One of the newest backflow prevention and cross connection control bylaws in Ontario is also being touted as one on the largest, all-encompassing municipal drinking water protection endeavours to ever see the light of day. This is wonderful news for the world of backflow prevention in Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon!

Here are the major highlights from the new Region of Peel backflow bylaw that was passed on February 9th, 2017:

• Every building owner shall, at their own expense, have a qualified person perform a detailed backflow / cross connection survey inspection to determine which backflow device will need to be installed, with the report being submitted to the region within 14 days of the survey being performed.
• In the case of moderate or low hazard, this survey is to be repeated every 5 years.
• In the case of a severe hazard, this survey is to be repeated every 3 years.
• A qualified person is either a Journeyman plumber or Professional engineer that are certified to conduct surveys and test backflow preventers. Most plumbers don’t have this certification, so please ensure that you confirm licensing and certification before getting your backflow installations or testing performed.
• Every building owner shall, at their own expense, then have the appropriate backflow preventer installed and tested with the test report submitted to the Region of Peel. This test is to be performed annually within 14 days of its anniversary of installation date.
• In the event that an owner is found to be in non-compliance, and testing, installs or repairs are required, the Region of Peel may exercise it’s option to have the owner’s water supply shut off until the repairs are completed.
• An enforcement officer may, at any reasonable hour, gain entry to carry out an inspection to enforce the bylaw.
• Any person other than a corporation who contravenes any provision of this bylaw can receive a fine of up to $10,000.00 for every day the offence is in place for a first offence, and up to $25,000.00 for every day for subsequent offenses.
• A corporation can expect fines of up to $50,000.00 for every day the offense is in place for a first offence and up to $100,000.00 per day for subsequent offenses.
• Proposed timing for having your survey completed and submitted to Region of Peel is April 1, 2018.
• Proposed timing for having your backflow device installed and first test report submitted to the Region of Peel is April 1, 2019.

As the second largest municipality on Ontario behind Toronto, this long awaited bylaw and program will do much to ensure that drinking water consumers are protected from the day-to-day hazards associated with backflow events due to lack of enforcement. This is indeed progress!

When you receive your compliance letter from Peel make sure that you give us a call.