Understanding Backflow
In the District of Muskoka’s municipal drinking water system, water is designed to flow in a single direction — from the water treatment facility to homes and businesses. When water flows in the opposite direction, this is known as backflow, and it can contaminate the drinking water supply.There are two main causes of backflow:
Back Siphonage
Back siphonage can occur when there is a sudden drop in water pressure, such as during a water main break or firefighting operations. This drop creates a vacuum in the system, which can pull potentially contaminated water from homes or businesses back into the public water supply.
Back Pressure
Back pressure happens when water from a non-drinking water source is forced into the drinking water system due to higher pressure. This can result from devices like booster pumps, heating systems (e.g., boilers), or elevated piping. If the pressure in these systems exceeds the pressure in the municipal water system, contaminated water can be pushed back into the drinking water supply.
Why Backflow Prevention is Critical
Backflow incidents can contaminate the municipal water distribution system, posing serious risks to public health and safety. Although such events are relatively rare, they have occurred in various parts of Canada and serve as important reminders of the need for robust backflow prevention measures.
By preventing backflow, we help protect the quality of our drinking water and ensure the continued safety of our communities.
| Backflow Prevention Program |
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The District of Muskoka is committed to continuously enhancing the safety and quality of its award-winning drinking water. On August 10, 2023, District Council adopted Backflow Prevention By-law 2023-42, establishing a formal backflow prevention program to further protect the municipal water supply. This by-law requires the installation, annual testing, and maintenance of approved backflow prevention devices (for premise isolation) on all water services that pose a potential risk to the public water system. These proactive measures add another layer of protection to ensure the continued delivery of safe, clean drinking water to residents and businesses across Muskoka. |
| Backflow Prevention Devices |
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Backflow prevention devices are a mechanism affixed to a water service, aiming to shield the drinking water system from potential backflow contamination. For premise isolation, there are two chief backflow prevention devices. High or Severe Hazard: Connections or possible connections that involve water containing additives or substances which can pose health risks regardless of concentration fall under this category. Such hazards necessitate a backflow prevention device named the Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly (RP). Moderate Hazard: Connections that have a slight chance of escalating into a high or severe risk fall under this category. It encompasses connections wherein the water's aesthetic properties have been compromised and, under certain circumstances, could pose health risks. This hazard type necessitates a backflow prevention device termed the Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA). |
| Who does By-law 2023-42 affect and how to align with the requirements |
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By-Law 2023-42 will apply to all industrial, commercial, institutional and multi-residential properties connected to the District's municipal drinking water system. How to comply The District looks forward to working with you to ensure the supply of safe, clean drinking water to our communities. The following steps are a guide on how to comply with By-law 2023-42:
For more information, please see the Backflow Prevention Program Process Flow Diagram. Who is a qualified person? A person certified by the Ontario Water Works Association, or other governing body as approved by District Municipality of Muskoka, to conduct backflow prevention installation, testing, and maintenance. The District strongly recommends obtaining multiple quotes and does not endorse or provide recommendations of services or prices. The District has compiled a listing of Qualified Persons registered with BSI Online. Qualified persons responsibilities:
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