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The City of Ottawa has recently announced that it will be introducing a new Backflow Prevention Program developed to prevent the backflow of contaminated water from buildings connected to the City’s drinking water system. The intent of the program is to ensure that commercial and multi-residential buildings comply with the highest industry drinking water protection standards, ensure public safety, and address the last unmitigated risk to the drinking water system.

What is a backflow incident?

Backflow incidents happen when low water pressure causes contaminants to flow from buildings into the City drinking water system, potentially causing a public health risk. The City has a duty to comply with the highest industry drinking water protection standards and will work to prevent these incidents to ensure public safety and the long-term safety of its shared water resources.

Backflow prevention programs are currently in place in numerous Ontario municipalities, including Toronto, Hamilton, London, Markham, Halton Region and Waterloo.

Implications for property owners

Approximately 14,000 institutional, commercial, industrial and multi-residential facilities across the city will need to be assessed to determine their level of risk. Once assessments are complete, severe and moderate risk buildings will be required to install a backflow prevention device.

For more information, or to book your free consultation to access what measures you need to take to comply with the City of Ottawa’s Backflow Prevention Program, please contact us.