Understanding your backflow responsibilities in Geelong
Backflow testing in Geelong is not just a precaution. It’s a mandatory part of commercial water safety. If you own or manage a commercial property in the region, you may be required to complete a Barwon Water Backflow Prevention Device Agreement and schedule annual testing of your valves to stay compliant with local regulations.
Backflow occurs when contaminated water flows in the reverse direction into the clean supply system, which can happen during pressure drops or plumbing faults. Barwon Water manages this risk by identifying properties with medium to high contamination potential and requiring proper backflow prevention devices to be installed and maintained.
Why Barwon Water has strict backflow compliance rules
Barwon Water is responsible for protecting Geelong’s drinking water network from contamination. Its backflow management policy classifies certain types of businesses as higher risk due to the nature of their water usage, plumbing layouts, or connected infrastructure. These include commercial kitchens, dental surgeries, manufacturing facilities, and sites using chemicals, pools or irrigation systems.
To reduce the contamination risk, Barwon Water requires eligible properties to register their backflow prevention devices and confirm that they are regularly tested. The Backflow Prevention Device Agreement is the document that formalises this arrangement between the property owner and Barwon Water.
Who needs to complete a Backflow Prevention Device Agreement?
Businesses or properties that fall into medium or high-risk categories are typically required to submit a Backflow Prevention Device Agreement. Some examples include:
- Medical centres and dental clinics
- Commercial kitchens, cafes, and food production facilities
- Car washes and auto service centres
- Factories, workshops, and industrial premises
- Childcare centres and schools
- Properties with irrigation, water tanks, pools or chemical use
If you’re unsure about your risk level, consult Complete Backflow Testing or contact Barwon Water for an assessment.
Why backflow testing in Geelong is critical to compliance
Filling out the agreement is just step one. The crucial part of staying compliant is ensuring your registered backflow valves are tested annually by a certified professional. This confirms that your devices are functioning as intended to prevent contamination.
Complete Backflow Testing is an Accredited Backflow Prevention Tester offering comprehensive backflow testing in Geelong. Their certified team tests, tags, and records all required data before submitting the results directly to Barwon Water on your behalf.
Their streamlined service includes:
- Accredited annual testing of all registered devices
- Compliance tagging with dates and certification
- QR-coded valve labels for instant access to test history
- Automatic submission of test results to Barwon Water
- Reminders for next testing cycle
This helps busy property owners and facilities managers stay up to date with regulations without managing paperwork or chasing certificates manually.
The consequences of non-compliance
If you do not return a completed Backflow Prevention Device Agreement or fail to meet annual testing requirements, Barwon Water may issue compliance notices or penalties. In serious cases, your property’s water connection could be flagged or even temporarily suspended until the issue is resolved.
Non-compliance also exposes your site to legal and health risks. If an incident of contamination occurs and your property is found to have skipped testing, the liability could be significant—especially if the issue affects surrounding homes or businesses.
Proactive compliance is easier than you think
Many property owners are surprised to find out that their facility was already required to comply and simply hadn’t been notified. Others receive notices but don’t know where to start. This is where working with a local expert makes all the difference.
Complete Backflow Testing works exclusively with businesses and facilities across Geelong, providing tailored advice, agreement support, and end-to-end testing services. Whether you need help completing the agreement or want to ensure your next test is logged correctly, they’re ready to assist.
Take the stress out of backflow compliance
Backflow testing in Geelong doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With expert help, you can ensure your water safety, protect your staff and customers, and avoid unnecessary council hassles.
Get in touch with Complete Backflow Testing today to check your risk level, submit your agreement, or schedule your annual test.
