Franklin District Council wants to ensure that the water you use is safe. There are lots of different ways we stop
contaminants from getting into the water and we also treat water to kill bugs. Once the water leaves our treatment plant we expect it to be safe to use and to stay that way.
However, there is a way the water could get polluted and that is by being in direct contact with mixtures or water from somewhere else, the most common cause is submerged hoses and bottom filling tanks without a physical air gap. If a backflow device or air gap is not in place water (for example from rain tanks, swimming pools, or industry) can get back into the water supply. The backflow may have chemicals, acids, dirt, bugs or soaps in it and could be drunk, cleaned with or played in by your neighbours, friends and others down the pipeline from you.
That is why having a Backflow Prevention Policy for Water Supply is so important.
What is Backflow?
Backflow is when pollutants and/or water from you (or another water user in Franklin) gets back into the main water supply. Water relies on pressure to flow in a certain direction. If the pressure in the system changes water could start flowing in the opposite direction, sucking your water back into the water supply.
We can’t ensure that the pressure will always be the same, so it is important to have a non-return or backflow device that stops your water returning to the main water supply.
Why is this Policy Required?
Backflow prevention is required to protect the water supply and therefore the health of those consuming or using the water. There are also several laws that require us to protect the water supply in this way:
- The Health (Drinking Water) Amendment Act 2007
- Building Act 2004.
- Franklin District Council Proposed Water Supply Bylaw 2008
For more information download the policy above or: