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Backflow Prevention Program

Purpose of the Program

The Town of Lincoln has recognized a need to address the risk of backflow into the drinking water systems from privately owned properties. This will be achieved through the initiation of a Backflow Prevention Program (BFPP), as set out under “By-Law No. 01-134 and No. 06-84”. By doing so, water quality and in turn, human health, will be protected. Also, landowners will avoid any liabilities associated with contaminating drinking water, which include substantial fines and/or imprisonment.

In order to explain the program, the Town will be holding an Open House as follows:

Public Open House

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Lincoln Centre

4361 Central Avenue

Beamsville ON

Key Dates

The following is a list of keys dates for the Backflow Prevention Program:

Activity

Date

Public Open House

May 15, 2007

Initial Survey

September 17, 2007

Initial Survey Report to Town

May 31, 2008

BFPD Installation

November 30, 2008

Initial BFPD Report to Town

April 15 2009

Annual BFPD Test Results

April 15 of each year


Definitions

The following is a list of definitions for the Backflow Prevention Program:

  • Backflow-A reverse flow condition, created by a difference in water pressures, which causes water to flow back into the distribution pipes of the water supply from any other sources

  • Backflow Prevention Device-A device is used to protect the water supply from contamination, usually involves a reduced pressure principle assembly
  • Cross-connection-Any physical connection or arrangement between potable water and a source of contamination (suspect water, steam, gas or chemical) whereby a flow from one system to the other is possible

Background

The Ministry of the Environment imposes a statutory obligation to the municipality to maintain water quality under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The backflow prevention program was created to be pro-active against the entry of any contaminants to the municipal water supply from a non-residential building, or an apartment building larger than three stories in height. To minimize the risk of contamination, an appropriate backflow device is installed at the potential cross over connection, as well as, at or near the main water supply.

Backflow can be a result of Back Siphonage, which could easily happen if the water supply pressure is reduced by a breakage, repairs or even local fire fighting. Back Siphonage is a reversal of normal water flow caused by a negative pressure in the main water line. Also, if there is an increase in the downstream water pressure, which is greater than the supply water pressure, this is an instance of Back Pressure. Another type of contamination is when there is a direct cross-connection between the main water supply and another suspect system.

In recent years, there have been cases where drinking water has become contaminated due backflow. One recent example of this is an Ontario carwash that accidentally released chemicals used during its operations into the drinking water system. In another case, an Alberta veterinary office was found to have contaminated drinking water with E. Coli and other bacteria. This was due to the fact that there were cross connections between the drinking water supply and a contaminated source with no preventative measures in place. By-law No. 01-134, will ensure the quality of water for the Town of Lincoln.

Related Material

STRATFORD CARWASH FINED $75,000.00

Documentation

The following is a list of background information and documentation that must be completed for the Backflow Prevention Program.  To view the documents click on the links in the table below:

Email your completed backflow documents to:

backflow@lincoln.ca

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