Group representatives provide input to two technical standard working groups; WS-014 Plumbing and drainage and WS-023 Backflow Prevention Devices For Water Supply. Input aims to ensure standards reflect the current market and making sure that a consistent approach is applied on both sides of the Tasman.
The group is collaborating on a rare opportunity to update G12 to reflect the current state of backflow prevention and in doing so make it more coordinated with the new Water Services Bill.
Legislation, regulations and by-laws have been developed to protect the public both within and outside a property from illegal plumbing cross-connections between potable and non-potable water supplies. Backflow surveys are used to provide a local territorial authority (TA) with confidence that relevant legislation has been complied with and that appropriate backflow protection is in place. Backflow surveys are also used by building owners and commercial operators to check that they meet the relevant parts of the Buildings Code (Clause G12). Members of the backflow group are working the ensure a properly accredited survey programme is in place.
Everything that the Water Services Bill is trying to accomplish regarding backflow prevention is underpinned by the Operational Compliance Rules for backflow prevention. The Backflow Special Interest Group are working with Taumata Arowai to ensure Operational Compliance Rules related to backflow are fair, effective and robust.
Revisions to the Code of Practice will reflect new requirements introduced by the Water Services Bill, the commencement of Taumata Arowai and the responsibilities of each new authority under the Operational Compliance Rules.