Rusty water pipe and valve attached to hose outside

The Township of West Lincoln and the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MOECP) are committed to protecting users of the Smithville Water Distribution System. Following regulations from the MOECP, we have implemented a Backflow Prevention Program.

What is backflow?

Backflow is caused by the reversal of flow of non-drinking water or other materials into the piping of a public water system or your personal drinking water system which can cause harmful contamination of drinking water.

If there is an unprotected cross-connection in your plumbing system, you may be at risk for backflow contamination. A cross-connection is any connection between your drinking water system and a contamination source.

Backflow Prevention Program

The Backflow Protection Program will help to protect your drinking water system from harmful contaminants. Review our Backflow Prevention By-law to find any program requirements that may apply to you.

Application of the Program

Our Backflow Prevention Program applies to different types of buildings:

  • industrial
  • commercial
  • institutional
  • multi-unit residential

Backflow prevention devices are installed where there is a risk for contamination. These devices are certified to CSA standards and must be tested each year to make sure they are working properly.

Learn more

To learn more about the Township's water quality standards, visit our Water Quality page.