Backflow Prevention Policy and Water Supply Bylaw 2024

Do you run a business? Does anything go harmful down your drain? If so, Council need your feedback on our new Backflow Prevention Policy

A backflow event, an unintended condition that can allow drawn water to flow back into a water supply, can result in minor outcomes such as discolouration more serious health concerns or death in our community

While this is unlikely to affect the majority of residential properties in the Invercargill District, it may affect Council’s industrial and trade waste customers, anyone involved in processing hazardous chemicals or harmful microbiological substances, and those using equipment that uses recycled or recirculated water. Taumata Arowai, the water regulator of Aotearoa New Zealand, requires Council to create and implement a backflow prevention programme designed to protect our water supply from contamination.

Examples of businesses that may be affected include but are not limited to

• Medical, Dental or Veterinary facilities
• Fire and cooling operators
• Vehicle and plant washing facilities
• Water treatment facilities
• Beauty salons and hairdressers (including home operators)
• Mortuaries/ Funeral Homes
• Food preparation facilities
• Horticulture and commercial gardens
• Plumbing
• Agriculture and pest control
• Non-residential pools
• Schools, Universities and Polytechnics

A Backflow prevention device is a valve installed on a water supply to prevent backflow from occurring and safeguard the water supply. Council's proposed Backflow Prevention Policy focuses on Medium to High-Risk properties, many of whom will be in the commercial sector. The policy sets out council and property owner obligations concerning the installation of a backflow prevention device.

You can see the proposed Backflow Prevention Policy here

What does this mean for Council's Water Supply Bylaw?

We are proposing changes to our bylaw to accommodate enabling the proposed Backflow Prevention Policy through the bylaw. Council’s current Water Supply Bylaw refers to the Heath Act 1956 to enable the regulation towards backflow prevention. However, those sections of the Health Act 1956 in relation to backflow have been repealed and are now enabled through the Water Services Act 2021. To reflect this legislative change and meet the legislative requirements under the Water Services Act 2021 and Taumata Arowai, Council is proposing amendments to the backflow prevention section of the bylaw. To add clarity to the document, we have also added some key definitions.

You can see the proposed Water Supply Bylaw here

Let us know below what you think of Council's proposed Backflow Prevention Policy and the changes we are suggesting to the Water Supply Bylaw. Submissions close 18 October 2024