Implementing structured systems processes to successfully manage backflow

Implementing structured systems & processes to successfully manage backflow Robert Dwyer – Technical Advisor Backflow Prevention

Introduction Robert Dwyer Central Highlands Water (Ballarat, Victoria) 27 years Water Industry experience Technical Advisor Backflow Prevention 2

Presentation overview • • Central Highlands Water (CHW) service area What is backflow? Preventing backflow – the how & why Regulatory requirements CHW’s Backflow Prevention Program Implementing structured systems & processes CHW’s learnings Questions 3

Central Highlands Water – serviced area • CHW is one of Victoria’s largest Regional Water Corporations • Provides water & wastewater services to 142, 000+ customers • 70, 000 water connections • Approximately 850 Backflow Prevention Devices (1. 2% containment) • 15 water supply systems o 30 reservoirs o 33 groundwater bores o Supplying ~ 12, 500 ML p. a. • 14, 635 km 2 service area 4

What is backflow? • Backflow is referred to as the reversed flow of water from its intended direction • Backflow can occur by way of back siphonage or backpressure • The potential for backflow to occur is heightened by pressure losses within the water network or • Where the pressure is greater within an internal system than the pressure within the supply system 5

Preventing Backflow – how Backflow is prevented by: • Identifying properties that pose a risk to potable water supplies • Arrange for on-site assessments to be carried out • Connecting Backflow Prevention Devices (BPD’s) to the water supplies of properties posing a risk to supply • Ensure that BPD’s are tested annually • Ensuring that BPD’s perform the function for which they are installed 6

Preventing Backflow – why? Victorian Water Corporations are responsible for providing safe, quality drinking water to their customers and communities • To prevent potential contamination events • To eliminate potential health risks • To mitigate business reputational risks • Install consumer confidence • To demonstrate regulatory compliance 7

Regulatory requirements - Victoria • Victorian Water Corporations (VWC) are heavily regulated • VWC’s are subjected to periodical audits • Show evidence of our Backflow Prevention Device Register (BPDR) *containment devices* • Policies and procedures • Communications to property owners advising of their obligation to have their BPD tested (annually) • Copies of Test Reports verifying that BPD’s are functioning as required (not exceeding 12 months) 8

CHW’s Backflow Prevention Program • Formally implemented BPP in early 2011 • Team of 3 seconded to manage program • Internal review of program was conducted mid - 2015 • Review identified the need to expand the program scope • Increased focus on demonstrating regulatory compliance • Full time Backflow Technical Advisor appointed in Nov 2015 • Implemented new and improved systems and processes 9

Program status – current • Approximately 850 testable BPD’s connected to metered water supplies (700 privately owned – 150 CHW owned) • Connected to high and medium risk properties • Program managed through structured systems and processes • Focus on providing safe quality drinking water, managing risk & complying with regulations • Desired outcomes are being achieved • Test reports have been received for 100% of containment devices over the past 12 months 10

Implementing structured processes A number of structured processes are critical to managing backflow and include: • Existing device process (need to capture and record existing device information) • New connection process (application to connect to potable water supply) • Retrofitting process (devices connected to water supply of established properties) • Communications & escalation process (advising owners of obligations) • Data entry, test report collection and filing process • Processes need to be auditable property 11

Implementing structured systems The success of any Backflow Prevention Program relies on structured systems that are capable of: • Storing accurate property information (address, ownership, contact details, Backflow Prevention Device details etc. ) • Storing historical data (installation & inspection dates, device replacement details) • Maintaining annual testing schedules • Storing communication documents and annual test reports • Processing new water connection applications • System integration • System / data interrogation (search functions) • Auditable (capable of demonstrating regulatory compliance) 12

Backflow Device Management System (Infor Public Sector - IPS) 13

Records Management System 14

Test Reports 15

Managing backflow - CHW’S learnings • Protecting potable water supplies should be our number one priority • Systems and processes are critical to the success of your BPP • Regulatory compliance is a key driver • Energy and focus is essential • • Property owner contact details (phone & email) are hugely beneficial • Collaboration between Water Corporations, property owners, Plumbers & accredited backflow testers is critical 16

Questions 18