Backflow prevention and onsite sewage facilities
Find out about backflow prevention and onsite sewage facilities, including regulations and responsibilities.
What is a backflow prevention device?
A backflow prevention device prevents the reverse flow of water to a city’s drinking water supply. These devices help to keep Brisbane's drinking water clean and safe.
Backflow prevention devices are usually fitted in:
- an irrigation system connected to mains water supply
- fire hose reels or hydrants
- a commercial or industrial activity or machinery connected to the mains
- water outlets in proximity to pollutants, grease traps or chemicals
- an underground rainwater tank that has mains water backup.
Some backflow prevention devices are testable. These must be tested by a licensed backflow tester.
About the backflow prevention program
Council's backflow prevention program keeps track of all testable backflow prevention devices in Brisbane to keep our drinking water clean.
Backflow prevention device register
Under the Regulation, Council maintains a program for the registration, maintenance and testing of testable backflow prevention devices in Brisbane.
At the beginning of each year, Council issues the following notices to owners of testable backflow prevention devices:
- Annual Registration Fee Notice
- Testing Reminder Notice.
These reminders prompt owners to arrange testing by 31 December and pay the annual fee. Council will send reminder notices throughout the year until testing is complete and the relevant fees are paid. If the fees remain unpaid, Council will add them to the next year’s registration fee.
To register a new device, you must complete a Form 9 - Registration & report on inspection and testing of backflow prevention devices.
You can complete Council's online version of Form 9 or download a copy and submit it to Council via email. State in your email that you're submitting the form to register a new device.
For more information, download the backflow prevention program fact sheet.
Backflow device maintenance and responsibilities
Owners of installed testable backflow prevention devices must:
- register each device with Council and pay the annual fee
- make sure they’re inspected or tested each year by an endorsed backflow tester.
Owners may incur a fine of up to 20 penalty units for every device that hasn’t been tested or registered. Visit the Queensland Government website for more information about penalties for breaching plumbing laws.
For more information about your responsibilities, download our fact sheet.
Under the Act, an endorsed backflow tester must complete the annual test of each backflow prevention device and submit the results to Council.
To submit the results, you can complete Council's online version of Form 9 or download a copy and submit it within 10 business days to Council via email.
For more information about your responsibilities, download Council’s fact sheet.
Install, remove or replace a device
New backflow prevention devices must be installed by a licensed plumber. There’s a registration fee for all new devices.
In some circumstances, the plumber may need to lodge a plumbing permit application with Council.
When devices are shown on hydraulic drawings to be assessed by Council, the registration fee is charged at lodgement. The Form 9 test reports need to be submitted before the final inspection.
The licensed plumber who installs a new device under the notifiable work category must submit the following forms:
- Form 4 to the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC)
- Form 9 (and registration fee for each device) to Council. You can complete Council's online version of Form 9 or download a copy and submit it via email.
A backflow prevention device should only be removed or replaced if the potential hazard no longer exists. To determine if the device can be removed or replaced with a different device, consult a licensed plumbing contractor.
The licensed plumber who removes or replaces a device must submit the following forms:
- Form 4 to the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC)
- Form 9 (and registration fee for each device) to Council. You can complete Council's online version of Form 9 or download a copy and submit it via email.
Council may audit device removals performed under a Form 4 to make sure the hazard is no longer present.
You can contact Council’s Plumbing Backflow Registration team via:
- phone 07 3403 8888.
What is an onsite sewage facility?
An onsite sewage facility is a system that stores, treats and disposes of household wastewater and sewage. These are usually found on properties that are unable to access a central sewer system. Homes in rural areas sometimes rely on onsite sewage facilities.
Onsite facilities include a:
- septic tank
- secondary or higher treatment plant (aerobic wastewater treatment systems)
- composting toilet.
Visit the Queensland Government website for a list of approved treatment systems.
Regulations for managing an onsite facility
Queensland Government plumbing legislation sets out the requirements for managing an onsite sewage facility.
Property owners are responsible for making sure their onsite sewage facility:
- is maintained
- operates in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements and any conditions set by Council.
Treatment plant service agents are responsible for providing Council and the property owner with any servicing results.
Council is responsible for maintaining a register of all the service reports received for onsite sewage facilities.
We contact property owners and service agents when we don’t receive a service report within the usual service intervals.
Maintenance responsibilities
The maintenance requirements of onsite sewage facilities depend on the treatment method.
Council recommends that septic tanks are pumped out every 3-5 years to ensure they continue to operate effectively.
To find a local contractor to pump out your tank, search “septic tank pump-out” on your internet browser.
To monitor waste matter build-up, have a plumber/drainer complete an annual inspection. You can also do this yourself by following the diagram on the Plumbing Services - Onsite sewage facilities fact sheet.
Licensed service agents should be engaged to service and monitor the performance of the plant. To understand what’s involved in maintaining the plant, contact the manufacturer or a licensed service agent.
To find a local service agent, search “wastewater service agent” on your internet browser.
Download the Plumbing Services - Onsite sewage facilitie fact sheet for more information.
Lodge a service report
You can lodge a service report by:
- mail to:
Locked Bag 1
Fairfield Gardens
Fairfield Qld 4103
Helpful links
Frequently asked questions
Testable backflow prevention devices need to be tested to reduce the risk of contamination to the city's drinking water.
The different types of backflow prevention devices are testable and non-testable devices. The type of device installed is determined by the potential contamination hazard level (low, medium or high). A testable backflow prevention device is needed when the potential for contamination is medium or high.
You can locate a backflow prevention device on your property by looking at your Council reminder of annual registration and testing. Details of the valve location are included when the device is first registered and included in the reminder notices.
The annual fee for each device covers:
- the administration of the testable backflow prevention program, including issuing the notices and testing reminders
- recording and maintaining testing results and documentation for every device in the local government area and carrying out investigations and audits.
You need to have your testable backflow prevention devices tested at least once every calendar year. The testing date is up to you and your licensed contractor. In most cases, devices are tested around the same time each year, either as part of a maintenance schedule or an ongoing arrangement.
Failure to maintain your onsite sewage facility can cause harm to yourself, others and the environment. It can also lead to a fine. Visit the Queensland Government website for more information about penalties for breaching plumbing laws.