By-Law 90: Cross Connection and Back-Flow Prevention
The Cross Connection and Back-Flow Prevention Bylaw
The purpose of this by law is to prevent the inadvertent contamination of the water distribution system by the backflow of a contaminant into the distribution main. A condition may exist that reduces the pressure in the main such as a significant leak or major use of water such as fighting a fire. The bylaw mandates the installation and annual testing by a qualified person (such as a plumber) of cross connection control backflow prevention devices and premise isolation devices in accordance with the provisions of the Canadian Standards Association. The bylaw provides that:
No Consumer or other person shall connect, cause to be connected, or allow to remain connected to the Water Works Distribution System, directly or indirectly, any piping, fixture, fitting, container, vehicle, device, appliance, or the like, in a manner which under any circumstances, may allow water, waste, or any other liquid, chemical, foreign or deleterious substance to enter the Water Works Distribution System.
and
Where a risk of possible contamination of the Water Works Distribution System exists in the opinion of the Commission or an Approved Authority, a Consumer or other person shall, on notice from the Commission or Approved Authority, install and put into service a Cross Connection Control Device approved by the Commission or Approved Authority.
Removal of Backflow Prevention Devices Prohibited
No person shall remove or otherwise modify or tamper or render ineffective, or cause or permit the removal, modification, tampering, or rendering ineffective of, a Cross Control Connection Device or part thereof after it has been installed, except for a removal in respect of which the person has delivered to the Engineer a written notice at least 2 clear days prior to removal of the device with particulars of the device location and a copy of the most recent report by a Tester pertaining to the device, and such removal is thereafter carried out.
Repeal and Enactment
The provisions of By-law 82 shall continue to apply to any Premises or persons in respect of which enforcement action has commenced under that By-law prior to the final passing of this By-law until such enforcement action has been fully and finally concluded.
