Council to work with owners to prevent backflow contamination

Council to work with property owners to prevent backflow contamination

Clutha District Council will be working with industrial, commercial and rural property owners in the district to locate potential areas of risk in the water networks and remedy these issues by installing backflow prevention devices.

Deputy CE Jules Witt says, “the backflow protection programme aims to mitigate and reduce the risk of harmful contaminants entering Council’s water systems from private connections.”

Under the Water Services Act 2021, Council has a responsibility to protect its water supplies from any potential contamination or public health risks, including backflow.

Backflow occurs when water (possibly containing contaminants) flows back into the network from a property.

“Water pressure within the network ensures water is delivered to your property. However, if the water pressure changes in the network, either by changes in pressure or back-siphonage, then backflow can occur.”

“Backflow can pose a serious risk to our public, so we want to work with property owners to prevent this happening,” Mr Witt said.

Mr Witt said Council would require properties in the district that need backflow prevention measures to be taken, to have backflow prevention devices installed at the boundary of their properties.

Council will work together with property owners to locate potential areas of risk, determine where backflow prevention devices will be required, and assist in arranging installation of the devices as needed.

From July Council will be writing to property owners that may have a potential risk of backflow occurring, based on their listed land use. Typically, this would include industrial, rural, and commercial property owners.

This will be followed by a site visit by a Council Officer, who will conduct an audit of the water systems at the property. If it is concluded that a property poses a level of risk to the potable water supply then backflow protection will be required, to be purchased and installed by the property owner.

Council is required to determine when it is necessary for a backflow protection device to be used, as well as keep a register of the devices, ensure devices are tested at least annually, and have in place a Drinking Water Safety Plan.

If you would like to read more about the Backflow Prevention Programme and how it may affect you, please visit our Backflow Prevention webpage and read our FAQs.