Backflow prevention program

All Queensland local governments are required under state legislation to maintain a program for the registration, maintenance and testing of testable backflow prevention devices installed in their area.

What is a backflow prevention device?

A backflow prevention device prevents the reverse flow of water from a potentially polluted source into the city's potable (drinking) water supply. Backflow prevention devices are usually fitted in the following circumstances:

• an irrigation system connected to mains water supply
• fire hose reels or hydrants
• a commercial or industrial activity or machinery connected to the mains
• water outlets in proximity to pollutants, grease traps or chemicals
• an underground rainwater tank that has mains water backup.

Council's backflow prevention register

The information supplied to Council from the initial Form 9 test report submitted by the plumber is recorded in the backflow prevention register.

Commencing January 2019, Council will issue an annual fee notice and an annual testing reminder notice at the beginning of the calendar year to the device owner, prompting them to arrange for the testing of their devices by 31 December. Subsequent reminders will be issued periodically during the year to device owners whose Form 9 test reports have not been received.

The annual fee per device is used to maintain the backflow prevention program, which involves managing the register, performing audits and investigations, and for any correspondence that may need to be sent to owners.

Device owners have the option of receiving their annual fee notices and annual testing reminder notices by post or via email. Notices will be posted unless device owners sign up to receive them by email. Find out more about receiving your backflow prevention notices by email.

Download the:

• Backflow prevention devices: What are your responsibilities (PDF - 499kb)
• Backflow prevention devices: What are your responsibilities (Word - 93kb)
• Backflow prevention program fact sheet (PDF - 579kb)
• Backflow prevention program fact sheet (Word - 101kb).

Device owner's responsibilities

The Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 requires owners of installed testable backflow prevention devices to:

• register the device with the local government
• have the device inspected or tested annually by a plumber endorsed for backflow testing.

To assist device owners, Council issues an annual testing reminder notice at the beginning of the calendar year, giving them until 31 December to engage a plumber endorsed for backflow testing and have their device(s) tested. A second and final reminder notice is issued at the end of September for devices that have no test result recorded by Council.

An endorsed backflow tester can be found by searching for "backflow tester Brisbane" via the internet.

Endorsed backflow tester's responsibilities

The Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 requires the person testing the device to submit the Form 9 test report to the local government within 10 business days of the test.

Completed Form 9 test reports can be submitted by email or via Council’s online version of the Form 9 (see below).

Council’s online Form 9

Test results can now be entered directly into Council’s online version of the Form 9, instead of being submitted by email. This online version allows backflow testers to submit test results for multiple devices on the same site all on the one form, rather than having to submit a separate form for each device. It also streamlines the process by removing non-applicable questions depending on the types of tests and devices. 

New devices

Most new devices will be installed as part of a larger scope of plumbing works. When devices are shown on hydraulic drawings to be assessed by Council, the annual fee is charged at lodgement. The corresponding Form 9 test reports must be submitted prior to requesting the final inspection.

When devices are installed under the notifiable work category, it is the responsibility of the licensed plumbing contractor to submit a Form 4 to the Queensland Building and Construction Commission and submit the completed Form 9 test report to Council. The Form 9 can be found on the Queensland Government website, or Council’s online Form 9 can be used as an alternative.

The annual fee is payable for all new devices.

Removing or replacing a device

When a device is removed or replaced, it is the responsibility of the licensed plumbing contractor to submit a Form 4 to the Queensland Building and Construction Commission and submit the completed Form 9 test report to Council. The Form 9 can be found on the Queensland Government website, or Council’s online Form 9 can be used as an alternative. 

Council may audit device removals performed under a Form 4 to ensure the hazard requiring the device is no longer present.

Fees and charges

Frequently asked questions

Read frequently asked questions relating to the backflow prevention program.

More information

Find out more about plumbing and drainage by phoning Council on 07 3403 8888 for residential customers, or 133 BNE (133 263) for business customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.