Backflow prevention

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. For this reason, containment backflow prevention is very important and backflow prevention devices must meet our policy requirements. 

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.

Resources

• Containment Backflow Prevention Policy (0.1mb pdf)

• Backflow Registration Form (0.5mb pdf)