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PLUMBING AND DRAINAGE

PLUMBING APPROVAL

A plumbing approval, known as a plumbing permit, is needed before installing any type of plumbing and drainage on your property.

All plumbing works must comply with the following Acts:

To obtain a plumbing approval, you must submit a Development Application Form and the required documentation of the details of the proposed plumbing and drainage works. 

cook shire
Cook Shire

Plumbing Application Checklist

Cook Shire

Fees & Charges

Backflow Prevention

We all rely of clean, safe drinking water every day. What many people don’t realise is that, without the right protections in place, water can sometimes flow in the wrong direction-allowing contaminants to enter the supply. This is called backflow, and preventing it is an important part of keeping our water safe.

Cook Shire Council is committed to protecting the quality of our drinking water. Backflow prevention devices play a key role by stopping unwanted substances from entering the water supply used for drinking, whether from town water or alternative sources like rainwater tanks.

Under the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018, Council is required to maintain a register of all backflow prevention devices within the Shire.

What is Backflow?

Backflow occurs when water flows in the opposite direction to normal, allowing contaminants from a non-drinking water source to enter water used for drinking, cooking, or bathing.

This can happen in two main ways:

  • Back pressure – when pressure in a property’s system becomes greater than the main water supply, pushing water back into the network.
  • Back siphonage – when there is a drop in supply pressure, which can draw water back into the system like a vacuum.

In either case, contaminants such as chemicals, bacteria, or other pollutants can enter the drinking water supply.

Installing the correct backflow prevention device helps protect against this risk. Different types of devices are available, depending on the level of risk and the specific conditions at a property.

What is a Backflow Prevention Device?

A backflow prevention device prevents the reverse flow of water to our towns drinking water supply. These devices help to keep drinking water clean and safe. 

Where backflow prevention may be required:

  • Taps for cleaning Grease Traps
  • Vehicle/bin washing bays
  • Swimming pools
  • Hotels, Motels and unit developments
  • Irrigation systems connected to mains water supply
  • Fire hose reels or hydrants
  • Mechanics and vehicle repair workshops
  • Hospitals and medical centres
  • Laundries
  • Schools, day care centres and kindergartens
  • Commercial or industrial businesses or machinery connected to the mains
  • Water outlets in proximity to pollutants, grease traps or chemicals
  • Caravan Parks
  • Shops and restaurants

Some backflow prevention devices are testable. These must be tested by a licensed backflow tester. 

Property owners are responsible for ensuring their backflow devices are registered with Council and tested by a qualified person at least once each year.

Licensed plumbers must submit test reports to Council within 10 business days of completing an inspection and provide a copy to the property owner.

To install a new backflow prevention device or to report test/inspection results, submit Form 9 – Registration and report on inspection and testing of testable backflow prevention devices to mail@cook.qld.gov.au.