The Kelowna Joint Water Committee Cross Connection Control Program applies to all water customers within the City of Kelowna municipal boundaries.  The primary purpose of the program is to protect public health by preventing contamination of the potable water supply.

Cross Connection Control involves the installation of approved backflow prevention devices on potable water systems that could present a risk to water quality. Backflow devices prevent water in a potentially contaminated environment from flowing back into the public water system. Examples of this would be dry cleaning chemicals, pools and fountains and fire suppression sprinkling systems. By insuring water cannot backflow into the public water system, the risk to public health from contamination is reduced.

 In 2003, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the members of the Kelowna Joint Water Committee  and the City of Kelowna. The MOU resulted in the creation of a city-wide Cross Connection Control Program.  The program is administered by the City of Kelowna and partially funded by administration fees charged by the program. The primary purpose of the program is to track backflow prevention equipment in the city, ensure devises are tested annually and act on behalf of the KJWC as the cross connection control resource.

Backflow Preventer Testing

All installed testable backflow prevention assemblies are subject to an annual inspection and testing program that is administered by the KJWC Cross Cconnection Control Program central office.

1. When a backflow preventer is installed the initial test results are recorded on a database.

2. All backflow prevention assemblies are subject to mandatory annual testing and inspection.

3. Annual test results are due 12 months from the date of install.

4. If test reports are not received 12 months from date of installation, a 1st reminder letter requesting test results within 30 days will be issued.

5. If test reports are not received within 30 days, a 2nd reminder letter will be issued.  The 2ndletter requests test results in 30 days.  This letter includes the statement that non-compliance may result in termination of water service.

6. If no response is received within 30 days of the 2nd letter, a report is forwarded to the water service provider noting the details of the property in violation. It is then the responsibility of the service provider to bring closure by ensuring the annual test is completed and forwarded to the central office, verifying and notifying the central office that the cross connection hazard no longer exists, or by terminating service to his customer.

Click here for frequently asked questions.

For inquiries related to the Cross Connection Control Program please call:

City of Kelowna Cross Connection Control Coordinator at 250-469-8889