Backflow preventionHalton Region, By-law 71-19
Backflow prevention requirements in Burlington
This page sets out what Halton Region requires for backflow prevention at industrial, commercial, institutional and multi-residential properties in Burlington. Halton Region runs the Cross-Connection Control Program under its Drinking Water System By-law 71-19. The City of Burlington's Building Department issues the permit for a new device, by email only, against the City's Backflow Prevention Devices checklist. Send us the Region's notice and we confirm the next step.
The Halton program in brief
Halton's Drinking Water System By-law 71-19 applies to industrial, commercial and institutional properties and to residential properties with two or more dwellings; its definition of owner includes occupants and tenants. The owner installs the device the Region specifies at or near the water meter and has it tested every year by a tester registered with Halton. Reports are filed within 28 days, and a failed device is repaired or replaced within 96 hours. The Halton Region guide covers the Region's fees, the way it assigns device types and its guidance for tenants who receive the notice.
The Ontario Building Code's plumbing part (Part 7) and the CSA B64 standards also apply. The municipal by-law adds the program around them: who is surveyed, how often each device is tested, where the report goes and by when.
A permit for a new device in Burlington
Under its Building Permit By-law 30-2026, the City accepts building permit applications only by email to [email protected]. It publishes a Backflow Prevention Devices checklist for this permit under its industrial, commercial and institutional requirements. The checklist asks for a site or floor plan, a schematic or riser drawing of the device with its expansion tank, and the device data sheets. It also asks for a survey or a letter stating the hazard the device is designed for. The City's fee is a flat $434.00, plus $176.00 for each additional device, and a final inspection closes the permit. Halton's standard drawing for these installations requires provision for thermal expansion under the Building Code.
Working with us in Burlington
We work across Burlington, including the Mainway and North Service Road corridors.
Halton Region requires surveys, installations and annual tests to be carried out by a tester registered with the Region. Send us the notice and we confirm the next step. Our certificates are listed on the Qualifications page.
Questions about backflow in Burlington
Is a backflow preventer required for my property in Burlington?
Halton's by-law applies if the property is industrial, commercial or institutional, or residential with two or more dwellings. A house can still be covered where it has a private fire system or the Region requires a device on notice. The Region decides the device type after reviewing the survey a registered tester submits, and Halton's page says lawn irrigation systems also need a backflow preventer.
What does backflow compliance cost in Burlington?
In Burlington Halton Region charges an administration fee of $132.02 plus HST for an initial survey on a property with no device. A survey and test report on an existing device costs $66.01 plus HST per device. The City of Burlington's permit for a backflow preventer is $434.00, with $176.00 for each additional device on the same application. We quote from the notice and the number, size and type of devices.
Is a backwater valve the same as a backflow preventer?
No. A backwater valve is a sewer device that helps protect a basement from sewage backup. A backflow preventer protects the drinking water supply, and it is what Halton Region's notice is about.
Who sends the notice in Burlington, and who issues the permit?
Halton Region sends the notice and receives the survey and test reports through its online tools. In Burlington the City's Building Department issues the building permit, by email application only.
The full program is on the Halton Region page. Also under this program: Oakville, Milton, Halton Hills.
Sources
- Halton Region, Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention
- Halton Region, Find or Become an Authorized Tester
- City of Burlington, Backflow Prevention Devices, Building Permit Application Checklist (August 22, 2023, PDF)
- City of Burlington, Applying for a building permit
- City of Burlington, Building Permit Fee Schedule A (PDF)