Code of PracticeNZ Boundary

1961 Drinking Water Regulations covered Backflow but was loose.

“At the discretion of the Engineer” 2013 Replacement Legislation. Boundary Protection for Drinking Water Supplies

History

Backflow Section G12. Internal Protection Only. References AS 3500 & AS 2845 Philosophy “If internal protection at potential source of

contamination no Boundary protection required”

1991 NZ Building ActInternal Affairs

Water Suppliers used 1961 Regulations with Installations from 1961 onwards.

Legal action between large Councils and organisations like Ports of Auckland /Hospitals were all sorted on the Court steps .

Water Managers frustrated . Together with NZW Backflow Group approached MOH

1990

Proactive backflow prevention

Had concerns for some time of NZ Water Quality and Safety.

MOH required plans for Water: 1. Catchment.2. Treatment.3. Distribution.4. Backflow.

Ministry Of Health

New Legislation. Legal Jargon “Managing the Risk” Water Managers funded COP to guide Water Suppliers

implementing bylaws 2003 1st Code. 2013 revised with more detail. ONLINE VIEWING Safety Plans NZ MOH. Water NZ – Publications-Backflow Code of Practise

Backflow GroupMOH

Guide lines for Water Suppliers. Risk Assessment Ownership. Device Register Backflow Prevention Programme Policy Statement & Bylaw

CODE OF PRACTISEPart 1

Code of Practice for Boundary Backflow Protection. Boundary Backflow Installations Additional Installation Requirements for Fire Systems Testing Requirements Responsible for Payment Specific Customer Responsibilities Building Act Responsibilities Removal of a Boundary Device

CODE OF PRACTICEPart 2

Safety Plans administered by MOH through Water Assessors employed by Local District Health Boards.

Points scored effect Water Rating for Water Suppliers. Assessors check:1. Catchment2. Storage3. Treatment4. Distribution5. Backflow

NEXT STEPS

Enforcement MOH have published list of all assessors listing names and

which DHB they work for. Committee has compiled this list adding contact details

for committee members to share responsibility to contact & offer to make their job easier by List of questions to ask

What to watch out for Training etc.

WATER ASSESSORS

Leaky homes caused tighter regulations & awareness of responsibilities.

Swing to consultants for larger builds which include backflow rather than plumbers design and build.

Local Body Inspectors multi skilled Ex builders inspecting plumbing Ex plumbers inspecting buildings Backflow writing Accepted Industry Survey Course funded

by Water Managers Group

INTERNAL PROTECTION

Why and how did Australia allow the change to testing methods ?

NZ Backflow Group rejected changes & now list an Industry Acceptable Method of testing in G12

CONTROVERSAL SUBJECTS 1

Why and how did Australia allow a change of S/S material that only one manufacture could supply giving that company a monopoly ?

NZ Backflow Group accepted relative ASSE standards in the COP.

CONTROVERSAL SUBJECTS 2

Outcome