Cross-Connection and Backflow Prevention

Cross-Connection and Backflow Prevention

Introduction

This page provides general information to help customers understand cross-connections, backflow, and why backflow prevention is important for protecting the drinking water system.

TteS’s current Water Rates and Regulation Bylaw No. 2025-03 includes requirements to prevent contamination of the water system. The bylaw states that no customer or person shall connect, cause to be connected, or allow to remain connected any piping, fixture, fitting, container, or appliance that may allow water, wastewater, or any harmful liquid or substance to enter the Band’s water system.

This page is intended to provide plain-language information for customers. Specific requirements may depend on the property, type of use, plumbing configuration, and direction from TteS.

Why Backflow Prevention Is Important

Backflow prevention helps protect the public drinking water system from contamination.

Without proper protection, contaminants may enter the water system through cross-connections. This could create a risk to public health and the water distribution system.

TteS’s bylaw allows action where a condition may allow harmful substances to enter the Band’s water system. If an immediate contamination threat may endanger public safety or health, water service may be shut off without notice, in consultation with the CAO.

What Is a Cross-Connection?

A cross-connection is any temporary, permanent, or potential connection between the drinking water system and a source that may contain non-potable water, chemicals, wastewater, or other contaminants.

Cross-connections can happen through plumbing, equipment, hoses, tanks, irrigation systems, or other connections that may allow unsafe water or substances to enter the water system.

Examples may include connections involving:

• irrigation systems
• chemical tanks or dispensers
• boilers or heating systems
• commercial equipment
• fire protection systems
• auxiliary or private water systems
• hoses connected to tanks, buckets, or chemical containers

What Is Backflow?

Backflow means the reverse flow of water or another substance into the drinking water system.

Backflow can happen when there is a change in pressure, such as:

• a sudden drop in water pressure
• high pressure from private equipment
• pumps or boilers connected to plumbing
• water main breaks
• fire hydrant use
• improperly connected hoses or irrigation systems

When backflow occurs, water or other substances may flow in the wrong direction and create a risk to the drinking water system.

What Is a Backflow Preventer?

A backflow preventer is a device or assembly designed to help stop water or other substances from flowing backward into the drinking water system.

Backflow preventers are commonly used where there may be a higher risk of contamination, such as commercial, industrial, irrigation, or other non-residential water services.

Customer Responsibilities

Customers are responsible for helping protect the water system from contamination.

Customers should:

• Keep plumbing, fixtures, and water service components in good repair
• Protect water service components from freezing
• Avoid connecting private systems or equipment in a way that could contaminate the water system
• Contact TteS before making plumbing, irrigation, service, or use changes that may affect the water system
• Keep any required backflow preventer accessible, protected, and maintained
• Notify TteS if they suspect a cross-connection, backflow risk, or plumbing condition that may affect the water system

TteS’s bylaw states that customers must keep pipes, stopcocks, and other fixtures on their premises in good repair and protected from frost at their own expense.

Irrigation and Alternate Water Supplies

Backflow protection is especially important where irrigation systems or alternate water supplies are involved.

TteS’s bylaw states that no person shall use water supplied through the Band’s Domestic Water Service to sprinkle or irrigate fields without first installing and maintaining a proper backflow preventer and obtaining a permit from the Planning & Engineering Department.

The bylaw also states that if a customer has an alternate water supply or irrigation connection, they must not connect it to the distribution system supplied by the Band’s domestic water service connection.

Access for Inspection

TteS may need access to inspect water service components, meter connections, bypass facilities, plumbing, or related fixtures to confirm that the water system is protected.

The bylaw states that customers must allow Planning & Engineering or authorized representatives to enter lands and premises at reasonable times to inspect the premises, water piping system, meter location, meter connection, and bypass facilities.

Installation and Maintenance Considerations

Backflow preventers must be installed and maintained properly so they can continue to protect the water system.

Customers should make sure that any required backflow preventer is:

• installed in an accessible location
• protected from freezing
• protected from damage, flooding, or vandalism
• not removed or changed without checking with TteS
• maintained in good working condition
• installed in a way that allows inspection, testing, maintenance, or repair when required

Some backflow prevention devices may require inspection, maintenance, repair, or testing depending on the type of property, water use, and level of risk. Customers should contact TteS before installing, replacing, removing, or modifying a backflow preventer or any plumbing that may affect the water system.

When to Contact TteS

Customers should contact TteS before:

• installing or changing an irrigation system
• installing or replacing a backflow preventer
• making plumbing changes that may affect the water service
• connecting equipment, tanks, pumps, or chemical systems to the plumbing
• changing the use of a property or business
• using an alternate water supply
• removing or replacing water service components
• requesting water service turn-on or turn-off

Customers should also contact TteS if they believe there may be:

• a cross-connection
• a backflow issue
• a leaking service
• a damaged device
• a contamination risk
• a plumbing condition that may affect the water system

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cross-connection?

A cross-connection is any temporary, permanent, or potential connection between the drinking water system and something that may contain non-potable water, chemicals, wastewater, or other contaminants.

What is backflow?

Backflow is the reverse flow of water or another substance into the drinking water system. It can happen when pressure changes in the water system or private plumbing.

Why is backflow prevention important?

Backflow prevention helps protect the drinking water system from contamination and helps reduce public health risk.

What is a backflow preventer?

A backflow preventer is a device or assembly installed to help stop water or other substances from flowing backward into the drinking water system.

Do all properties need a backflow preventer?

Not all properties have the same risk. Backflow protection may be required depending on the type of property, plumbing system, water use, irrigation system, equipment, or potential contamination hazard.

Do irrigation systems need backflow protection?

TteS’s bylaw states that domestic water must not be used to sprinkle or irrigate fields unless a proper backflow preventer is installed and maintained and a permit is obtained from Planning & Engineering.

Can I connect an alternate water supply to the TteS water system?

No. If a customer has an alternate water supply or irrigation connection, it must not be connected to the distribution system supplied by the Band’s domestic water service connection.

Can I remove or replace a backflow preventer?

Customers should contact TteS before removing, replacing, or modifying a backflow preventer or any plumbing that may affect the water system.

Who should I contact for backflow or cross-connection questions?

For questions about cross-connections, backflow prevention, water meters, meter access, or water service requirements, please contact:

Public Works / Water Services
Email: [email protected]