What You Need to Know About Backflow Prevention Devices
What are Backflow Prevention Devices?
If you own a Commercial Property or are about to purchase one it is likely it will have a Backflow Prevention Device installed. If you are a tenant you may be required to install one depending on the nature of your business. Do you know what a backflow prevention device is and what your responsibilities are?
Why do Backflow Prevention Devices matter?
They matter a lot. The Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing, and Water holds local water suppliers responsible for maintaining a satisfactory level of purity in the drinking water supply and ensuring it does not get contaminated. A Backflow Prevention Device makes sure water is not contaminated by any commercial property backwash or waste.
How do Backflow Prevention Devices work?
Backflow is a term used when the normal direction of water flow is reversed due to problems in the water distribution system causing contamination of water. A Backflow Prevention Device is there to prevent drinking water from being contaminated with potentially polluted water, preventing public health problems or even death.
What do you have to do as an owner or tenant who has one installed?
Firstly the device must be registered with the local council and an annual fee payable to the council. Next, an annual inspection is required by a certified backflow prevention tester. This also involves a fee payable to the council. Finally, if you replace, repair, or relocate the device then an inspection may be required which also requires a fee to be paid to the council for this to be carried out.
If you do not register the device or fail to have the annual test carried out then you can be fined. If you do not keep the correct maintenance and contamination occurs you may be liable and even sued. We cannot emphasise enough the seriousness if you neglect the inspections and maintenance on your Backflow Prevention Device. As Commercial Asset Managers this is just one part of compliance that we deal with on a regular basis to ensure our clients are not exposed to any potential risk or noncompliance resulting in fines.
Contact us to find out more.