Annual Backflow Testing: What is it, and why is it legally required?
Stay compliant with Whywait Plumbing’s annual backflow testing on all backflow prevention valves, plus installation, repairs and servicing. Backflow testing protects our drinking water from contamination, helping to maintain a healthy water system.
Backflow Testing Enquiries
For same-day service, call (07) 5580 4311. For non-urgent testing or inspections, feel free to send us your details.
Annual Backflow Testing: What is it, and why is it legally required?
Stay compliant with Whywait Plumbing’s annual backflow testing on all backflow prevention valves, plus installation, repairs and servicing. Backflow testing protects our drinking water from contamination, helping to maintain a healthy water system.
Expert Backflow Prevention Valve Testing and Certification Services by Licensed Professionals
Under Queensland law, it is mandatory to conduct annual testing of your property’s testable backflow devices to ensure that they are fully functional and meet regulatory standards. This testing is a legal requirement that helps to safeguard the quality of the drinking water supply.
It is important to note that receiving a reminder letter from the City of Gold Coast is not a legal obligation. However, as a property owner, you must ensure that your backflow prevention valves are tested annually. Fortunately, we can help you stay on top of this obligation by providing timely reminders and scheduling the necessary backflow testing at your convenience.
Backflow prevention valves are installed in most commercial and residential properties as a safeguard against potential cross-connections that could compromise the safety of the drinking water supply.
Backflow prevention valves are installed based on a comprehensive risk assessment. Therefore, they may be testable or non-testable, depending on the level of potential risk for cross-contamination.
Our licensed professionals can assess your property and provide the appropriate testing and certification services for all your backflow prevention valves.
Understanding Backflow Legislation: Protecting Water Quality in accordance with Queensland Law
To ensure that the water supply in the City of Gold Coast is protected from cross-connection contamination, the Queensland Government mandates that the City of Gold Coast maintain a register of all testable backflow prevention devices.
Property owners with testable valves may receive letters requiring annual testing in accordance with AS/NZS 3500.1-2021 Plumbing and Drainage – Water Services under clause 4.4.6 Commissioning as seen below.
Whether you receive a letter or not from the City of Gold Coast, your legal obligation as the property owner is to ensure your valves are tested.
According to the regulations, testable backflow prevention devices must be commissioned and tested after installation and before service. In addition, they must be maintained and tested for operational function at intervals not exceeding 12 months.
Specific backflow prevention devices, such as reduced pressure zone devices, double-check valve assemblies, pressure-type vacuum breakers, registered break tanks, and registered air gaps, can only be used with a maintenance program for device registration and test certification.
If the annual testing of a backflow prevention valve fails, it is a legal obligation to replace or repair the valve immediately. It is also important to note that only licensed plumbers with backflow certification on their licence can work on or test backflow valves. Tampering with or removing a backflow prevention valve without council approval is a criminal offence.
As licensed professionals, we can ensure that your backflow prevention valves comply with all relevant regulations and that your water supply is protected against contamination.
Compliance with Backflow Prevention Testing Legislation and Standards: Protecting the Integrity of Water Supply Systems
As licensed plumbers, we are required by law to conduct all backflow prevention testing in accordance with AS/NZS 2485.3:2020, the reference standard mandated in AS/NZS 3500.1:2021, for all backflow prevention testing. These standards are part of the legal requirements outlined in the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 in Queensland, and they help to ensure that the water supply remains safe and free from contamination.
AS/NZS 2485.3:2020 specifies the technical requirements for testing the performance of backflow prevention devices, including the test procedures, test equipment, and acceptable performance criteria. This standard sets the benchmark for backflow prevention testing in Australia and is regularly updated to reflect technological changes and best practices.
By following these standards, we can ensure that your backflow prevention valves function as intended and provide the necessary protection for your water supply. In addition, we take pride in staying up-to-date with the latest industry standards and regulations.
We are committed to providing our clients with reliable, high-quality backflow prevention testing services that meet all legal requirements.
Meeting Legal Requirements for Backflow Valve Testing: Protecting Water Quality in Accordance with Queensland Law
According to Queensland law, as a property owner, you must ensure that a licensed plumber with a backflow endorsement conducts the required testing on your backflow prevention valves.
After we complete the testing and any necessary compliance servicing, we will submit a Form 9 compliance certificate to the City of Gold Coast on your behalf within ten days.
At Whywait Plumbing, we are fully licensed and qualified to perform a comprehensive range of backflow prevention services, including testing, servicing, installation, replacement, and disconnection of various valves.
Our licensed professionals are equipped with the expertise, equipment and tools necessary to ensure that your backflow prevention valves are functioning correctly and protecting the safety of your water supply for testing the following valves:
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RPZ valves which are a reduced pressure zone device (RPZD)
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Double-check valve assembly (DCV)
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Registered air gap (RAG)
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Registered break tank (RBT)
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Reduced pressure detector assembly (RPDA)
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Double-check detector assembly (DCDA)
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Spill-resistant pressure type vacuum breaker (SPVB)
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Pressure-type vacuum breaker (PVB)
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Single check valve testable (SCVT)
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Single check detector assembly testable (SCDAT)
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Atmospheric vacuum breakers (AVB)
City of Gold Coast Backflow Valve Registration Fees: Understanding Your Legal Obligations to Protect Water Quality
The City of Gold Coast levies annual registration fees for every registered testable valve installed on the premises. These fees are levied every September and are essential to ensuring that the backflow prevention devices function as intended and protect the water supply against contamination. In addition, the fees are used to cover the administrative costs associated with managing the registration program.
As of the 2022-23 fiscal year, the City of Gold Coast backflow valve registration fees are as follows:
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Commercial buildings classes 2-9: $107.00 per valve
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Domestic buildings classes 1 and 10: $28.00 per valve
It is important to note that failure to pay the annual backflow valve registration fees can result in significant penalties, including fines, legal action, and even suspension of the water supply.
As licensed professionals, we can assist you in understanding and complying with all relevant backflow prevention regulations and requirements, including registration fees.
Backflow Prevention Testing
For plumbing & gas emergencies please call (07) 5580 4311 to ensure a speedy service. For all other plumbing repairs feel free to email us for assistance.
