Backflow Prevention

All homes in Tauranga have a backflow prevention device installed. However, if, for example, you have a swimming pool, you will need a higher level of backflow protection. Also, if you operate a business from home you will need to notify council.

On rural residential properties, often there are activities conducted that pose potential risks to the public water supply network that require a higher level of backflow protection. For example, On Site Effluent Treatment (OSET) systems, water troughs for stock, irrigation systems and preparation of chemicals

Dentists, restaurants/cafes, and other businesses have devices that have the potential to cause a toxic backflow into the public water supply network and require a higher level of backflow protection to be installed at the boundary. Industrial Industrial sites often carry out activities and processes that have the potential to cause backflow into the public water supply network. These risks need to be surveyed to ensure that the correct backflow prevention device is installed at the boundary.

Changes to the tenancy, use of a building or process modification can change the risk of backflow into our public water supply network. For example, if a tenancy changes from a dry warehouse business to a liquid processing factory you should notify council.

New Zealand has strict legislation to protect the safety of our water and prevent backflow. Wherever there is a risk of backflow into the public water supply network, backflow prevention devices are required.

Property owners have a legal obligation to install the appropriate backflow prevention device to protect the water on your property and ensure you don’t contaminate the public water supply network.

Your obligation starts at the water meter and includes your entire property’s water system. The Building Act 2004 requires all buildings to have a safe and adequate water supply. When you apply for your building consent with council you will need to complete a ‘Services Connection Application Form’.

If there is any likelihood of contamination from a cross connection, an approved backflow prevention device is required. If you own a commercial or industrial building, to maintain a current building warrant of fitness, you must also ensure that all internal backflow prevention devices are inspected and tested annually by an Independently Qualified Person (IQP).

Under the Water Services Act 2021, Tauranga City Council is authorised to enforce backflow prevention at the boundary whether the hazard is new or historic. We survey all properties that potentially pose a risk to the public water supply network every five years to ensure the correct backflow prevention devices are in place.

Key points to remember:

• If you are planning to install a swimming pool or spa pool, then you need to allow for the cost of a backflow prevention device. Please also be aware of your fencing obligations add hyperlink
• If you have a garden irrigation system connected to your home water supply pipework, you must have a backflow prevention device
• Backflow prevention devices are fitted at the boundary
• It is the property owner’s responsibility to ensure a backflow prevention device is fitted
• A council approved contractor must install the backflow prevention device · Once installed, council will maintain the backflow prevention device and test it annually If you need any further information on the correct backflow prevention device, please visit change to our website or call us on 07 577 7000.

Commonly asked questions

• What sort of device do I need? The higher the hazard risk rating of potential backflow, the more complex the device that is needed. To ensure the right device is installed for the right risk, a hazard rating of high, medium or low will be assessed by council and you will be advised what device you require.
• Who will install it for me? The boundary installation must be carried out by a council approved contractor. Local plumbing companies are not approved to install backflow prevention devices. For a list of WBOPDC approved contractors visit (INSERT LINK HERE)
• What happens once it is installed? Once you have had your backflow prevention device installed, it will be vested with council and you don’t have to do anything further. The contractor will advise council of the details we need to know. This will be entered into our asset database so that we have a permanent record of it. After installation, council will manage the device and carry out annual testing and maintenance.
• What if the device needs to be replaced? Minor maintenance such as the replacement of seals or springs are currently managed and funded by council. In the event that the correct device is installed but has failed its test and is unrepairable, council will install a new one and cover this cost (TO BE CONFIRMED).

Backflow problems can occur inside the home as well. If you are planning any work that changes the plumbing system on your property or in your home, talk to a plumber first. Some people create cross connections without realising that they are putting their own health at risk.