Collingwood property owners with Reduced Pressure (RP) backflow devices were asked on December 14 to have their equipment inspected after a water main break near the Hume Street and Pretty River Parkway intersection caused a pressure drop and prompted a Boil Water Advisory (the Town’s Boil Water Advisory update was posted Dec. 13). The inspection notice targets industrial, commercial, institutional and large multi‑residential properties, as well as residential properties with high‑hazard connections such as pools or irrigation systems.
An RP (Reduced Pressure) backflow preventer is a testable assembly consisting of two independent check valves with an automatically operated pressure differential relief valve between them. In a low‑pressure or backsiphonage event — such as a main break — the relief valve opens and ‘dumps’ water to atmosphere, preventing contaminated water from being drawn back into the public supply. Properly functioning RP devices are required under the Town of Collingwood’s Backflow Prevention and Cross Connection Control By‑Law 2017‑056.
Owners must hire an Ontario Water Works Association (OWWA)‑certified tester to perform the inspection and submit the test report to the Town within 14 days of the test. If a device fails, repairs or replacement must be completed within 14 days of the failing test or the Town may shut off water service. Property owners are responsible for all inspection, testing, repair and maintenance costs.
To schedule an inspection or find a certified tester, owners can visit the Town’s Backflow Prevention Program page or consult the Ontario Water Works Association. For questions about compliance, contact the Town’s Backflow Prevention Officer or Water Services during regular business hours (Backflow page lists the Backflow Prevention Officer at 705‑445‑1030 and eorser@collingwood.ca).
