Implementing structured systems & processes to successfully manage backflow - PowerPoint Presentation

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

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

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 Presentation overview 3

Central Highlands Water – serviced area 4 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 30 reservoirs 33 groundwater bores Supplying ~ 12,500 ML p.a. 14,635 km 2 service area

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 What is backflow? 5

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 Preventing Backflow – how 6

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 Preventing Backflow – why? 7

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) Regulatory requirements - Victoria 8

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 CHW’s Backflow Prevention Program 9

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 Program status – current 10

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 property owners of obligations) Data entry, test report collection and filing process Processes need to be auditable Implementing structured processes 11

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) Implementing structured systems 12

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

Records Management System 14

Test Reports 15

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 Managing backflow - CHW’S learnings 16

Questions 18