Backflow Prevention

Federation Council is committed to providing safe and high-quality drinking water which consistently meets the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and other regulatory requirements.

What is Backflow? 

Backflow is described as the reverse flow of water from a source into the protected reticulated potable water system.

Federation Council’s water supply systems are normally maintained at high pressure to enable water to flow from the taps.  During a period of high water demand, such as a burst water main, or when fire fighters access water for fire fighting, low pressure may occur within the system.  The reduced pressure can result in water flowing back into the system from external sources such as water tanks. Backflow can also occur where pumps within a property pressurise the internal system to a pressure higher than the Council’s reticulation system. When the pressure in the internal system is higher than that of the reticulated system, water can flow back into the potable water supply.  A backflow prevention device fitted at the property boundary prevents this from happening.

Council’s Commitment

Federation Council is committed to providing safe and high-quality drinking water which consistently meets the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and other regulatory requirements.

To achieve this commitment, Federation Council will:

  • ensure the appropriate installation, testing, maintenance and certification of backflow prevention devices in accordance with Australian Standard AS3500 part 1
  • ensure that property owners and plumbers are made aware of the requirements for backflow prevention devices and their applicable responsibilities
  • verify the certification and accreditation of plumbers involved in the installation, testing and certification of devices
  • ensure that all testable devices are tested annually and maintain a register of test results.

High-hazard backflow devices require annual testing as a minimum. To ensure the safety of the system for all of Council’s potable water customers, we require records of the testing to be sent to Council.

If testing is not maintained, Council will conduct the testing and inspection of the device at the owner’s cost.

Property Owners Commitment / Obligation

Where backflow prevention is required in accordance with Australian Standard AS3500 part 1, property owners connected to potable water supplies are required to:

  • ensure backflow device installation, commissioning, testing and maintenance is completed in accordance with Australian Standard AS3500 part 1
  • supply to Council an Inspection and Maintenance Report for all Backflow Prevention Device Installations on an annual basis
  • pay all fees and charges levied by Council and applicable to backflow prevention.