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;aw 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 on a regular basis.
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: Mrs. Kathy May
For your convenience, below in the "Related Documents" you will find a list of approved Licenced Tradespeople. As well, any Plumber licensed in Cambridge is also approved to install Backflow Prevention Devices.
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. Please Click Here to view "Fee Schedule-Building".
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;aw 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 on a regular basis.
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: Mrs. Kathy May
For your convenience, below in the "Related Documents" you will find a list of approved Licenced Tradespeople. As well, any Plumber licensed in Cambridge is also approved to install Backflow Prevention Devices.
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. Please Click Here to view "Fee Schedule-Building".
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 | |||
| Trades License List - Backflow Program Testers & Surveyors | Trades License List - Backflow Program Testers & Surveyors | 2010-07-20 | PDF 2510Kb |
| Plumbing Permit Application | Plumbing Permit Application | 2010-04-26 | PDF 124Kb |
| Contact Information Sheet | Contact Information Sheet | 2008-03-25 | PDF 13Kb |
| Instructions for Annual Testing (Backflow) | Instructions for Annual Testing of Backflow Prevention Devices | 2008-03-19 | PDF 24Kb |
| Instructions to Comply With Bylaw (Backflow) | Instructions to Comply With Water Use Bylaw 146-03 regarding Backflow Prevention | 2008-03-19 | PDF 23Kb |
| Cross Connection Survey | Cross Connection Survey | 2007-04-18 | PDF 232Kb |
| Backflow Prevention Device Testing and Inspection Report | Backflow Prevention Device Testing and Inspection Report | 2007-01-12 | PDF 199Kb |