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Backflow prevention and cross connection surveys

Backflow prevention stops the backflow of contaminated water from private water distribution systems into our municipal drinking water

Backflow is the flow of water from a high to a low-pressure area. It happens when there is a drop in pressure in the water distribution system.

A cross connection is any actual or potential connection between a potable water supply (or system) and any source of pollution or contamination.

Did you receive a Notice of Cross Connection Survey?

Peel property owners have received a Notice to complete a Cross Connection Survey by mail to comply with the Region of Peel's Backflow Prevention by-law. A cross connection survey must be completed within 60 days from the date on the notice. Get details.

Cross connections and backflow devices

A cross-connection can be:

Cross-connections are in every drinking water supply system. Depending on the system’s size, many potential cross-connections may exist. When backflow happens through an unprotected cross-connection, it could threaten the integrity of the water system.

We safeguard Peel’s drinking water by requiring that private water distribution systems with cross-connections also have backflow prevention devices.

We use backflow prevention survey data to determine if backflow prevention devices must be installed.

Backflow prevention devices must still be installed within one year of your survey being completed. All backflow device must also be tested every year.

Peel’s Backflow Prevention by-law

As the owner of the municipal water supply, the Region is responsible under the Safe Drinking Water Act to safeguard and protect all municipal water system users.

In place since 2017, the Backflow Prevention by-law:

Other information

Affected property owners will receive a notice by mail to comply with the Backflow Prevention by-law.

A non-compliance letter is a directive to property owners to complete a cross connection survey of the water distribution system on their property and in their buildings.

The cross connection survey must be completed within 60 days from the time you receive the notice.

If you need an extension, or if you haven't received notice but believe a cross connection survey of your building and its use should take place, email us or call 905-791-7800 ext. 3101.

Steps to completing the cross connection survey

Step 1: Selecting a qualified company

Select a qualified company from our authorised contractor list.

If your cross connection survey requires installations, contact your city or town's building department for permit information.

Step 2: Cross connection survey

A qualified company performs the building's water distribution system inspection and records the information on the Cross Connection Survey form.

Step 3: Region of Peel Review

The qualified company or owner submits the completed survey forms to the Region of Peel for review. These forms must be submitted within 14 days of the survey date.

The authorised person completes any installations and performs all tests required as per CSA standards. All test report to be submitted within 14 days of the test date for review. Region of Peel employees will then ensure the test report meets the requirements of CSA standards upon review.

Step 4: Certificate of compliance

Every year following an initial Cross-Connection Survey, an owner must submit a Certificate of Compliance to the Region of Peel a within 14 days of the anniversary date of the last Cross-Connection Survey.

Step 5: Reassessment of Cross Connection Surveys

All reassessments will need to be completed by qualified companies on our authorised contractor list.

Survey results and hazard levels

If a Severe Hazard is present an owner must, at their expense, complete a subsequent Cross-Connection Survey every 3 years.

If a Moderate Hazard or Minor Hazard is present an owner must, at their expense, complete a subsequent Cross-Connection Survey every 5 years.

If you have questions or require an extension on your survey completion, email Backflow Prevention or call 905-791-7800 ext. 3101.

Qualified companies

You can choose from hundreds of qualified companies to complete your cross connection survey and to install and test your backflow prevention devices.

Apply to be a qualified company.

Permits for non-potable drinking water

Administrative fees

Payments can be paid by Visa or MasterCard.

Administrative fees
Item Fee
Cross connection surveys $56.92
Annual backflow test reports (per building) $54.63
Hydrant permits $273.68 + HST
Meter rental fee $$3.23 + HST /day (no charge for the first day)
Water charge per cubic meter Actual costs
Deposit for equipment rental $3,500
Backflow preventor rental fee $3.23 per calendar day (no charge for the first day)
Moving of backflow and meter $166.05 + HST
Environmental Information Requests $109.27 per address
On site testing $54.63 for Test Report Review + Labour Costs