The council is saying “we heard you” after the Boundary Backflow Prevention Fees and Charges went out for public consultation on the 30th July 2019.
An abundance of feedback was received and some changes have been made to the Backflow Prevention Policy as a result. These are;
- The annual inspection of Managed Air Gaps is no longer required. Inspections will now be carried out by a Council Officer of all properties on a restricted water scheme on a biennial basis as a part of their routine maintenance.
- The cost for the inspection for Managed Air Gaps will fall under district wide rating, there will no longer be an annual inspection fee of $192.
- If an overflow device is absent or has been installed incorrectly on a water storage tank connected to the council water supply, a Council Officer will install one while at the property.
A Council Officer will be in contact to arrange the property visit. For those wanting to be pro-active, overflow devices are now available to buy in the Amberley, Culverden, Cheviot and Hanmer Springs Libraries along with install instructions.
There have been no changes for on-demand, high and medium risk properties. The property owner is still responsible for the cost of the installation and annual inspection of the backflow prevention device.
