Backflow Testing Compliance for Commercial Properties in Saskatoon

June 27, 2025

What every property manager and business owner need to know.

A man in an orange vest is standing next to a pipe and writing on a clipboard.

What every property manager and business owner need to know.

If you operate a commercial property in Saskatoon or the surrounding Saskatchewan region, staying compliant with backflow prevention requirements isn’t optional—it’s a critical part of protecting public health and maintaining your building’s safety and functionality.

Many businesses are unaware of their legal responsibility to test backflow prevention devices annually, or even what those devices do. This blog explains what backflow is, why it matters for your building, and how to stay compliant with Saskatoon’s plumbing codes and water regulations.

🚱 What Is Backflow—and Why Is It Dangerous?

Backflow occurs when water in your plumbing system flows in the reverse direction, potentially allowing contaminants from your building to enter the clean municipal water supply.

This can happen when:

A water main break nearby
The city’s water pressure suddenly drops
Your fire suppression or irrigation system has a cross-connection

Backflow can pull fertilizers, chemicals, sewage, and bacteria into the drinking water system—creating serious health and safety risks for your tenants, customers, and the public at large.

🛡️ What Is a Backflow Preventer?

A backflow preventer is a mechanical device installed in your plumbing system to stop water from reversing direction. It ensures that contaminated water stays out of Saskatoon’s potable water system.

There are different types of devices for various applications:

Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA): Common for commercial irrigation or low-hazard applications
Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Assembly: Required for high-risk cross-connections, such as boilers or chemical feed systems
Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB): Often used in outdoor irrigation systems

If your commercial property has a fire protection system, boiler, irrigation system, or chemical feed line, you likely already have a backflow preventer—and it needs to be tested annually.

📋 Saskatoon Bylaws and Backflow Testing Requirements

The City of Saskatoon requires that all commercial properties with cross-connections or designated water hazards must:

Install an approved backflow preventer
Have it tested by a certified tester every 12 months
Submit results to the city’s water protection program

Failure to comply may result in:

Water service interruption or shutoff
Non-compliance fines
Liability in the event of contamination

In addition, your insurance provider may require annual testing for continued coverage.

🏢 Who Needs Backflow Testing in Saskatoon?

If you own or manage any of the following types of buildings, you are almost certainly subject to annual testing:

Commercial office buildings
Retail stores or shopping centers
Restaurants or food service businesses
Medical clinics or labs
Warehouses or industrial sites
Condominiums or multi-unit housing with shared plumbing
Schools and municipal buildings

Still unsure? A backflow specialist can inspect your system and determine your testing requirements.

🧪 What Happens During a Backflow Test?

Backflow testing is a straightforward process when done by a certified technician. Here’s what to expect:

Visual Inspection: The technician will verify the type and condition of your backflow prevention device(s).
Testing Equipment Hook-Up: Pressure gauges and testing hoses are connected.
Performance Test: The technician checks for leaks, valve performance, and pressure drop.
Results Reporting: Results are logged and submitted to the city’s database.
Certification Tag: Your device receives a compliance tag with the date of testing.

The process typically takes 30–60 minutes per device and causes minimal disruption to your building’s operations.

🔄 How Often Should Testing Be Done?