Why certify my backflow preventer device annually ?

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You may have wondered why Quebec standards require building owners and managers to have their backflow prevention devices (BFDs) inspected every year. In reality, this obligation aims to protect Quebec's drinking water network. But how does an annual certification of these devices contribute to the protection of our drinking water?

Backflow preventer devices : Drinking Water Protectors

BFDs play a crucial role in protecting drinking water systems from the risks of contamination. In the event of a backflow, the device will prevent an external contaminant from returning to the drinking water network.  Such a situation can compromise water quality, and thereby endanger public health.

Why do an annual inspection of the BFDs?

First of all, the annual inspection of the BFDs is essential to guarantee their proper functioning. It makes it possible to detect any potential device failures, such as leaks, faulty valves, or obstructions that could compromise their effectiveness. By identifying these issues early, owners and contractors can take immediate corrective action to prevent more serious incidents, such as contamination of the drinking water system. An event of this nature could cause infections, illnesses and other health problems among users of the building’s contaminated water.

 

Finally, the annual inspection of BFDs is also a legal requirement in many regions, including Quebec. Owners and contractors have an obligation to comply with these regulations to ensure the safety and compliance of drinking water systems.

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What are the obligations of owners?

Owners and managers of institutional, commercial, industrial or residential buildings with three or more storeys and nine or more dwellings must follow the requirements of the Safety Code. This document requires the protection of any cross-connection to a non-potable water supply system in order to avoid the risk of contamination. Indeed, the CAN/CSA-B64.10. is to be followed. In particular, the latter explains the practices related to the selection and installation of backflow prevention devices. It is essential to refer to this standard to ensure compliance.

Consequences of non-compliance?

Owners and managers who do not have a certified BFD could be at risk of criminal prosecution. In addition, in the event of contamination of an establishment's drinking water system, they may be held liable for the costs incurred by the decontamination. It should also be mentioned that serious legal consequences could be put in place, such as fines or prosecution of the owners and managers of the building.

What to remember?

In summary, the annual certification of backflow prevention devices (BFDs) is essential to protect Quebec's drinking water by preventing the risk of contamination. These inspections guarantee their proper functioning, avoid public health problems, and meet legal requirements, thus avoiding possible sanctions.

References :

1. Qu'est-ce qu'un dispositif anti-refoulement ? (s.d) Récupéré sur Plomberie Mc Henry: https://www.mchenryplumbing.ca/dispositif-anti-refoulement-defininition-fonctionnement

2. CMMTQ. (s.d.). Dispositifs antirefoulement : quelles sont les obligations des propriétaires et des entrepreuneurs ? . Récupéré sur CMMTQ: https://www.cmmtq.org/conseils-pratiques1/dispositifs-antirefoulement---obligations-des-proprietaires-et-des-entrepreneurs

3. Régie du bâtiment du Québec. (s.d.). Installer un dispositif antirefoulement, c'est obligatoire. Récupéré sur Gouvernement du Québec: https://www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca/vous-etes/proprietaire-ou-exploitant/les-exigences-de-qualite-et-de-securite/dispositif-antirefoulement/

4. Régie du bâtiment du Québec. (s.d.). Installer et vérifier un dispositif antirefoulement, c'est obligatoire . Récupéré sur Gouvernement du Québec: https://www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca/domaines-dintervention/plomberie/les-exigences-de-qualite-et-de-securite/dispositif-antirefoulement/

5. Buchard, H., Boulanger, S., Canuel-Langlois, É., Gagnier, É., Richard, M., Rochaix, A., & Sagala, M. (2019). Guide sur les dispositifs antirefoulement : Protection des réseaux d'eau potable contre les raccordements croisés. Récupéré sur CMMTQ: https://www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca/fileadmin/medias/pdf/Publications/francais/guide-dar-protection-reseau-eau-potable.pdf

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