What is Backflow?
Backflow occurs when water flows opposite to its normal or intended direction and can occur when water pressure to a property is not maintained. Backflow can result in a public health risk if it allows pollutants or contaminations such as chemicals to enter the drinking water supply.
How is Backflow prevented?
Installing a backflow prevention device ensures that water from a property cannot be drawn back into the main drinking water supply. There are a number of different backflow prevention devices available. The type of device required will depend on the risk rating of the property with the potential hazard.
What are the property owner's responsibilities?
It is the property owner's responsibility to ensure that the correct backflow device is installed on their property. A licensed backflow plumber can inspect a premises and advise the property owner of the appropriate backflow prevention device(s) needed.
Need to have your backflow device assessed?
To arrange for a backflow assessment of your property, or the testing or installation of a backflow device, you can search for a licensed plumber (with backflow accreditation) in the Yellow Pages.
You can access a list of accredited backflow plumbers at www.airah.org.au/spe_bac_reg.asp
Have you received a letter from City West Water requesting information on backflow devices installed on your property?
City West Water is continuing to keep Melbourne’s drinking water safe with an audit of backflow prevention devices in the CBD and western suburbs.
Over 19,000 non-residential customers will be audited in the program. Initially, customers will need to inform City West Water if they have a backflow device, the type of device they have and if it has been tested by a licensed plumber.
The risk ratings of a property will determine what type of device will need to be installed. Properties are classed as low, medium or high risk. An accredited plumber can confirm the risk rating of your property.
Accredited plumbers will supply City West Water with test results from each premises with a backflow device. Customers who do not have a device will be responsible for having one installed and if the device is testable, the test results must be forwarded to City West Water to be registered.
For Correspondence and Further Information
For more information, download the backflow information sheet or backflow policy available on the top right of this page.
You can also download detailed information on backflow from the Plumbing Industry Commission at www.pic.vic.gov.au/resources/documents/Cross_Connections_in_Potable_Supplies.pdf
Test reports or general backflow correspondence can be sent to:
Backflow Prevention Program
City West Water
Locked Bag 350
Sunshine Vic 3020
Alternatively you can email backflow correspondence to: backflow@citywestwater.com.au or fax to 9313 8126.
More Information
- Letter sent to City West Water customers (PDF, 42 kB)
- Backflow Information Sheet (PDF, 310 kB)
- Information Sheet (Arabic) (PDF, 464 kB)
- Information Sheet (Chinese) (PDF, 725 kB)
- Information Sheet (Vietnamese) (PDF, 442 kB)
- City West Water Backflow Policy (PDF, 9 kB)