The device must be commissioned within 14 days of installation and then be tested annually thereafter. Test reports must be forwarded to CHW within 20 days of the test date. Only a qualified plumbing practitioner accredited in backflow prevention may commission or test a device.

Trade waste is all liquid waste, including clean wash water used during business activities, that is discharged into the sewer system.

This will depend on the level of potential risk. For example, a business that produces highly contaminated water as a by-product of their activities will require a more complex, testable device than a residential property where a simple, non-testable device would generally be appropriate.

Download the Backflow Prevention Device inspection/test report template form.   If you have any questions or need assistance, please email backflow@chw.net.au or call our Customer Services Team on 1800 061 514.

The boundary hazard rating used is determined by the potential for cross-connection based on the likely activity at the site in accordance with AS/NZS 3500.1.   There are three levels of backflow risk: Low hazard rating Any condition, device or practice that, when in connection with the system, is a nuisance but does not endanger health or cause injury. Medium hazard rating Any condition, device or practice that, when in connection with the system, could endanger health. High hazard rating Any condition, device or practice that, when in connection with the system, has the potential to cause death.

A Backflow Prevention Device is critical for the protection of the potable (drinking) water supply from contamination due to the unplanned reverse flow (backflow) of water or mixtures of water and contaminants into Central Highlands Water’s reticulated water supply system.   Normal business activities on your property may involve substances that, if unknowingly consumed, may result in illness, injury or death.

Download the Backflow Prevention Device inspection/test report template form.   If you have any questions or need assistance, please email backflow@chw.net.au or call our Customer Services Team on 1800 061 514.

It allows water from the main to enter the property through the water meter assembly, however it will prevent water (with or without contaminants) from flowing back into the reticulated water network.

You are responsible for ensuring that activities carried out on your property do not lead to contamination of the reticulated water supply. When requested by CHW, you must engage a suitably qualified person to assess the onsite hazards and install, test and maintain a containment backflow prevention device in accordance with the requirements of AS/NZS 3500.1, AS/NZS 2845, the Plumbing Code of Australia (also known as the National Construction Code Series – Volume Three) and the Water (Estimation, Supply and Sewerage) Regulations 2014.   As the property owner, you have a legal obligation to maintain the reticulated water supply system inside your property and to install additional individual or zone protection backflow prevention devices in accordance with the above standards.

Backflow can be caused by a sudden drop in pressure in the supply main (back siphonage) or when the internal pressure becomes higher than the pressure supplied in the main (back pressure).   Examples of when backflow can occur include:

Protection of our potable water supply is our priority. A Backflow Prevention Device is critical for the protection of the potable (drinking) water supply from contamination due to the unplanned reverse flow (backflow) of water or mixtures of water and contaminants into Central Highlands Water’s reticulated water supply system.   Normal business activities on your property may involve substances that, if unknowingly consumed, may result in illness, injury or death.