Wai rere whakamuri
Backflow
A backflow prevention device protects the water supply and must be tested annually.
What is backflow?
Backflow occurs when water flows backwards into the public water network. An unwanted reverse flow can cause contaminants – such as harmful bacteria or chemicals – to enter the water supply. This can seriously affect the quality and safety of drinking water.
What causes backflow?
We ensure that water flows to your property under the correct pressure, but if this pressure changes there is a chance that water could be drawn back into our network.
The two main causes of backflow are:
1. A sudden drop in pipe pressure, which siphons water back into the network.
2. If the water supply is directly connected to equipment, such as a boiler or a private bore which is at a higher pressure, water is forced back into the network.
What is a backflow prevention device?
A backflow prevention device protects the water supply from potential contamination.
The type used (e.g. reduced pressure zone, double-check valve) depends on the degree of risk.
The device is usually attached to the water meter on the customer side of the point of supply.
Who installs and tests backflow devices?Boundary/containment devices
Watercare installs all backflow devices except for fire supplies. As the property owner, you are responsible for maintaining and annually testing the correct backflow device at your boundary.
When required, we reserve the right to fix or upgrade a faulty device to reduce risks to the water network. We will recover reasonable costs for this work from you.
Internal devices
Auckland Council oversees testing of backflow devices within your property.
Boundary/containment devices
Watercare installs all backflow devices except for fire supplies. As the property owner, you are responsible for maintaining and annually testing the correct backflow device at your boundary.
When required, we reserve the right to fix or upgrade a faulty device to reduce risks to the water network. We will recover reasonable costs for this work from you.
Internal devices
Auckland Council oversees testing of backflow devices within your property.
Which water connections require a backflow device?Residential customers
You need a backflow device if you want to:
Business customers
You need a backflow device if you want to:
Apply for a new or additional water meter
You DO NOT need a device if you want to:
Disconnect a meter
Increase meter size
Residential customers
You need a backflow device if you want to:
Business customers
You need a backflow device if you want to:
Apply for a new or additional water meter
You DO NOT need a device if you want to:
Disconnect a meter
Increase meter size
What information is required when I apply for a connection?When you apply to us for a water connection that requires a backflow device, you must include scale plans showing all existing or proposed backflow prevention devices. The plans must be stamped ‘approved’ by Auckland Council for building or resource consent.
When you apply to us for a water connection that requires a backflow device, you must include scale plans showing all existing or proposed backflow prevention devices. The plans must be stamped ‘approved’ by Auckland Council for building or resource consent.
Is my property a backflow risk?Properties are classified into three degrees of risk. This determines the type of backflow device you need to install.
High risk
Activity: Uses or produces toxic or bacterial matter that may cause death or serious illness if leaked into the main water supply.
Examples: Hospitals, mortuaries, chemical plants, cooling towers, air conditioners, hairdressing salons, commercial laundries.
Device: Reduced pressure zone.
Testing: Annual.
Medium risk
Activity: Produces backflow that can endanger health.
Examples: Public swimming pools, garden irrigation systems.
Device: Double-check valve.
Testing: Annual.
Low risk
Activity: Could cause a nuisance from colour, smell or taste but does not endanger health.
Examples: Most private homes.
Device: Air gap separation or hose vacuum break valve.
Testing: Annual.
Identifying high and medium-risk properties
We conduct regular surveys to find high and medium-risk properties that require backflow devices. If we identify your property, we will send you a letter advising you about surveying your property. We will send you the survey results and, if you need a backflow device, explain what you need to do.
Properties are classified into three degrees of risk. This determines the type of backflow device you need to install.
High risk
Activity: Uses or produces toxic or bacterial matter that may cause death or serious illness if leaked into the main water supply.
Examples: Hospitals, mortuaries, chemical plants, cooling towers, air conditioners, hairdressing salons, commercial laundries.
Device: Reduced pressure zone.
Testing: Annual.
Medium risk
Activity: Produces backflow that can endanger health.
Examples: Public swimming pools, garden irrigation systems.
Device: Double-check valve.
Testing: Annual.
Low risk
Activity: Could cause a nuisance from colour, smell or taste but does not endanger health.
Examples: Most private homes.
Device: Air gap separation or hose vacuum break valve.
Testing: Annual.
Identifying high and medium-risk properties
We conduct regular surveys to find high and medium-risk properties that require backflow devices. If we identify your property, we will send you a letter advising you about surveying your property. We will send you the survey results and, if you need a backflow device, explain what you need to do.
Where are the devices installed?Backflow prevention devices can be either at the property boundary or within your property.
Boundary or containment device
This is placed at your property boundary. Watercare oversees testing of it to ensure it fully complies with the Water Services Act.
Internal device
This is placed within your property. Auckland Council oversees testing of it in conjunction with the Building Act.
Backflow prevention devices can be either at the property boundary or within your property.
Boundary or containment device
This is placed at your property boundary. Watercare oversees testing of it to ensure it fully complies with the Water Services Act.
Internal device
This is placed within your property. Auckland Council oversees testing of it in conjunction with the Building Act.
More information
Testing a backflow device
Each year, we will send you a reminder letter, asking you to have your device tested. You can opt for us to test it.
Do you have an internal backflow device (located within your property)?
The building owner is responsible for arranging an IQP to inspect and test these in accordance with the building’s compliance schedule (contact Auckland Council for further information)
Arrange a testTo test your device, you have two options:
1. Ask us to test it
Email [email protected] or call us on (09) 442 2222. We will bill you for this service.
2. Engage an independently qualified person (IQP) to test it
To find an IQP, go to the Auckland Council list of IQPs (IQP= Independently qualified person)
Click the Systems/Feature dropdown arrow and scroll to SS7. Select SS7 and click Search the Name, Suburb Address or other options to see a list of IQPs who can install or test your device.
On the search results page, click Expand All for contact details.
To test your device, you have two options:
1. Ask us to test it
Email [email protected] or call us on (09) 442 2222. We will bill you for this service.
2. Engage an independently qualified person (IQP) to test it
To find an IQP, go to the Auckland Council list of IQPs (IQP= Independently qualified person)
Click the Systems/Feature dropdown arrow and scroll to SS7. Select SS7 and click Search the Name, Suburb Address or other options to see a list of IQPs who can install or test your device.
On the search results page, click Expand All for contact details.
Get a test certificateWhen your device passes the test, the tester issues a certificate. They may use their own certificate, or download our boundary backflow device test certificate.
If you use Watercare for testing, we will hold a copy of the certificate and supply this to you if required.
If you use an independent tester, they (or you) will need to email a copy of the certificate to us at [email protected].
If we don’t receive a test certificate, we will arrange for your device to be tested, and will bill you.
When your device passes the test, the tester issues a certificate. They may use their own certificate, or download our boundary backflow device test certificate.
If you use Watercare for testing, we will hold a copy of the certificate and supply this to you if required.
If you use an independent tester, they (or you) will need to email a copy of the certificate to us at [email protected].
If we don’t receive a test certificate, we will arrange for your device to be tested, and will bill you.
If your device fails the testIf your device fails the test or you do not repair it on time, we will contact you stating that it is a high priority to repair it.
If you don’t repair and retest the device within 2 weeks of receiving this message, we will revisit the device, make repairs, and invoice you for this work.
If your device fails the test or you do not repair it on time, we will contact you stating that it is a high priority to repair it.
If you don’t repair and retest the device within 2 weeks of receiving this message, we will revisit the device, make repairs, and invoice you for this work.
Testing chargesAs the owner of a boundary backflow device you must pay for the tests. Independent testers will have their own fee schedule for this work.
As the owner of a boundary backflow device you must pay for the tests. Independent testers will have their own fee schedule for this work.