Backflow Prevention

What is backflow?

Water typically flows in one direction, from the supply system to customers. Backflow occurs when water flows in the opposite direction, from the property into Goldenfields Water’s infrastructure. When backflow occurs, this can allow contaminated water to enter the drinking water system and create a health risk.

Who is backflow prevention applicable to?

Backflow prevention is applicable to all properties connected to Goldenfields Water supply scheme. Most residential properties include a dual check valve fitted within the water meter which provides low hazard backflow protection.

Properties with higher risk ratings, such as those with grease traps, cattle troughs or properties using chemicals, require extra protection, typically by a testable backflow prevention device installed on the meter assembly.

Meters that are larger than 25mm do not have a dual check valve incorporated within the meter and are required to have one installed as part of the meter assembly.

What do I need to do?

Goldenfields Water has two categories of customers that will typically be classified with higher risk ratings and require extra protection against backflow; these are our Rural customers and our Commercial & Industrial customers.

Rural

If you are a rural customer, Goldenfields Water will install a backflow prevention device on our side of the meter. Most of these installations have already been completed. If your meter assembly does not have one, Goldenfields Water will be arranging to have one installed soon.

Goldenfields Water will conduct necessary testing, maintenance and replacement of these backflow prevention devices. The cost of managing rural backflow prevention devices will be charged annually on your Q1 bill. Fees are listed in Goldenfields Water’s fees and charges. 

Commercial and Industrial

If you are a commercial or industrial customer of Goldenfields Water, your property must be assessed for a hazard rating to determine the property’s backflow prevention requirements. This also needs to occur when business activities change.

For existing customers, Goldenfields Water are currently undertaking an audit of existing commercial and industrial customers during the 2026/27 financial year to determine appropriate hazard ratings.

If you are a new commercial or industrial customer, or your business activities change, the property owner must determine the hazard rating of the property in accordance with AS/NZS 3500 by an accredited backflow prevention plumber and a copy of the assessment must be supplied to Goldenfields Water.

If the property is deemed to be a medium or high risk, a backflow prevention device is to be installed in accordance with AS/NZS 3500 by an accredited backflow prevention plumber, and the device must be registered with Goldenfields Water. Testable backflow prevention devices are to be certified annually in accordance with AS/NZS 2845, with a copy of the certificate of compliance provided to Goldenfields Water. 

Accredited Backflow Prevention Plumbers Servicing Goldenfields Water Supply Scheme

To assist customers in sourcing a backflow accredited plumber to complete hazard ratings of properties and certification of backflow prevention devices, Goldenfields Water have compiled a list of local plumbers. Note that the plumbers listed are not affiliated with, or accredited by, Goldenfields Water and Goldenfields Water do not make recommendations on specific plumbers to be used.

Name      Contact Number     Contact Email       Council Areas Serviced
 000 Plumbing/Tonkin Group (02) 6189 2467  office@tonkingroup.com.au All
Dean Guymer 0418 224 301  dean@guymerplumbing.com.au All
 TME (02) 6978 1472  admin@totalme.net.au All

 Matt Nicholson Plumbing / Micson Constructions   

 

 (02) 6972 0741  admin@mnplumbing.com.au

 

  All
 Jack Kelly Plumbing & Gas 0407 618 730  jackkellyplumbing@gmail.com All
 Mark Halliburton Plumbing &
Gas / Advanced Roofing and Plumbing

 

  (02) 6924 1152  admin@advancedroofingplumbing.com.au   

 

 Junee
 Harrison Kimball/ Kimball Plumbing & Gas Fitting

 

 0417 789 354  kimballplumbingandgas@gmail.com

 

 All

 

If you are a plumber servicing the Goldenfields Water supply scheme and would like to have your details included on this list, please email your details, a copy of your backflow accreditation and contractor’s licence, and the Council areas you service to backflow@gwcc.nsw.gov.au.

Annual Backflow Test Reports - Information for Plumbers

Goldenfields Water requires a copy of the certificate of compliance:

  • each time a backflow prevention device is installed, and 
  • when tested annually.

The following information MUST be supplied on the certificate of compliance:

  • Meter number noted in section 1 of the certificate of compliance; 

  • Goldenfields Water’s tag number in section 2 of the certificate of compliance (refer to image below for tag number location); 

  • If the backflow prevention device fails the compliance test and is replaced, plumbers should note that the existing device failed and include both the old and the new backflow prevention device’s serial number on the certificate of compliance where comments are noted. 

Certificate of compliance example:
Backflow-Test-Report-Example.jpg

 

Tag identification example:

Goldenfields Water employ multiple types of tags across the water system, however the tag ID will be a 5- or 6-digit number and can be located on the respective tag model as shown below. 

Tag-Identification.png

More information: 

For more details call 6977 3200 between 8:30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

 

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