Backflow Prevention Is Now Our Legal Responsibility

Dear Valued Customer,

Backflow Prevention Is Now Our Legal Responsibility

As business and community leaders, we have a social and legal responsibility to protect the water we drink.  As your business partner, James Packard Mech. Elect. Inc.
can help you meet that responsibility head-on and ensure we put the proper measures in place to prevent back flow and cross-connection issues.

With a connection to the municipal drinking water system, there is a potential backflow of water which puts contaminates into the water source.  With the proper precautions in place, the water source is protected from external pollutants.  A cross-connection survey or your building will determine the degree of hazard that is present and we can work with you to install the device appropriate to your building.
This is an important safety precaution for your employees and community, and an essential part of your organization’s risk mitigation.

City governments in our area are taking this matter seriously by passing by-laws that require property owners and managers to install Backflow Prevention Devices to protect drinking water from being contaminated.  For example, a City of Toronto Water Supply By-law Section 851-8.D effective January 1, 2008 requires that Backflow Prevention Devices be installed by December 21, 2008.

Inspections and testing must be performed yearly.  We are committed to working with our clients to ensure everyone is in compliance with their city’s regulations and to help protect our water source today and for future generations.  We would be happy to discuss with you, your specific requirements.

Call James Packard Mech. Elect. Inc. @ 905-773-0337 to discuss this important issue.

Included with this letter is a list of Frequently Asked Question specific to cross-connections, backflow and backflow prevention devices.  As always, we welcome your comments or additional questions and look forward to the opportunity to discuss your needs further.

Sincerely,

James Packard Mech. Elect. Inc.
Jim Packard
President

What is backflow?

Backflow is the reversal of the normal direction of water flow from a building into municipal drinking water.

When does backflow occur?

Backflow occurs when a back siphonage or back pressure condition is created in the water line.  Back siphonage is when water flows in the opposite direction from a building into the water system.  Back pressure is created when pressure in the water line is greater than that supplied from the water distribution system.

What is cross connection?

A cross connection is any actual or potential connection between the municipal drinking water system and any source of pollution or contamination.

Most cross connections include connecting the drinking water supply directly to the following, but not exclusive, list:

What types of incidents cause backflow?

These issues can occur in any building, facility, commercial/industrial property or residential home where there is a reduction or stoppage of the main water supply pressure because of nearby fire fighting, repairs or breaks in mains, to name a few.

Which backflow prevention device should I choose?

There are a variety of backflow prevention devices available depending on the degree of hazard your particular building represents.  We will work with you to determine the device that best suits your requirements.

What if I don’t get my building or backflow preventions system inspected?

You have a legal responsibility to ensure your backflow prevention system is inspected and tested on an annual basis.  Failure to do so could result in fines, and may mean your insurance company will not cover damages caused by backflow.

How can I find out more about backflow prevention? 

Efficient Fluorescent “High Bay” Lighting
Greatly reduce electrical costs & take advantage of Hydro rebates!

Hydro One has recently released exciting news for businesses in the Ontario market. The principle electrical power generation authority for Canada’s largest province is announcing rebates of up to $50,000.00 per business for those companies who spend money in order to reduce their electrical power consumption. For all the details and a print out the Hydro One flyer regarding these rebates.

Download the full pdf Power $aver Business incentive program here