Town of Banff

Residential Properties

In general, residential homes (other than multi-residential) are considered a low hazard and so may not require the installation of a backflow prevention device at the water meter. 

The Town will not be inspecting residential property (other than multi-residential) for backflow prevention devices.

 Homeowners should make sure there is a backflow device installed and checked annually by a certified tester if one of the following is present:

• A boiler
• A sprinkler system
• An above-ground or underground irrigation system
• A swimming pool
• A water softener

Certified Testers

A certified tester:

• Holds a valid certificate of achievement in cross connection control from an accredited institution
• Holds a current calibration certificate for the test equipment to be employed
• Is a professional engineer, engineering technologist or licensed plumber

You can find a certified tester

• Through the company that installed your system
• On the Town’s list of local certified testers

Safe Practices Around the Home & Garden

If there is a loss of pressure in the water system, the drinking water in your home could be contaminated by backflow from a hose in your garden or home (like a hose attachment on your laundry room sink).  The following are some guidelines for keeping your drinking water safe.

Do:

• Install a backflow prevention device on your garden hose. They are called hose bibs and they can be purchased from hardware stores.
• Keep the ends of hoses clear of all possible contaminants.
• Install hose connection vacuum breakers on all the threaded faucets around your house. These devices are inexpensive and are available at hardware stores and home improvement centres.

Don’t:

• Submerge a hose in a bucket, pool, tub, sink, pond, gutter or other body of standing water.
• Use a spray attachment without a backflow prevention device.
• Connect waste pipes from water softeners or other treatment systems to the sewer or submerged drain pipes.
• Use a hose to unplug blocked toilets or sewers.

More information

• Protecting our Water Brochure ( PDF - 196 kb)
• Water System Bylaw 157-1 ( PDF - 181 kb)

Questions?  Call the Town's operations department at 403.762.1240.