Backflow Prevention

Since 2008, all commercial, industrial, institutional and large multi-residential (five units or more) buildings must have approved backflow prevention in place to protect our drinking water from contamination.

Backflow prevention schedule

1. Cross connection assessment done by a Certified Contractor 
   (Copies must go to Backflow Prevention Officer and property owner. Email the Backflow Prevention Officer.)
2. Apply for a Building Permit and pay  (this step usually done by contractor).
3. Contractor installs required upgrades, including testable backflow prevention devices
4. Certified Contractor tests backflow prevention devices
   (Test report copies must go to Backflow Prevention Officer and property owner.)
5. Contact City Backflow Prevention Officer (807-626-3828) for an inspection to approve installations
6. Testable devices must be tested every year by a Certified Contractor
   ($50 renewal fee applied to water bill as per Waterworks By-law 029-2018)
7. Have a new cross connection assessment done by a Certified Contractor every five years as well as annual testing

PLEASE NOTE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES: Please make a note of your annual testing date. Every year, you must have your devices tested by a Certified Contractor. Every five years, you must have your cross connections assessed.

We email reminders to you. We require your up-to-date email address and phone number for this mandated program. Contact us at 807-62-BUILD or buildtbay@thunderbay.ca to provide this information.

If you do not provide updated information, you will not be notified of your responsibilities. Not supplying contact information may result in non-compliance with the Backflow Prevention Program, which can lead to fines up to $100,000 and/or termination of your water service.