Fire Service Certification and Backflow Prevention
Expand the sections below for information collated by Dubbo Regional Council regarding water supply, fire service certification and backflow prevention.
FIRE SERVICE CERTIFICATION
Council's Water Supply Services Policy, available at A-Z Council Policies, exempts dedicated Fire Services from Water Access Charges if they comply with the National Plumbing Code of Australia and Council Policy. Services that do not comply are subject to Water Access Charges.
For Council to recognise a dedicated fire service, and exempt from water access charges, the property owner must submit to Council a Fire Service Certificate (PDF 145.5KB) during the months of March, April or May commencing from the 2024/2025 financial year period, and every five years thereafter.
If the fire service certificate is not lodged the service will be deemed to be a water service and charged Water Access and Non-residential Sewer Charges according to Council's Revenue Policy.
FIRE FLOW INVESTIGATION
To request a Fire Flow investigation, proceed to DRC & Me to lodge an Online Certificate
BACKFLOW PREVENTION
Backflow is the unintended reversal of potentially contaminated water from a property, back into Council’s drinking water supply system. This may occur when there is a sudden reduction in pressure in the water reticulation network. Backflow prevention devices reduce the risk of contamination of the water supply from backflow, back siphonage and cross connections.
Backflow Prevention Fact Sheet (PDF 451.7KB)
This fact sheet answers frequently asked questions by property owners regarding installation, maintenance and testing requirements in accordance with Council's Water Connection, Backflow Prevention and Pricing Policy.
FAQs - Do I need a backflow prevention device for my business?
Yes, you do. All properties with a water connection must have a Backflow Prevention Device in accordance with Council Policy and the Plumbing Code of Australia. If your property has more than one water service connected to Council's water supply, you will need to install a device on each water service.
If contaminated water enters the water reticulation network, it could be used by other customers and may cause serious health issues and even death.
The property owner is responsible for installation of the appropriate Backflow Prevention Device on their property. Council will assign a default level of hazard, based on an assessment of the activities being carried out at the property.
A licensed plumber with backflow prevention accreditation can assist in determining the type of device required, in accordance with Council's Water Supply Services Policy, available at A-Z Council Policies, and the Plumbing Code of Australia.
Council Policy requires the property owner to ensure that a Backflow Prevention Device is tested, maintained, and replaced as required by Council Policy. If your business activity is rated as a Medium or High hazard, an annual backflow test is required to be undertaken by an accredited backflow plumber and test result documentation must be submitted to Council.
FAQs - Who can I get to undertake testing?
To conduct your regular 12 monthly test on your device, you need to engage an accredited Backflow Prevention Plumber (PDF 417KB). The plumbers on this register are not affiliated with or accredited by Council, nor is any recommendation implied.
INFORMATION FOR PLUMBERS
If you are an Accredited Backflow Prevention Plumber, Council invites you to register your backflow prevention accreditation with Council. To be placed on Council’s accredited backflow plumber list please complete the Document Link pro forma (PDF 82.2KB) and return to it Council.
Backflow Prevention Fact Sheet for plumbers (PDF 310.2KB)
This fact sheet is designed for plumbers who may install or test backflow prevention devices.
Last Edited: 27 Feb 2024