Backflow prevention

Learn more about the backflow prevention program for drinking water, including survey forms, accredited testing companies, permit applications and applicable fees.

On this page

  1. What is backflow?
  2. Install backflow prevention devices
  3. Prevent backflow in your home
  4. Hire approved backflow prevention contractors
  5. Contact us

What is backflow?

Our distribution system is designed to supply drinking water into homes and businesses. Backflow occurs if drinking water flows in the opposite direction: from homes and businesses back into our distribution system. This can result in pollutants and contaminants entering our drinking water. 

Install backflow prevention devices

Our prevention program works with industrial, commercial, institutional and multi-residential property owners to prevent backflow into the drinking water system.

Property owners are responsible for installing, maintaining and testing backflow prevention devices, which require a permit to install.

Installation process
  1. Hire an approved testing company — see our list of approved contractors
  2. Have the company complete and submit the cross connection survey form (PDF).
  3. Apply for a permit to install a backflow device (PDF).
  4. Once the device has been installed, submit a test report (PDF).

Fees
  • Backflow test report fee: $28.00 (Backflow test reports must be submitted within 45 days of receiving the reminder letter, or late fees will apply.)
  • Late Backflow test report fee: $56.00
  • Permit fees start at $85.00 and can range upwards depending on the number of devices installed and the cross connection survey review. Submit your permit application form or contact the backflow prevention team for an estimate at 519-886-2310 or backflowprevention@waterloo.ca.

Removal process - Approval necessary
  1. Fill out one authorization to remove backflow device form (PDF) for every backflow device you are requesting to have removed.
  2. Have your contracting company submit the request form to us by email, or mail, using our contact information below. 
  3. The city of Waterloo will either approve or deny the request. 
  4. If approval is given, you may remove the device, and decommission or disconnect all associated plumbing equipment. If your request is denied, you may not remove the backflow prevention device. 

Prevent backflow in your home

Proper installation and regular maintenance of backflow prevention devices are essential to prevent water contamination.

Install a backflow prevention device:

  • on all cross connections such as but not limited to irrigation systems, including both above-ground and inground setups, boilers, swimming pools and fire suppression systems
  • use an approved backflow prevention device and get a permit

Test and maintain your device:

  • testable backflow prevention devices are required to be tested annually
  • keep hose ends clear of possible contaminants
  • install vacuum breakers on threaded faucets and hose connections around your home. These devices are inexpensive and are available at hardware stores.

Hire approved backflow prevention contractors

The following contractors are registered with the City of Waterloo to work in compliance with our Backflow Prevention Bylaw. 

*PLEASE NOTE* The City of Waterloo makes no representation or warranty regarding the abilities, performance, or quality of service of the testers listed. The City of Waterloo does not assume or accept any responsibility for the actions or performance of the testers. This list is only provided for convenience, and customers should use their own judgment when hiring testers. Use of this information is at your own risk.

ContractorContactFunctions: survey, test, repair, install

Armbro Mechanical Inc.

519-591-4652

 All functions
BackFlow Pro 519-750-4244 All functions
Black & McDonald 905-560-3100 All functions

Brisson and Massie Mechanical

519-668-2351

 All functions
Charlesworth Plumbing 519-870-3822 All functions
Conestogo Mechanical Inc. 519-579-6740 All functions
Culliton Inc 519-271-1981 x 8276 All functions

Dave Hurst Plumbing

519-893-3464

 All functions
Dietrich Plumbing

519-699-4605

All functions
Dordan Mechanical 519-662-9900 All functions
Due North Mechanical 226-765-1603 All functions
Fred Kau Plumbing & Heating 519-577-2273 All functions
Gas Logics Inc. 519-749-1590 All functions
Green Coast Irrigation 902-314-6774 All functions
Hammond Home Services by Enercare 519-465-2829 All functions
Hy-Pro Plumbing & Drain Cleaning 519-743-1193 All functions
Infinity Mechanical Inc.  416-625-6549 All functions
Inglewood Mechanical Inc.  519-235-1039 All functions
J.C. Waterworks 519-894-4005 All functions
Kastl & Zuch Plumbing & Heating Limited

519-884-0990

All functions
Kittel Mechanical (2003) Inc. 

226-383-7100

All functions
Mr. Rooter Plumbing

519-884-7206

All functions

McGregor Plumbing and Heating Inc. 

 

519-655-2259

 

 All functions

Modern Niagara Building Services

416-748-3882

 All functions

Paton Bros Ltd. 

519-885-2140

 All functions

PHP Plumbing Solutions

 

519-257-8537

 

 All functions
Roberts Onsite 519-578-2400 x 239 All functions
Salliss Plumbing & Heating Inc. 519-652-9955 All functions
SRJ Plumbing 226-236-6410 All functions
Tiger Plumbing

519-766-1072

All functions
TRH Plumbing & Heating

226-753-9373

All functions
Triple-8 Plumbing & Heating 519-888-6885  All functions

Contact us 

If you do not see your preferred contractor on this list, or have backflow prevention questions, please contact us for more information. 

Email: backflowprevention@waterloo.ca or call 519 886 2310