Between now and March, the District of Muskoka will be surveying all commercial, industrial, and institutional properties connected to its drinking water system.
Officials say some notices have already been sent out.
They explain anyone who gets a letter has 90 days to have a cross-connection control survey done.
“The survey will work to identify risks associated with the property, existing devices, or the need for devices to prevent the reversal of flow from properties to the drinking water system,” write officials in a Jan. 17 media release. “Any deficiencies in backflow devices will be identified through the survey. All costs associated with the survey, correcting deficiencies, and annual testing will be incurred by the property owner.”
According to officials, the district’s municipal water system is intended to flow in one direction. They say it’s “highly undesirable” if the flow reverses course, citing possible health and safety concerns.
