My backflow test notice from City of Vancouver: what do I do, and by when?

Get each device on the notice tested by a certified tester, and make sure the report reaches City of Vancouver within 15 days of the day of the test. That is the whole duty, and it is the property owner's, not the plumber's.

The rule

Within 15 days of the test. In the City of Vancouver's own words:

“the results of all backflow prevention assembly tests are recorded by a certified backflow assembly tester on a test report form that is approved by the Engineer, signed by the tester, and submitted within 15 days of the test”
Bylaw (Water Works By-law No. 4848, s.4.11(c)) · read 26-Sep-2026

Worth knowing: $30 per report, charged to the tester and set in the by-law itself (Schedule H). This is the authority-funded pattern running in Canada: a private vendor holds the filing channel and bills the tester per report.

What to do, in order

Find the date that starts the clock: the day of the test. The clock does not start until the test is done.
Book a certified backflow tester for every device listed on the notice (annually).
Make sure the tester's report reaches City of Vancouver inside the window. Reports go to the BSI Online portal, which BSI runs on behalf of the City (questions: backflow@vancouver.ca). Keep the confirmation, not only your sent copy.

Or get help with it

Tell us your address and due date. We'll track the deadline, send you reminders, and connect you with a certified tester in your area.

Get help with my notice

Questions

I got a backflow test notice from City of Vancouver. What do I have to do? Have each backflow device on the notice tested by a certified tester, and make sure the report reaches City of Vancouver within 15 days of the day of the test. The duty is the property owner's.

When is my backflow test report due in Vancouver? Within 15 days of the test. Source: Water Works By-law No. 4848, s.4.11(c).

Where does the report go in Vancouver? Reports go to the BSI Online portal, which BSI runs on behalf of the City (questions: backflow@vancouver.ca).

Can I test the device myself? No. It must be tested by a certified backflow assembly tester with calibrated equipment.

Read from City of Vancouver's own documents, last checked 2026-09-26. The full entry, with where reports go: City of Vancouver. Every BC deadline: the deadline guide. The date on your own notice always beats anything worked out here.