Backflow Prevention Program (BFP)
Authorised Testers/Installers/Surveyors
Who can Test backflow prevention device?
The Water Supply By-law requires that only authorised persons, as per the authorised function list in Schedule 6 of the By-law (PDF), can test backflow prevention devices.
The person testing the device is one who holds:
- A valid and current Certificate of Achievement in Cross Connection Control endorsed by the Ontario Water Works Association (OWWA); or
- A certificate of completion from a Cross Connection Control Specialist (CCCS) course:
- Delivered by a school or institution with the plumbing laboratory certified by the Ontario Water Works Association (OWWA);
- The instructor teaching the course is certified by OWWA;
- The course is delivered using the “AWWA Canadian Cross Connection Control Manual,” current version;
- The person passes the CCCS certification test; and
A current calibration certificate (with traceability to the National Institute for Standardization Technology (N.I.S.T.) for the test equipment to be employed;
- Authorisation to perform the specified test tasks as indicated in the "Authorised Functions List Table" set out in Schedule 6 (PDF) of the Water Supply By-law (PDF), which can be amended by the City;
- Certification in one of the following:
- Licensed master plumber with a City contractor licence;
- Journeyman plumber, employed by a licensed plumbing contractor;
- Apprentice plumber employed by a licensed plumbing contractor and under the direct supervision of a journeyman plumber or master plumber;
- Professional engineer;
- Certified engineering technologist under the direction of a professional engineer;
- Fire system sprinkler fitter;
- Industrial millwright;
When submitting backflow prevention device test report, owners of applicable industrial, commercial or Institutional (ICI) properties, or multiple residential properties of 5 units or more should ensure that all information requested on the test report is filled out completely, legibly and accurately.
Who can install backflow prevention device?
The Water Supply By-law requires that only authorised persons as per the authorised function list in Schedule 6 (PDF) can install the backflow prevention devices.
The person installing the device is one who holds:
- A valid and current Certificate of Achievement in Cross Connection Control endorsed by Ontario Water Works Association (OWWA); or
- The person has completed a Cross Connection Control Specialist (CCCS) course:
- Delivered by a school or institution with the plumbing laboratory certified by the Ontario Water Works Association (OWWA);
- The instructor teaching the course is certified by OWWA;
- The course is delivered using the “AWWA Canadian Cross Connection Control Manual,” current version;
- The person passes the CCCS certification test; and
- Licensed master plumber with a City contractor licence;
- Journeyman plumber employed by a licensed plumbing contractor;
- Apprentice plumber, who is employed by a licensed plumbing contractor and under the direct supervision of a journeyman plumber or master plumber;
Be one of the following:
- Being authorised to perform the specified test tasks as indicated in the "Authorised Functions List Table" set out in Schedule 6 (PDF) of the Water Supply By-law (PDF), which can be amended by the City;
BFP Device Surveys
There will be cases where the General Manager Toronto Water requests a survey of the incoming water supply lines to a property to ensure adequate protection has been assessed. In addition if the property has more then one potable water service connection or more than one City of Toronto Water Meter a BFP Device Survey is to be submitted by the owner of an industrial, commercial, or institutional (ICI) building or other property that may be subject to the Water Supply By-law.
Who can do a survey for backflow prevention device?
The Water Supply By-law requires that only authorised persons as per the authorised function list in Schedule 6 of the By-law (PDF), can survey backflow prevention devices.
The person surveying the facility is one who holds:
- A valid and current Certificate of Achievement in Cross Connection Control endorsed by Ontario Water Works Association (OWWA); or
- The person has completed a Cross Connection Control Specialist (CCCS) course:
- Delivered by a school or institution with the plumbing laboratory certified by the Ontario Water Works Association (OWWA);
- The instructor teaching the course is certified by OWWA;
- The course is delivered using the “AWWA Canadian Cross Connection Control Manual,” current version;
- The person passes the CCCS certification test; and
- Licensed master plumber with a City contractor license;
- Journeyman plumber, employed by a licensed plumbing contractor;
- Professional engineer;
- Certified engineering technologist under the direction of a professional engineer;
Be one of the following:
- Being authorised to perform the specified test tasks as indicated in the "Authorised Functions List Table" set out in Schedule 6 (PDF) of the Water Supply By-law (PDF), which can be amended by the City from time to time.
Once a BFP survey has been prepared for a property it is automatically required to be updated at least every 5 years and submitted to the City of Toronto, unless otherwise approved by the General Manager Toronto Water or within thirty (30) days of any increase in the hazard level.