Backflow Prevention

South Gippsland Water is committed to providing a reliable and continuously safe supply of drinking water to its customers and all consumers by reducing the risk of contamination by backflow from connections to its drinking water systems. Any backflow of polluted water into the drinking water supply system presents an extreme risk that has the potential to cause death.

There are a number of options for types of backflow prevention that can be installed:

    (a) South Gippsland Water supplied Backflow device
    (b) Privately owned Backflow device
    (c) Air-gap system
    (d) Break tank system

NB: These are indicated on the property Information Statement – below “Purchaser”.

Accordingly, each category has requirements which need to be understood and adhered to.

The below description of each category gives a brief outline of responsibilities:

(a) South Gippsland Water Supplied Backflow Device
South Gippsland Water charges a small Backflow tariff on each of its three Service Accounts. For any normal wear and tear, South Gippsland Water will maintain and/or replace the device without further charge. South Gippsland Water will also arrange an annual inspection to ensure the device is functioning properly.

(b) Privately owned Backflow Device
Owners are responsible for all maintenance and repairs, including replacement of the Backflow device. South Gippsland Water does not impose any Backflow tariff. South Gippsland Water requires owners, at their own cost, to provide an annual audit certificate from a registered qualified Backflow plumber. If not received annually, South Gippsland Water will arrange for inspection and maintenance to take place and charge the owner accordingly.

(c) Air-gap System
Air-gaps are installed in order to avoid the need of installing a Backflow device. These air-gaps are not to be removed without first contacting South Gippsland Water who will carry out an inspection which may or may not result in approval. Any additional troughs installed will also have to comply to air-gap standards. There are no Backflow tariffs associated with this system; however, they need to be tested every 12 months in accordance to AS/NZS 3500.1 by a registered backflow plumber and a copy of the test certificate will need to be sent to South Gippsland Water. South Gippsland Water may conduct a random inspection of air-gap systems.

(d) Break Tank System
Break tanks are installed in order to avoid the need of installing a Backflow device. The breaks on these tanks are not to be removed or altered without first contacting South Gippsland Water who carry out an inspection which may or may not result in approval. There are no Backflow tariffs associated with this system; however, they need to be tested every 12 months in accordance to AS/NZS 3500.1 by a registered backflow plumber and a copy of the test certificate will need to be sent to South Gippsland Water. South Gippsland Water may conduct a random inspection of break tank systems.

For any further information or more extensive details relating to these categories, contact us.

For Backflow Prevention charges, see the Tariffs & Prices section of our website for details.