Backflow preventer testing in Victoria is required under the Capital Regional District's cross-connection control program. The CRD says homeowners must install appropriate backflow preventers, test and register backflow assemblies under Bylaw No. 3516, and use certified testers. Assemblies are tested annually, and single-family home irrigation systems every three years.
What is a cross connection, and why does it matter?
The CRD defines a cross connection as any actual or potential connection between a drinking water system and any source of contaminated water. Backflow is a reversal of the normal direction of flow, caused by back siphoning (pressure drops in the supply, for example in a water main break) or back pressure (heating and pump systems pushing back). A backflow device reduces the risk of contaminating the public drinking water.
The CRD runs the program because in 2006 the Island Health Authority, under the Drinking Water Protection Act, mandated it to design and maintain a program for connections that could put the Greater Victoria drinking water supply at risk. It is enforced under CRD Bylaw No. 3516.
Which home features can be cross connections?
The CRD's residential FAQ lists:
- Garden hose connections
- Lawn irrigation systems
- Fire sprinkler systems
- Boiler heating systems
- Solar heating systems
- Swimming pools
- Home-based businesses such as auto repair or hair salons
- Reclaimed or auxiliary water from wells
How often does a backflow preventer need testing?
| Device or system | CRD requirement |
|---|---|
| Single-family home irrigation system | Tested every three years |
| All other backflow assemblies | Tested annually |
| Atmospheric vacuum breaker, hose connection vacuum breaker, dual check, dual check with atmospheric port | Low-risk devices that cannot be tested |
| Double check valve assembly, pressure vacuum breaker, reduced pressure principle assembly | Assemblies that require testing and service |
| Air gap | Not an assembly, but needs annual inspection |
The CRD's testing page states annual testing as the standard, and its residential FAQ sets the three-year interval for single-family irrigation. If your property is not a single-family home, assume annual testing and confirm with the CRD.
Who can install and test?
Permits are required for all backflow device installations, and only certified plumbers should install backflow devices. Testing must be done by a certified tester. The CRD tells property owners to confirm that anyone they hire has current certification and a calibrated test gauge meeting CRD and Bylaw 3516 requirements. It publishes a list of local testing companies and says other companies may be used if they employ certified testers.
How do I register my device?
Through the CRD's Cross Connection Control Portal at crims.crd.bc.ca, where you register devices, assign testing to a certified tester and view device status. The CRD says it must first create a profile for you before you can register, so email ccc@crd.bc.ca if you do not have one. The portal is the official record that your device was tested, so do not rely on a paper receipt alone.
What does testing cost?
The CRD does not set a price. It says residents should contact a licensed plumber or backflow tester for pricing, and that cost varies between contractors and with the number of assemblies you have. We do not publish a figure.
Does my property fall under the CRD program?
The program covers the Greater Victoria drinking water system. If your water comes from a different system, ask your water supplier whether it has its own cross-connection rules. Suites, irrigation, boilers and any property with a fire sprinkler system are worth checking, especially after a renovation adds one. For new suite plumbing see garden suite plumbing in Saanich, and for the rest of the system high water bill and hidden leaks.
What should I do next?
- Walk the property and list anything from the hazard list above.
- Look at your irrigation system and hose bibs for a backflow device and check its tag.
- Ask the CRD whether your devices are registered.
- Hire a certified tester and have the result recorded in the portal.
Not sure what you have? Contact us and we will tell you what we can do for your fixtures and plumbing, or point you to a certified tester. See fixture installation for outdoor taps and connections.
Frequently asked questions
How often must a residential irrigation backflow device be tested?
The CRD says single-family home irrigation systems are tested every three years. All other backflow assemblies are tested annually.
Can I test my own backflow preventer?
The CRD says testing is to be done by certified testers, and tells owners to confirm certification and a calibrated test gauge.
Do I need a permit to install a backflow preventer?
The CRD says permits are required for all installations, and that only certified plumbers should install backflow devices.
How do I register my device?
Use the CRD Cross Connection Control Portal. The CRD must create a profile for you first, so contact ccc@crd.bc.ca if you do not have one.
Which devices cannot be tested?
The CRD names atmospheric vacuum breakers, hose connection vacuum breakers, dual checks and dual checks with atmospheric port as low-risk devices that cannot be tested.
Sources
Last verified October 8, 2026. Rebates, codes and prices change; confirm with the program or Technical Safety BC before you rely on them.