OR WHAT IS BACKFLOW?
Backflow is the unwanted reverse flow of a liquid in a piping system. Backflow is normally caused by a drop in supply pressure, creating a negative pressure in the water supply system. This allows contaminated liquid to be siphoned into the drinking water via a cross-connection.
Does your site have
CROSS-CONNECTIONS between the drinking water and
contaminated or treated water?
A cross-connection
is an actual or potential connection between the drinking water supply system
and a source of actual or potential contamination.
Cross-connections put at risk the quality of drinking water consumed by tenants
and visitors.
Does your site have
HAZARDS?
Hazards or sources of
contamination commonly found at Commercial and Industrial sites include but
are not limited to, Boilers, Cooling Towers, Laundries, Cleaners Rooms &
Irrigation Systems.
Do you need to install Backflow Prevention Devices?
Water Suppliers in Victoria are now
enforcing regulations requiring water users to prevent contaminants from
entering the mains water supply, this is commonly known as Backflow
Prevention.
The
Australian standard for water supply (AS 3500.1:2003) states, “All water supply systems
shall be designed, installed and maintained so as to prevent contaminants from
being introduced into the water supply system.”
The Plumbing Industry Commission has the authority to ensure water users comply with the National Plumbing and Drainage Code. Licensed Plumbers must supply clients with a Certificate of Compliance for plumbing works that include Medium or High Risk Backflow Prevention Devices.
Some Commercial and Industrial sites will already have installed Backflow Prevention Devices at the property boundary, however this will only protect the Water supplier’s main external of your property. A Backflow Prevention Device located directly downstream of the water meter is referred to as Containment Protection. Backflow may still occur if cross-connections exist on a site, creating a risk of contamination of the drinking water. To prevent contamination of the drinking water on site, Zone or Individual Backflow Prevention Devices are required downstream to hazardous areas such as Mechanical Services plant.
Testing of Medium or High Risk Backflow Prevention Devices is required after installation and prior to service. They must be maintained in working order and tested for operational function at intervals not exceeding 12 months.
Polluted or contaminated water can kill, if it gets back into the main water supply. At Backflow Valves we are dedicated to backflow prevention and the need to protect safe drinking water. We can do an audit of your premises to ascertain your requirements and design a system for your needs.
We
therefore offer the following services:
Site
evaluation and assessment of existing or potential cross connections
Sales
of backflow prevention devices.
Installation
of backflow prevention devices.
Commissioning
and testing of backflow prevention devices
Liaison with water supply authorities in regard to backflow prevention.
Certificate of Compliance supplied for works that include Medium or High Risk Backflow Prevention Devices.
