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.
The Municipality has partnered with Backflow Solutions Inc (BSI) for the organization and notification of annual backflow prevention device test reports and requirements. Please be patient during the roll out of this program. In the coming weeks, backflow device testers will be able to submit reports and documents via a link on this page. Backflow prevention device test reports can still be forwarded to Kevin Willson (kwillson@thamescentre.on.ca) until the rollout with BSI is complete.
About Backflow Solutions Inc.
Backflow Solutions Inc. (BSI) is a company that specializes in the organization, administration and management of backflow prevention programs in over 500 water systems in Canada and the United States. BSI will notify property owners via mail when they require an annual backflow prevention device test. All backflow prevention devices in The Municipality of Thames Centre are required to be tested annually, as per By-Law 06-2019. Properties in Thames Centre that currently do not have a backflow prevention device, but require one under By-Law 06-2019, will be issued a letter to install an appropriate device and have it tested thereafter. Some properties will already have an appropriate backflow prevention device installed and are conducting an annual test. If you currently have a backflow prevention device installed and are conducting annual tests, please forward a copy of the test reports to Kevin Willson, (kwillson@thamescentre.on.ca).
What is the Backflow Prevention Program?
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?
- All existing or future industrial, commercial, institutional and multi-residential buildings and structures connected to the municipality of Thames Centre drinking water system, except buildings or structures of residential occupancy where each dwelling unit is individually serviced from the municipal drinking-water system
- If you own an individually serviced residential home, a Backflow Prevention Device is required you have any of the following: any auxiliary water supply, private well, lawn sprinkler or irrigation system, or fire protection system
- Any condition exists that may be hazardous to the municipal drinking water system
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