City of Vancouver Backflow Testing Report Requirements

Did you know that as part of the Cross Connection Control Program, the City of Vancouver requires submitting a backflow testing report once your backflow assembly has been tested? The backflow testing report is an annual requirement for homes and businesses that have backflow assemblies in their water distribution systems. As a business owner or a homeowner, you will be notified via letter from the City of Vancouver that your backflow assembly is due (or overdue) for its testing. 

Why is Vancouver backflow testing required? 

As part of the BC Waste and Water Association (BCWWA), the Cross Connection Control program was put into place to ensure that the public drinking water supply is safe from contaminants due to the backflow of non-potable water. 

This is a BC-wide initiative aimed at maintaining the overall health and safety of the public. Cross-contamination control, also known as backflow prevention, is a key feature of the BCWWA initiative as the mechanisms are installed on irrigation or sprinklers, or anywhere that a mainline or primary point of water flow enters a building. 

Backflow testing is to ensure that the water flowing through any water system is only moving in one direction, or that there are no leaks, cracks, blockages, or changes in the water. 

What causes backflow?   

There are two main reasons that backflow happens. 

1. Back pressure: Backflow due to back pressure happens when there is a pressure difference between the water inside your home versus outside. When the pressure of the downstream water is greater than that in the water supply, allowing for water to be forced back into the main line. 

2. Back-Siphonage: Backflow due to back-siphonage occurs when the inlet for the water system is submerged past its maximum overflow point. The submersion liquid is not limited to water - which is why this can be fairly concerning. In this case, negative pressure can build up in the drinking water, pulling the liquid in which the inlet is submerged back into the main system.

In either case, reducing the risk of water moving against the normal flow in both commercial and residential applications goes a long way to keeping people healthy. 

How to get your Vancouver backflow testing done?

If you own a residential or commercial property in the City of Vancouver, with a water system, backflow testing is a requirement. The City of Vancouver uses a tracking system called BSI (Backflow Solutions Inc.) that maintains the records of backflow tests performed and when they come due. 

Once you get your notice in the mail, you might be tempted to test your backflow assembly yourself. However, Vancouver requires that all backflow testing be completed by a certified BCWWA technician (these same requirements apply across the province of British Columbia). BSI only accepts reports submitted by a certified backflow assembly tester within 14 days of the test date. 

At SMT Backflow, we are certified in BCWWA, American Water Works Association (AWWA), and WCB-certified to complete the work you need on your backflow assembly. Whether you own a commercial or residential property, we can help! 

Get in touch with us today with any questions you might have about your backflow assembly or if you’re due for backflow testing!