Understanding Backflow
In the District of Muskoka's municipal drinking water system, water is intended to flow in only one direction. Any undesirable flow reversal from a facility or building back into the drinking water system, resulting from back pressure or back siphonage, is termed as backflow.
Back Siphonage
Back siphonage might occur when there's a partial vacuum in the drinking water system due to significant water withdrawal events, for instance, a water main rupture or during firefighting actions. This vacuum can potentially pull contaminated water back into the drinking water system.
Back Pressure
Back pressure arises when a connection exists to a non-potable water source that operates at a pressure exceeding that of the drinking water system. Elements like booster pumps, temperature surges in boilers, or elevated piping can generate back pressure. This augmented pressure might force contaminated water back into the drinking water system.
Why Backflow Prevention is Critical
Potential backflow incidents could taint the water in the distribution system, leading to human health and safety concerns. Canada has witnessed several backflow mishaps, underlining the significance of backflow prevention initiatives.
| Backflow Prevention Program |
| The District continues to improve it's award winning water. On August 10th, 2023, the District of Muskoka Council passed Backflow Prevention By-Law 2023-42 to instigate a backflow prevention program, adding another layer to the District of Muskoka's robust measures ensuring safe drinking water. This by-law mandates the installation, yearly testing, and maintenance of a backflow preventer for premise isolation on all water services posing a potential threat to the municipal drinking water system. |
| 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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