Backflow prevention
Our Cross Connection Control Program plays an important part in protecting the quality of drinking water delivered to your home or business.
Cross-connections are plumbing connections between the drinking water system and water used for other purposes that could be a source of contamination or pollution. It is essential to remove or protect these cross-connections with the installation of backflow prevention. This prevents unwanted reverse flow of used, polluted, or contaminated water into the drinking water system.
Examples of where backflow preventers are required:
- Fire sprinkler systems
- Swimming pools
- Hose bibbs
- Underground irrigation systems
- Commercial boiler systems
- Commercial food preparation equipment
- Temporary water connections for construction sites PDF file (15 MB)
Backflow prevention maintenance and testing requirements
Backflow prevention devices required in private plumbing systems are the responsibility of the property owner or operator. Backflow prevention assemblies have internal seals, springs, and moving parts that can wear out. Under Water Works By-law No. 4848 PDF file (399 KB), these devices need to be regularly tested by a certified tester and the results reported to the City of Vancouver within 15 days of each test.
Testing is required:
- Upon installation
- Annually, following installation
- After any cleaning, repair, or alteration
- Upon request by the City engineer
Submitting backflow assembly test reports
Backflow Solutions, Inc. (BSI) manages an online portal for tracking backflow test results and information on behalf of the City of Vancouver. Certified testers can register and submit test reports online. Follow the instructions on the Backflow Assembly Test Report form for submitting your test reports to BSI Online External website, opens in new tab.
Follow the instructions on the Backflow Assembly Test Report form for submitting your test results to BSI Online.
Download the Backflow Assembly Test Report form PDF file (682 KB)
There is a $21 fee to file a backflow test report with BSI. This fee will increase to $30 on January 1, 2026.
Questions? Email the Cross Connection Control team at [email protected].
