City Departments
Backflow Prevention
What is Backflow and how would this occur?
Water is normally maintained at a significant pressure to enable water to flow from the tap, shower etc. If a water main bursts, pipes freeze or there is unexpectedly high demand on the water system, the pressure in the pipe may be reduced.
During these types of events, the pressure may be reduced enough to reverse the intended flow of water and actually draw water out of nearby service connections. If these connections are affixed to chemical mixing facilities or any non-potable water supply, the possibility exists that dangerous backflow can occur resulting in contamination of our public water supply.
What is a Backflow Prevention Device?
This is a device that prevents water from flowing backwards into a water supply line resulting in a contaminated water supply. There are degrees of protection ranging from a vacuum breaker on a garden hose line to reduced pressure zone backflow preventers commonly used in an industrial setting where chemicals are connected to water lines. What is used and where it is installed depends on the application and the threat level.
What do I as a property/building owner need to do?
By-law No. 146-03 requires that all building owners, except some residential properties equip their buildings with backflow prevention devices. These devices need to be installed and maintained/tested on a regular basis. This must be done by a licensed City of Cambridge backflow tester
Please complete the contact information sheet and review instructions for annual testing
What if I choose to not install a backflow device?
The bylaw is clear that each building, except for some residential buildings require backflow prevention devices. Failure to equip the building and maintain these devices could result in having your water shut off, and/or a fine of up to $5,000.00.
How do I Install a Backflow Device?
A completed cross connection survey along with a Plumbing Permit Application and applicable fee is required to be submitted to the Building & Enforcement Division at the City of Cambridge.
Please submit the required information to:
City of Cambridge
Building & Enforcement Division - 3rd Floor
50 Dickson Street
Cambridge, ON N1R 5W8
Attention: Kathy May
Is there any fee or permit involved?
No. The annual testing and survey reports do not require a fee. However, if a new device needs to be installed it would require a building permit which would require a fee
This page provides general information and should be read in conjunction with the current Cross Connection Control By-Law. For further information, please contact the Cross Connection Control Officer at 519.740.4613 Ext. 4514.
Related Material from the Ministry of the Environment:
Stratford Car Wash and Manager Fined $75,000
Water is normally maintained at a significant pressure to enable water to flow from the tap, shower etc. If a water main bursts, pipes freeze or there is unexpectedly high demand on the water system, the pressure in the pipe may be reduced.
During these types of events, the pressure may be reduced enough to reverse the intended flow of water and actually draw water out of nearby service connections. If these connections are affixed to chemical mixing facilities or any non-potable water supply, the possibility exists that dangerous backflow can occur resulting in contamination of our public water supply.
What is a Backflow Prevention Device?
This is a device that prevents water from flowing backwards into a water supply line resulting in a contaminated water supply. There are degrees of protection ranging from a vacuum breaker on a garden hose line to reduced pressure zone backflow preventers commonly used in an industrial setting where chemicals are connected to water lines. What is used and where it is installed depends on the application and the threat level.
What do I as a property/building owner need to do?
By-law No. 146-03 requires that all building owners, except some residential properties equip their buildings with backflow prevention devices. These devices need to be installed and maintained/tested on a regular basis. This must be done by a licensed City of Cambridge backflow tester
Please complete the contact information sheet and review instructions for annual testing
What if I choose to not install a backflow device?
The bylaw is clear that each building, except for some residential buildings require backflow prevention devices. Failure to equip the building and maintain these devices could result in having your water shut off, and/or a fine of up to $5,000.00.
How do I Install a Backflow Device?
A completed cross connection survey along with a Plumbing Permit Application and applicable fee is required to be submitted to the Building & Enforcement Division at the City of Cambridge.
Please submit the required information to:
City of Cambridge
Building & Enforcement Division - 3rd Floor
50 Dickson Street
Cambridge, ON N1R 5W8
Attention: Kathy May
Is there any fee or permit involved?
No. The annual testing and survey reports do not require a fee. However, if a new device needs to be installed it would require a building permit which would require a fee
This page provides general information and should be read in conjunction with the current Cross Connection Control By-Law. For further information, please contact the Cross Connection Control Officer at 519.740.4613 Ext. 4514.
Related Material from the Ministry of the Environment:
Stratford Car Wash and Manager Fined $75,000
Related Documents
| DOCUMENT | DESCRIPTION | DATE POSTED | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building Information | |||
| Cross Connection Survey form (Fill and Print) | Cross Connection Survey form (Fill and Print) | 2012-02-15 | PDF 281Kb |
| CCC Testing and Inspection Report (Fill and Print) | CCC Testing and Inspection Report (Fill and Print) | 2012-02-15 | PDF 595Kb |
| Cross Connection Survey | Cross Connection Survey | 2012-02-08 | PDF 53Kb |
| Backflow Prevention Device Testing and Inspection Report | Backflow Prevention Device Testing and Inspection Report | 2011-06-27 | PDF 236Kb |