Backflow Prevention

Click through the topics below to learn more about your water:

Backflow is the reverse flow of water from a property back into Council’s water distribution system. This water may carry contaminants that can harm people's health. 

Backflow can occur when: 
  • there is a sudden reduction in pressure in the water distribution system, for example from a burst water main or water being drawn from a hydrant to fight a fire; 
  • a pump is connected to a property’s internal water plumbing system, making the property’s water pressure higher than the pressure in the water distribution system. 
  • a pump is connected to a non-potable supply. Many rainwater tank installations are fitted with a pressure pump on the delivery side of the tank. 
  • high water usage downstream causes a pressure reduction upstream. 
  • the water outlet on a property is significantly higher than the water utility’s main with a constant back pressure. 
  • a bore water supply is connected to a property’s water supply system. 

Containment backflow prevention devices ensure our water supply isn't contaminated from hazards from within a customer's property. These devices prevent potentially contaminated water in a customer's water service pipe flowing back into Council’s water main. 

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