Saskatchewan Backflow Prevention Regulations
Saskatchewan governs plumbing and cross-connection control through the Uniform Building and Accessibility Standards Act, SS 1983-84, c U-1.2, with the Ministry of Government Relations overseeing provincial building standards. Regina Water and Saskatoon Water — the province's two largest municipal water utilities — each operate cross-connection control programs that require annual backflow assembly testing for commercial, industrial, and institutional property owners.
Regulatory Summary — Saskatchewan
| Governing Body | Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations |
|---|---|
| Primary Legislation | Uniform Building and Accessibility Standards Act, SS 1983-84, c U-1.2 |
| Technical Code | National Plumbing Code of Canada 2020, adopted provincially |
| Testing Frequency | Annual |
| Enforcement Authority | Individual municipal water utilities |
Sources: publications.saskatchewan.ca — Uniform Building and Accessibility Standards Act; nrc.canada.ca — NPC 2020
How Cross-Connection Control Works in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan's approach to building and plumbing regulation centres on the Uniform Building and Accessibility Standards Act, SS 1983-84, c U-1.2, which gives the Ministry of Government Relations the authority to establish, adopt, and enforce building and safety standards throughout the province. Under this Act, Saskatchewan has adopted the National Plumbing Code of Canada as the technical standard for plumbing installations. The NPC's cross-connection control provisions — requiring backflow prevention at all cross-connections between potable and non-potable systems — are therefore part of Saskatchewan's regulatory requirements for new construction and significant renovations.
Building permits in Saskatchewan require plumbing work to comply with the NPC. The hazard-based approach of the NPC applies: reduced pressure zone (RPZ) assemblies are required for Severe-hazard connections such as boiler feed systems, chemical dosing systems, and irrigation systems with fertilizer injection; double check valve assemblies apply to moderate-hazard commercial connections; and atmospheric vacuum breakers cover hose-connected outlets and simple irrigation applications. Licensed plumbers are responsible for selecting and installing devices that meet the applicable hazard classification.
Operationally, Saskatchewan's two major cities — Regina and Saskatoon — administer the most active cross-connection control programs in the province. Both cities require commercial and institutional property owners to register their backflow prevention assemblies, arrange for annual testing by a certified tester, and submit test reports to the municipal water utility. Rural municipalities and smaller Saskatchewan communities may have less formal programs, but property owners connected to any municipal water supply are advised to contact their local utility to confirm whether assembly registration and testing are required.
Key Municipal Bylaw References
Saskatchewan's two largest cities have established cross-connection control requirements as part of their water service conditions for commercial and institutional customers.
| Municipality | Water Authority | Bylaw / Policy | Official Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Regina | Regina Water | Cross-Connection Control Program (Water Utility Policy) |
regina.ca — Cross-Connection Control |
| City of Saskatoon | Saskatoon Water | Cross-Connection Control By-law (Water Services) |
saskatoon.ca — Cross-Connection Control |
Frequently Asked Questions — Saskatchewan
What legislation governs backflow prevention in Saskatchewan?
The Uniform Building and Accessibility Standards Act, SS 1983-84, c U-1.2, administered by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations, provides the provincial legislative basis. Through this Act, Saskatchewan adopts the National Plumbing Code of Canada, which mandates backflow prevention at all cross-connections between potable and non-potable water systems. Municipal water utilities then layer operational requirements — such as annual testing — on top of this provincial installation standard.
Does the City of Regina require annual backflow preventer testing?
Yes. Regina Water requires annual testing of all registered backflow prevention assemblies at commercial, industrial, and institutional properties. Property owners are responsible for hiring a certified tester, ensuring testing is completed within the required annual window, and submitting test reports to Regina Water. Failed assemblies must be repaired or replaced before the property is considered compliant with the city's cross-connection control requirements.
Who certifies backflow testers in Saskatchewan?
Saskatchewan does not have a single provincial body specifically certifying backflow testers. Most Saskatchewan water utilities accept testers holding recognized certifications such as ASSE Series 5000 or equivalent credentials from the American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA) or the Canadian Pipe Trades. Property owners should confirm the specific tester qualifications accepted by their municipal water utility before scheduling testing, as requirements can vary between Regina, Saskatoon, and smaller municipalities.
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This page was last verified April 2026. Regulations and municipal bylaws change — always confirm current requirements with your local water authority or municipal utility before scheduling testing or installation work.