Backflow Prevention Program

Backflow Prevention Program

The Municipality of Thames Centre has put in place a Backflow Prevention Program, under By-Law 6-2019, to ensure that the treated water in any watermain, buildings, and homes stays free of any contaminants, pollutants, and un-potable water. The way in which this is done is by installing a backflow prevention device to the water connection to ensure no backflow event occurs.

 

What is the Backflow Prevention Program?

The Backflow Prevention Program safeguards the municipal drinking water system.  The goal of the program is to inform Thames Centre municipal drinking water users on how to prevent external contamination from entering the distribution system, identify potential cross-connections, and ensure annual testing compliance.

 

What is Backflow?

Backflow is the reversal of the normal direction of water from the customer’s premises into the municipal drinking water system.  Potential backflow hazards can be caused by fire sprinkler systems, solar heating systems, swimming pools, boilers, or lawn irrigation systems.

 

What is a Cross-connection?

A Cross-connection is any potential, or current connection between the potable municipal water supply, and any non-potable water, substances, or hazardous materials. Improper cross-control management can lead to a potential Backflow event.

 

Diagram

 

What is a Backflow Prevention Device?

A Backflow Prevention Device is a mechanism that allows water to flow only in a single direction. A testable backflow prevention is required under By-Law 6-2019. A testable backflow prevention device can be seen below.

 

Do I need a Backflow Prevention Device?

 

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