City of Ottawa Backflow Prevention Program

Transcription

1 City of Ottawa Backflow Prevention Program Public Consultation March 02, 2016

2 Presentation Overview Background & Context Developing a Program Proposed approach Who is impacted? What is required? Implementation options Next Steps 2

3 What is a Backflow Incident? PRIVATE WATER SYSTEM When low water pressure causes contaminants to flow from buildings into the drinking water system. HIGHER PRESSURE THAN SUPPLY SYSTEM UNDESIRED REVERSAL OF WATER FLOW City Water Supply System Normal Water Flow Direction & Pressure 3

4 What is a Backflow Preventer? Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly (RP) Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA) 4

5 The City s Responsibilities 1. Ensuring public safety 2. Safeguarding the water supply 3. Partnership and investment for the wellbeing of residents 5

6 Regulatory Context Ontario Building Code, 2012 CSA Standards B64.10 City of Ottawa Water By-law City Auditor Reports on the Drinking Water System 2015 MOECC Inspection Report 6

7 Municipalities with Backflow Prevention Programs vary in phase-in periods, other requirements, and administrative approach 7

8 Proposed Approach The City proposes a property/premise isolation approach to protect the municipal water supply. Inspection & Testing Backflow Preventer Close Up 8

9 Who is Affected? Severe Risk Properties Auto shops Car washes Dental clinics Hospitals Laboratories Industrial Affected Moderate Risk Properties Apartments Hotels/motels Schools Not Affected Minor Risk Properties Single family homes Townhomes Building risk is defined by the Ontario Building Code and CSA Standard B64.10 Approximately 14,000 buildings impacted 9

10 Severe Risk Properties CSA Definition: Any type of cross-connection or potential cross-connection involving water that has additives or substances that, under any concentration, can create a danger to health. Automotive Shop Car Wash Commercial Laundry Dental Surgery Hospital Laboratory 10

11 Moderate Risk Properties CSA Definition: Any minor hazard connection that has a low probability of becoming a severe hazard. Apartment Building Fire Station Funeral Home Hotel Motel School 11

12 Buildings with Backflow Preventers Some buildings may already have backflow prevention devices installed that only require initial registration and annual testing, including: Condominium/apartment buildings built within the last 10 years Commercial buildings built within the last 10 years Condominium Senior's Residence University Building 12

13 What is Required? Severe and moderate risk properties must complete: 1) Initial registration in the program 2) Site assessment to determine requirements 3) Installation of a backflow prevention device 4) Annual testing and reporting 13

14 Certification Requirements Program Functions Professional Engineer Certified Engineering Technologist Journeyman Plumber Apprentice Plumber Certified Professional with Certified Tester s Licence Assessments Installation, repair & maintenance Testing and reporting 14

15 Program Implementation: Option #1 City notifies property owners between January 2017 to December 2019 Assessments to be completed within 3 months of notification Backflow devices need to be installed within: 3 months of assessment for severe risk properties 6 months of assessment for moderate risk properties 15

16 Program Implementation: Option #2 City notifies property owners in January 2017 Site assessments need to be completed by December 2017 Backflow devices need to be installed: In severe risk properties by December 2018 In moderate risk properties by December

17 Program Costs Program operates on a full cost recovery basis Costs to individual building/property owners vary and could be between $500 - $20,000 A variety of factors influence cost including: Size of water service Structural work required Number of devices required for installation 17

18 Recap: Who is Affected? Severe Risk Properties Auto shops Car washes Dental clinics Hospitals Laboratories Industrial Affected Moderate Risk Properties Apartments Hotels/motels Schools Not Affected Minor Risk Properties Single family homes Townhomes Building risk is defined by the Ontario Building Code and CSA Standard B64.10 Approximately 14,000 buildings impacted 18

19 Next Steps Ongoing consultations with stakeholders (March/April) Confirm program requirements and approach (April) Report to Council planned for May 2016 to provide: 1. Results of consultations 2. Recommended program details/phasing Program implementation: January 1, 2017 Program updates and new information will be posted to 19

20 More Information For more information or to provide feedback: Website: Thank you for your participation. 20