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Backflow Prevention Devices

Backflow prevention protects the community by ensuring contaminated water cannot flow back into the town’s drinking water supply. 

Backflow can occur when: 

  • A burst water main creates negative pressure, siphoning contaminated liquid into the system 
  • A cross-connection allows a higher-pressure contaminated source (e.g., wastewater) to enter the water supply 

To prevent this, Fraser Coast Regional Council oversees the registration, installation, testing, and maintenance of backflow prevention devices on commercial and residential properties. 

What is Backflow?

Backflow is the unwanted reversal of water flow into the town’s potable (drinking) water supply. This can introduce contaminants or pollutants, posing a serious health risk. 

Backflow occurs when pressure in the water supply system drops or is exceeded by another source, causing water to flow in the opposite direction. 

Common causes of backflow include: 

  • Burst water mains or firefighting operations reducing main pressure 
  • Pressure pumps connected to rainwater tanks or other systems 
  • Elevation differences, such as outlets higher than mains 
  • High downstream usage pulling water backwards 
  • Cross-connections with bore water or other non-potable supplies

What is a Backflow Prevention Device?

A backflow prevention device is a plumbing device designed to stop contaminated water from flowing back into the town water system. These devices are mandatory where there is a medium or high risk of contamination. 

You may have a backflow prevention device if your property includes: 

  • An irrigation system 
  • Fire hose reels or hydrants 
  • Commercial machinery or industrial equipment connected to mains 
  • Grease traps, chemicals, or potential pollutants near water outlets 
  • Rainwater tanks with mains water backup 
  • Blackwater or greywater dump points 

Do I Need to Test My Backflow Prevention Device?

Yes — if your property has a testable backflow prevention device, it must be tested annually by a licensed plumber with the correct endorsement. 

Under the Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019, owners must: 

  • Register the device with Council 
  • Have it tested by a licensed plumber once per year 
  • Ensure test results are submitted to Council within 10 business days of testing 

Testable Devices Include: 

  • Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) valves 
  • Double Check Valves (DCVs) 
  • Some Single Check Valves 

Non-testable devices, like dual check valves and certain single check valves, do not require annual testing but should still be maintained. 

Council’s Backflow Prevention Program

Council is required by legislation to maintain a register of all testable backflow prevention devices installed within the region. 

  • Annual Administration Fee: Council charges a small yearly fee per device to cover registration and communication. 

  • Register Updates: Device test results submitted by plumbers are added to this register to track compliance and risk mitigation. 

Registration and Testing 

  • Owners must register any testable backflow device with Council 
    (as per s102(2), Plumbing & Drainage Regulation 2019) 
  • Devices must be tested at least once a year by a licensed plumber with a backflow endorsement 
    (as per AS/NZS 3500.1-2018 and s102(4) of the Regulation) 

Submitting Test Results 

  • A Form 9 with test results must be submitted to Council within 10 business days 
  • Non-compliance may result in penalties (up to 20 penalty units) 

Audits and Enforcement 

Council may conduct random audits to verify device details. If a device fails inspection: 

  1. A request for rectification will be issued 
  2. An enforcement notice may follow if no action is taken 

Council may organise repairs and recover costs via rates notices if necessary. 

Installing a New Prevention Device

Most new backflow prevention devices require a plumbing application and inspection by Council. 

Depending on the complexity, some installations may qualify as Notifiable Work under Queensland law. 

Responsibilities: 

Make sure your plumber is appropriately licensed to install and test backflow prevention devices. 

Plumbing