Backflow prevention policy
New industrial or commercial developments or re-developments
The Water Corporation’s backflow prevention policy applies to any new industrial or commercial development or redevelopment. If the development or redevelopment has existing water services but the water service application does not explicitly include a water service request (such as (for example) a service request made solely for a sewer connection; or an extension to an existing building, etc.) then the policy still applies.
Where we assess the development as being low, medium or high backflow risk, a containment backflow prevention device (to that level of assessed risk) is required to be provided at each water service connection at the property boundary. The policy also applies to fire services, which are to be fitted with a double-check valve detector assembly or a registered air gap / break tank device.
The backflow prevention device is to be provided as part of the property plumbing system. It will require annual testing and compliance certification by an approved person.
We automatically assess the backflow risk level when building plans are submitted to us using BuilderNet®. Applicants will be advised if their development is assessed as low, medium or high risk and be given information for referral to their plumber.
How the backflow risk level is initially rated
The Water Corporation assesses the requirement to install boundary containment devices by utilising a land use description guide, known as the Land Use Code (LUC) Description table. Each property is initially assessed and assigned a LUC based upon the proposed land use AND by the known practices that are to occur on that property. The assigned LUC then determines its backflow risk level.
Any property that will have any form of industrial waste process will automatically be assigned a HIGH backflow risk level. Any property where the activities are unknown at the time of the application tthen these applications are rated as a HIGH risk.
This guide allows for licensed plumbers / hydraulic consultants to make an informal yet informed assessment of a property prior to making a service request to the Corporation.
 | Backflow Prevention Policy |
| | Backflow Prevention Devices |
| | LUC Description Table |
