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Backflow Prevention

Backflow prevention devices ensure that our drinking water is protected against contaminants entering the distribution system. 

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What is backflow?

Backflow occurs when water flows through a pipe in the opposite direction than intended. This can result in contaminants entering our drinking water.

Three types of backflow can occur:

  • Back siphonage – can be caused when there is a pressure drop in the County’s system due to firefighting, repair work, or a watermain break.
  • Back pressure – can be caused when the pressure within the private water supply is greater than the pressure of the County’s distribution system.
  • Cross Connection – can be caused when there is any connection, whether permanent or not, between the public water system and a possible source of contamination.

Installing and testing backflow prevention devices

In Haldimand County, our Water Use By-law requires backflow prevention devices to be installed, maintained and tested for all new and existing:

  • Industrial buildings
  • Commercial buildings
  • Institutional buildings
  • Multi-residential buildings four storeys or higher

Property owners are responsible for installing, maintaining and testing backflow prevention devices. All new installations require a plumbing permit and must be tested annually once installed.

Annual testing process

  1. Hire a contractor to test all backflow prevention devices located at your facility.
  2. Have the contractor complete a Backflow Test Report.
  3. If the device passes, attach a new inspection tag to the device and submit the completed test report to the County within 14 days.
  4. If the device does not pass, repair or replace the device immediately. Complete the testing process again once the repairs or replacement is complete. If the device was replaced, be sure to note the serial number of the original device on the new test report.  

To avoid any possible water disruptions, all test reports must be received within 1 year of the previous inspection.


Authorized testers

Before hiring a contractor, be sure they are authorized to do the work you need. See contractors listed out by work function below. All contractors conducting any of these functions must have a tester’s licence. 

Anyone with a tester’s licence as per Canadian Standard’s Association (CAN/CSA-B64.10) is permitted.

  • Professional Engineer
  • Certified Engineering Technologist (under the direction of a professional engineer)
  • Licensed Master Plumber
  • Journeyman Plumber or Pipe-Fitter (employed by a licensed plumbing contractor)

If the cross connection survey is for a fire protection system, the following contractors are also authorized:

  • Apprentice Plumber or Pipe-Fitter (employed by a licensed plumbing contractor and under the direct supervision of a journeyman or master plumber)
  • Fire System Sprinkler Fitter

If the cross connection survey is for a lawn sprinkler system, the following contractors are also authorized:

  • Lawn Irrigation System Installer

  • Licensed Master Plumber
  • Journeyman Plumber or Pipe-Fitter (employed by a licensed plumbing contractor)
  • Apprentice Plumber or Pipe-Fitter (employed by a licensed plumbing contractor and under the direct supervision of a journeyman or master plumber)

If the installation, relocation or replacement is for a fire protection system, the following contractors are also authorized:

  • Apprentice Plumber or Pipe-Fitter (employed by a licensed plumbing contractor and under the direct supervision of a journeyman or master plumber)
  • Fire System Sprinkler Fitter

If the installation, relocation or replacement is for a lawn sprinkler system, the following contractors are also authorized:

  • Lawn Irrigation System Installer

  • Professional Engineer
  • Certified Engineering Technologist (under the direction of a professional engineer)
  • Licensed Master Plumber
  • Journeyman Plumber or Pipe-Fitter (employed by a licensed plumbing contractor)
  • Apprentice Plumber or Pipe-Fitter (employed by a licensed plumbing contractor and under the direct supervision of a journeyman or master plumber)

If the repair is for a fire protection system, the following contractors are also authorized:

  • Apprentice Plumber or Pipe-Fitter (employed by a licensed plumbing contractor and under the direct supervision of a journeyman or master plumber)
  • Fire System Sprinkler Fitter

If the repair is for a lawn sprinkler system, the following contractors are also authorized:

  • Lawn Irrigation System Installer

Contact Us

Water/Wastewater Operations
53 Thorburn Street South
Cayuga, Ontario
Canada, N0A 1E0

Email Water/Wastewater Operations
Phone: 905-318-5932
After hours: 1-888-849-7345

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