A backflow prevention device is a plumbing safety device designed to stop water from flowing backwards into the drinking water supply. These devices help to keep our drinking water clean and safe.
A backflow prevention device ensures water only flows in one direction, protecting the public water system from pollutants, chemicals or other contaminants.
Causes of backflow
Backflow can occur when:
- pressure in the water main is reduced
- there’s a cross‑connection between drinking and non‑drinking water
- chemicals, waste, liquid metals or debris enter the drinking water through back-siphonage or back-pressure
- another property draws water from the drinking water supply.
Back-siphonage can happen during pipeline breaks, when pipework is too small or when large volumes of water are being used.
Back-pressure can occur when a property generates higher pressure downstream through pumps, thermal expansion or elevation.
When a testable backflow prevention device is required
A testable device must be installed if your property includes:
- fire hose reels and hydrants
- an irrigation system
- water outlets near pollutants, chemicals or grease traps
- commercial or industrial equipment connected to the mains
- dental/medical facilities
- food processing e.g. commercial kitchens, grease traps
- activities that could contaminate the drinking water supply such as commercial appliances, bidet toilets, air conditioning towers, wash bays or swimming pools and spas.
Backflow prevention devices
Devices are either testable or non‑testable. The type of device required depends on the level of risk created by the connection or activity. Speak with your plumber about what device is appropriate for your activity.
If a non‑testable device is appropriate, the property owner won’t need to register the device with us.
We are responsible for maintaining a register to ensure all testable backflow prevention devices in the region are maintained and tested.
Property owners must register every testable backflow prevention device with us and have each device tested by a licensed plumber every year. This requirement is set out in the Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019, section 102.
Licensed plumbers must submit a Form 9 test report to us within 10 business days of commissioning or testing a device.
Devices installed under plumbing permit work
Most new devices are installed as part of a plumbing permit work. Devices are assessed by us through the plumbing application process.
After installation, the responsible plumber must:
- submit a Form 9 test report
- ensure devices are fitted with a QR asset tag and registered through BackflowID
- book a final plumbing inspection.
Devices installed under the notifiable work category
Some devices may be installed under the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) notifiable work category.
Under notifiable work, the licensed plumbing contractor must:
Replacement process
We must be notified if a testable backflow prevention device is replaced. To determine if a device can be replaced with a different or non-testable device, consult a licensed plumber.
To replace a device a licenced plumber must:
Removal process
A backflow prevention device may only be removed if the potential hazard no longer exits. To determine if a device can be removed, consult a licensed plumber.
To remove a device a licenced plumber must:
Owners of testable backflow prevention devices must have them tested every year. Property owners will receive written notification when your annual test is due. Regular testing confirms that the device is working correctly and protecting the drinking water supply.
Submitting annual test reports
We now use BackFlowID, a simplified system for managing backflow prevention device registration and compliance. Devices can be registered and test results submitted through this system.
BackflowID is a secure, interactive QR asset tagging system used to manage the registration, mandatory annual testing, and compliance of backflow prevention devices. It allows licensed plumbers to scan a tag to access device information, upload test results in real-time, and streamlines compliance.
How BackflowID works
During installation or testing of a backflow prevention device, a licensed plumber will attach a BackflowID QR tag to register and test the device. A Form 9 test report is generated in the application and submitted to us automatically.
QR asset tags are supplied to licenced plumbers free of charge by us and are attached only during testing. A higher annual licence fee is applied to properties when devices are tested outside the BackflowID application.
Plumber registration for BackflowID and QR tag collection
If you are a licenced plumber, you can register for Backflow ID by contacting us on 4688 6108 or emailing us.
If a plumber requires additional QR asset tags, please contact us using the details above to request more.
Licensing fees
When a new backflow prevention device is registered with us, the annual licensing charge is applied to the property and will appear on the next water rates bill. The charge is billed each year and is split across the water rates bills issued in April and October.
If a device is tested annually through BackflowID by your licenced plumber, a lower annual licensing fee will be applied to the property. If we received a manual Form 9 outside of the BackflowID application, a higher annual licensing fee will be applied. Please consult your engaged plumber to ensure they are completing testing through the BackflowID application.
View annual licensing fees in our fees and charges. This is a regulatory fee, so GST does not apply.
If a device is decommissioned, the licensing charge for that device is removed. The following water rates bill will show either no charge, if only one device was on the property, or a reduced charge if multiple devices remain.
What the annual fee covers
- Administration of the backflow prevention program, including issuing renewal notices and testing reminders.
- Recording and maintaining testing results and documentation for all devices in the region.
- Carrying out investigations and audits.