Code of Practice NZ 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 Act Internal 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  st Code.  2013 revised with more detail.  ONLINE VIEWING  Safety Plans NZ MOH.  Water NZ – Publications-Backflow Code of Practise Backflow Group MOH

 Guide lines for Water Suppliers.  Risk Assessment  Ownership.  Device Register  Backflow Prevention Programme  Policy Statement & Bylaw CODE OF PRACTISE Part 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 PRACTICE Part 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.Catchment 2.Storage 3.Treatment 4.Distribution 5.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