What are the fines for backflow prevention device non-compliance?

In Canada, we may sometimes take common things like easily accessible running water for granted. But keeping our water clean requires work and care. Every plumber at Hillcrest Plumbing & Heating Ltd. does everything he or she can to help all our customers in New Westminster and anywhere else in the city keep their water safe.

To ensure that our water is protected, the city of Vancouver has laws in place that require homeowners to do their part in preventing dangerous cross connection between wastewater and clean water in our pipes and the potential backflow that it creates.

What are cross connection and backflow?

It doesn’t matter where you live in the Vancouver area; your plumbing almost certainly has some connection to the main municipal water system. There are typically at least two points of connection: a pipe that brings fresh water to your home or business and a pipe that carries away wastewater. In order for our drinking water to stay safe, we need to make sure that these two systems, the water supply and wastewater drainage, never mix. When the two pipe systems do connect, even potentially, it’s called “cross connection.” Cross connections typically have special apparatuses that prevent wastewater from back into the clean water supply. When, for some extraordinary reason, water does start moving backwards, it’s called “backflow.”

We take these issues seriously because any contamination of the water supply in one area could conceivably become a public risk and make a lot of people sick. That’s why the government is so strict about monitoring and enforcing the rules surrounding our city’s water. In BC there are even non-profit organizations such as the BC Water and Waste Association that help train professionals and educate the public at large about the importance of water safety.

How do I prevent cross connection?

If you suspect you have any problematic cross connection or backflow in your home in Langley or Tsawwassen, you should contact a plumber immediately. It’s important to act quickly if you think there may be a problem with your plumbing. Fines associated with cross connection offenses can run anywhere between $250 and $10,000 for every day that the offense occurs.

The easiest way to prevent cross connection and backflow is to consult with your local plumbers. There are a large number of assemblies on the market that prevent backflow and other forms of cross-contamination. A small investment before a problem occurs will be much cheaper than hefty fines. If you’re looking for help with your plumbing in the New Westminster or North Vancouver areas, we at Hillcrest Plumbing & Heating are here for you. We serve everyone in the Vancouver area so contact us today to find out how we can protect your water.