Backflow prevention and cross connection surveys
Backflow is the flow of water from a high to a low-pressure area. It happens when there is a drop in pressure in the water distribution system.
A cross connection is any actual or potential connection between a potable water supply (or system) and any source of pollution or contamination.
Did you receive a Notice of Cross Connection Survey?
Peel property owners have received a Notice to complete a Cross Connection Survey by mail to comply with Peel Region's Backflow Prevention by-law. A cross connection survey must be completed within 60 days from the date on the notice. Get details.
Cross connections and backflow devices
A cross-connection can be:
- A bypass.
- A jumper connection.
- A removable section of pipe.
- A swivel or changeover device.
- Any other temporary or permanent connection through which backflow might take place.
Cross-connections are in every drinking water supply system. Depending on the system’s size, many potential cross-connections may exist. When backflow happens through an unprotected cross-connection, it could threaten the integrity of the water system.
We safeguard Peel’s drinking water by requiring that private water distribution systems with cross-connections also have backflow prevention devices.
We use backflow prevention survey data to determine if backflow prevention devices must be installed.
Backflow prevention devices must still be installed within one year of your survey being completed. All backflow device must also be tested every year.
Peel’s Backflow Prevention by-law
As the owner of the municipal water supply, the Region is responsible under the Safe Drinking Water Act to safeguard and protect all municipal water system users.
In place since 2017, the Backflow Prevention by-law:
- Ensures the protection of our drinking water by stopping the backflow of contaminated water from private water distribution systems into our municipal drinking water.
- Applies to all industrial, commercial and institutional facilities in Peel.
- Applies to multi-residential building and single homes over 600 m2.
Affected property owners will receive a notice by mail to comply with the Backflow Prevention by-law.
A non-compliance letter is a directive to property owners to complete a cross connection survey of the water distribution system on their property and in their buildings.
The cross connection survey must be completed within 60 days from the time you receive the notice.
If you need an extension, or if you haven't received notice but believe a cross connection survey of your building and its use should take place, email us or call 905-791-7800 ext. 3101.
Steps to completing the cross connection survey
Step 1: Selecting a qualified company
Select a qualified company from our authorized contractor list.
If your cross connection survey requires installations, contact your city or town's building department for permit information.
Step 2: Cross connection survey
A qualified company performs the building's water distribution system inspection and records the information on the Cross Connection Survey form.
Step 3: Region of Peel Review
The qualified company or owner submits the completed survey forms to the Region of Peel for review. These forms must be submitted within 14 days of the survey date.
The authorized person completes any installations and performs all tests required as per CSA standards. All test reports to be submitted within 14 days of the test date for review. Region of Peel employees will then ensure the test report meets the requirements of CSA standards upon review.
Step 4: Certificate of compliance
Every year following an initial Cross-Connection Survey, an owner must submit a Certificate of Compliance to the Region of Peel a within 14 days of the anniversary date of the last Cross-Connection Survey.
Step 5: Reassessment of Cross Connection Surveys
All reassessments will need to be completed by qualified companies on our authorized contractor list.
Survey results and hazard levels
If a Severe Hazard is present an owner must, at their expense, complete a subsequent Cross-Connection Survey every 3 years.
If a Moderate Hazard or Minor Hazard is present an owner must, at their expense, complete a subsequent Cross-Connection Survey every 5 years.
If you have questions or require an extension on your survey completion, email Backflow Prevention or call 905-791-7800 ext. 3101.
Qualified companies
You can choose from hundreds of qualified companies to complete your cross connection survey and to install and test your backflow prevention devices.
Apply to be a qualified company.
Permits for non-potable drinking water
- Hydrant permit application form
- Hydrant or take water extensions
- Non-potable temporary water connection application form
- Insurance certificate
Administrative fees
Payments can be paid by Visa or MasterCard.
| Administrative fees | |
|---|---|
| Item | Fee |
| Cross connection surveys | $56.92 |
| Annual backflow test reports (per building) | $54.63 |
| Hydrant permits | $273.68 + HST |
| Meter rental fee | $$3.23 + HST /day (no charge for the first day) |
| Water charge per cubic meter | Actual costs |
| Deposit for equipment rental | $3,500 |
| Backflow preventor rental fee | $3.23 per calendar day (no charge for the first day) |
| Moving of backflow and meter | $166.05 + HST |
| Environmental Information Requests | $109.27 per address |
| On site testing | $54.63 for Test Report Review + labour costs |