Tariff of Fees By-law, there is a $74 (plus HST) backflow prevention compliance processing fee for each premise device within the facility. Once paid, you will receive a test tag to be attached to the Premise Isolation Backflow Prevention Device (or within the general vicinity).

This work is mandatory and will benefit not only you, your family and the workforce, but the community as a whole. Why? Because it enables Richmond Hill to continue providing quality drinking water. It also ensures the proper upkeep and maintenance of the drinking water management system.

If you have questions or require more information about By-law 125-14 and Richmond Hill's Backflow Prevention Program, contact the Water and Wastewater Compliance Coordinator at 905-780-2915 or backflow@richmondhill.ca. Your cooperation regarding this project is greatly appreciated.

Definitions

Backflow

Backflow causes water to flow in the opposite direction in a water piping system.

Backflow Prevention devices

Backflow prevention devices are mechanical valves that work to prevent water from flowing in the wrong direction.

Cross Connection

A Cross Connection is a permanent or temporary plumbing connection between drinking water systems and plumbing systems/fixtures that can contain liquids other than drinking water (e.g., gases, non-potable water and other liquid substances). These connections are very common and occur in every type of property that is industrial, commercial, institutional and residential. Some are more hazardous than others.

Qualified Person's Certification

All property owners/business operators (including industrial, commercial and institutional) must hire a qualified person to complete a Cross Connections Survey and to have existing backflow prevention devices tested and/or installed.

Why? There are industry requirements for backflow prevention that must be met, so hiring a certified professional will ensure your system, survey, testing and work (if required) are completed correctly.

The following is a list of qualifications testers must have to complete your Cross Connections Survey and backflow prevention device testing/installation:

A copy of a Cross Connection Control Tester Certificate issued by the Ontario Water Works Association or approved equivalent (Please Note: This expires five years after the issue date). You can check this through owwa.ca/backflow-prevention/certification.
A complete and valid Calibration Certificate for Backflow Preventer Test Equipment.
A copy of a Certificate of Qualification - 306A Journey Person Class Plumber #. Check this online through the Ontario College of Trades.
OR A copy of your Professional Engineer, Engineering Technologist or Fire System Sprinkler Fitter papers (Please note their limitations as per Table 1 of the Authorized Functions List).
A copy of your company's Plumbing Contractor License (for any city/region in Ontario).
A copy of your valid Liability Insurance Certificate (with an expiry date no less than six months after the application date).

Backflow Prevention