Backflow Prevention Program

In plumbing systems water is generally maintained at a substantial pressure so that water will flow from taps, showers, etc on demand. When there is reduced pressure due to a broken water main or high demand on water supply, for instance,  a building’s water pipe may allow contaminated water from the ground, from storage or from other sources to be drawn up into the system, contaminating drinking water.  Points at which a potable (drinking water) system connects with a non-potable water system are called cross-connections.

Cross connection devices, otherwise known as ‘backflow preventers’ are required for select commercial and industrial properties to ensure potentially contaminated water doesn’t backflow into Prince Rupert’s municipal drinking water supply. As per Water Utility Management Bylaw 3401, the City requires that Backflow Preventers are annually tested by a certified professional to ensure that the City’s water supply is protected from potential contamination.

The following facilities require backflow prevention:

• Facilities with more than one service connection or an alternate source of water;
• High-rise buildings (over 3 stories or that use a pump to elevate water);
• Canneries, packing houses, and reduction plants;
• Chemical plants;
• Civil works;
• Cold storage facilities;
• Film developing labs;
• Hospitals, medical buildings, morgues, mortuaries, nursing homes and medical/dental clinics;
• Facilities with irrigation/sprinkler systems;
• Laundries;
• Metal manufacturing, cleaning, processing and fabricating plants;
• Plating plants and facilities;
• Power plants;
• Facilities using radioactive materials;
• Facilities closed to public inspection;
• Sand, gravel, concrete and asphalt plants;
• Schools and colleges;
• Waterfront facilities; and,
• Any other facility deemed by the City’s Director of Operations to pose a potential hazard to the water supply