Introduction to CSA B128.1-06/B128.2-06 (R2016)

The demand for sustainable water management has made non-potable water systems an integral part of modern building design. In Canada, the definitive framework for these systems is provided by the CSA B128 series. The combined standard CSA B128.1-06/B128.2-06 (R2016) establishes comprehensive criteria for the design, installation, maintenance, and field testing of non-potable water systems. This standard serves as the cornerstone for engineers, plumbing contractors, and facility managers aiming to implement safe and reliable rainwater, greywater, and reclaimed water systems.

Consensus Standard: CSA B128.1-06/B128.2-06 (R2016) was developed by the Technical Committee on Non-Potable Water Systems and is designed to harmonize with the National Plumbing Code of Canada.

Scope and Application

Part 1 (B128.1) covers the design and installation of systems intended for non-potable uses such as toilet and urinal flushing, clothes washing, and landscape irrigation. Part 2 (B128.2) specifies the requirements for ongoing maintenance and field testing to ensure long-term water quality and system integrity.

Key Exclusions: This standard does not cover systems that generate potable water from non-potable sources, nor does it apply to water used for human consumption, food preparation, or bathing.

Critical Technical Requirements

1. Cross-Connection Control

The most critical requirement is the absolute prevention of cross-connections between the non-potable water system and the potable water supply. The standard mandates the use of an air gap or a reduced pressure principle (RPZ) backflow preventer at the point where the potable water system is connected (e.g., for make-up water).

2. Piping Identification and Labeling

To prevent accidental misuse, all non-potable water piping must be clearly distinguished. The standard requires:

The use of a specific color (purple/lavender) for pipe, valve bodies, and appurtenances.
Permanent warning labels at all fixtures, outlets, and access points stating: “CAUTION: NON-POTABLE WATER – DO NOT DRINK”.
In buildings covered by the NPC, labeling must comply with Clause 2.9.5.2.

Implementation Tip: For buried piping, install detectable warning tape above the pipe, and ensure indoors the purple color is used on exposed pipe and covers for valves and outlets.

3. Water Quality and Treatment

The standard classifies water based on the source and treatment. The minimum treatment requirements are defined to meet specific microbial and turbidity limits.

Parameter	Greywater Systems	Rainwater Systems
Turbidity (NTU)	< 2 (after treatment)	< 1 (for internal use)
Total Coliforms (CFU/100 mL)	< 1 (after treatment)	< 1 (for internal use)
Residual Chlorine (mg/L)	0.5 – 4.0	0.5 – 4.0
pH Range	6.0 – 9.0	6.0 – 8.5

Table 1: Typical Water Quality Targets per CSA B128 Series

Implementation and Compliance Highlights

Adherence to CSA B128.1-06/B128.2-06 (R2016) is often required by provincial building codes. Key compliance steps include:

Approval of Plans: Detailed system drawings must be submitted showing treatment processes, tank sizing, and backflow prevention.
Field Testing (B128.2): Routine testing of water quality and testing of backflow prevention devices must be logged. The standard specifies daily, weekly, and monthly checks based on the system complexity.
Verification of Separation: The final inspection must confirm 100% physical separation of plumbing systems.

Critical Compliance Note: Failure to meet the identification requirements of this standard can lead to severe public health risks. Any confusion between potable and non-potable lines is strictly prohibited and usually results in failed inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does CSA B128.1/B128.2 (2016) apply retroactively to existing systems?
A: Generally, the standard applies to new installations and major retrofits. However, existing systems may be required to comply with the maintenance and testing protocols (B128.2) to ensure continued safety.

Q: What is the difference between the 2006 edition and the 2016 reaffirmation?
A: The technical content remains unchanged from the 2006 edition. The R2016 designation means the standard was reviewed and confirmed for continued use without modification by the CSA Technical Committee.

Q: Is the “purple pipe” requirement mandatory across all provinces?
A: Yes, the specific color coding (Pantone 512 or equivalent) is widely adopted in North America and is a mandatory requirement in the Canadian National Plumbing Code (NPC) and provincial amendments.

This technical overview is intended for general informational purposes. For detailed project specifications, always consult the latest published edition of CSA B128.1-06/B128.2-06 (R2016) and the applicable provincial code.

Scope and Application of CSA B128.1-06/B128.2-06 (2016)

The standard is divided into two integral parts. B128.1-06 covers the design and installation of non-potable water systems, including rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and reclaimed water systems. B128.2-06 specifically addresses the ongoing maintenance and comprehensive field testing protocols required to ensure these systems continue to operate safely and effectively over their lifespan.

Harmonization: This standard provides an objective basis for the acceptance of non-potable water systems under the National Plumbing Code of Canada and various provincial regulations.

Piping Identification Requirements

Color coding is one of the most critical safety aspects. …

Critical Requirement: Any cross-connection between the non-potable system and the potable water supply is strictly prohibited. Backflow preventers must be tested annually in accordance with CSA B128.2-06.

Water Quality Parameter	Greywater (B128.1)	Rainwater (Indoor Use)
Turbidity	≤ 2 NTU	≤ 1 NTU
Total Coliforms	< 1 CFU/100 mL	< 1 CFU/100 mL
Residual Chlorine (if used)	0.5 – 4.0 mg/L	0.5 – 4.0 mg/L
pH	6.0 – 9.0	6.0 – 8.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the key difference between B128.1 and B128.2?
A: B128.1 covers the design and initial installation requirements. B128.2 focuses on the ongoing maintenance, testing, and monitoring needed for the operational life of the system.

Q: Is the purple pipe requirement mandatory across Canada?
A: Yes. The standard, along with the National Plumbing Code, mandates the use of purple (Pantone 512 or equivalent) for all non-potable water piping, valve bodies, and identification markers.

Q: How often should field testing be conducted?
A: Field testing schedules are defined in B128.2-06. Typically, daily checks on the treatment system, weekly water quality sampling, and annual backflow prevention device testing are required.

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Scope and Application of CSA B128.1-06’B128.2-06 (2016)

The combined standard CSA B128.1-06’B128.2-06 (2016) establishes the definitive framework for the design, installation, maintenance, and field testing of non-potable water systems across Canada. Part 1 (B128.1) applies to systems intended for toilet and urinal flushing, clothes washing, and landscape irrigation. Part 2 (B128.2) specifies the operational protocols for ensuring long-term water quality and system integrity.

Regulatory Context: This standard is referenced by the National Plumbing Code of Canada (NPC) and is widely adopted by provincial and territorial building codes for approving greywater and rainwater reuse systems.

Critical Technical Requirements

1. Cross-Connection Control

The prevention of cross-connections is the primary focus of the standard. An air gap or a reduced pressure principle (RPZ) backflow preventer is mandatory at every point of connection to the potable water supply.

Critical Safeguard: The standard mandates that no non-potable water pipe shall be physically connected to a potable water pipe, and all outlets must be clearly marked to prevent accidental consumption.

2. Piping Identification and Color Coding

To ensure immediate visual differentiation, the standard requires all non-potable water piping to be identified with a specific purple/lavender color. Warning labels must read “CAUTION: NON-POTABLE WATER – DO NOT DRINK” at every fixture, valve, and access point.

Implementation Tip: Use Pantone 512 or equivalent for pipe, valve handles, and system appurtenances. Detectable warning tape should be placed above any buried non-potable piping.

3. Water Quality and Treatment Performance

The standard defines performance criteria for water treatment systems. Below is a summary of typical water quality targets established by the standard.

Parameter	Greywater Systems	Rainwater Systems (Indoor)
Turbidity (NTU)	≤ 2	≤ 1
Total Coliforms (CFU/100 mL)	≤ 1	≤ 1
Residual Chlorine (mg/L)	0.5 – 4.0	0.5 – 4.0
pH	6.0 – 9.0	6.0 – 8.5

Implementation and Compliance Highlights

Compliance with CSA B128.1-06’B128.2-06 (2016) is enforced through plan review, inspection, and field testing. Key steps include:

Plan Submission: Detailed engineering drawings must show the full isolation of the non-potable system, tank sizing, treatment pathway, and backflow prevention devices.
Verification of Separation: The final inspection must certify that there is zero physical connection between the potable and non-potable plumbing networks.
Field Log Books (B128.2): Daily, weekly, and monthly testing schedules must be maintained as per the standard’s requirements.
Compliance Note: Field test records must be retained for the life of the system and made available to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) upon request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the primary difference between CSA B128.1-06 and B128.2-06?
A: B128.1-06 covers the initial design and installation of the non-potable water system, while B128.2-06 specifies ongoing maintenance, testing, and operational monitoring protocols.

Q: Does this standard apply to single-family residential systems?
A: Yes, the standard applies to all non-potable water systems, including residential, commercial, and institutional applications, provided the reclaimed water is used for the listed non-potable purposes.

Q: What happens if a cross-connection is discovered during testing?
A: A cross-connection represents a severe health hazard. The system must be immediately shut down, the cross-connection physically corrected, and the system fully retested and disinfected before it is placed back into service.

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Scope and Application of CSA B128.1-06’B128.2-06 (2016)

The combined standard CSA B128.1-06’B128.2-06 (2016) provides the authoritative technical framework governing non-potable water systems in Canada. Part 1, B128.1-06, specifically addresses the design and installation of systems that capture, treat, and distribute reclaimed water for non-potable uses within buildings and on properties. Part 2, B128.2-06, establishes mandatory protocols for the maintenance and field testing of these systems over their operational lifespan. The standard applies to systems utilizing greywater (from showers, baths, lavatories), rainwater, and reclaimed water from other treatment processes for end uses such as toilet and urinal flushing, clothes washing, and landscape irrigation.

Regulatory Foundation: CSA B128.1-06’B128.2-06 (2016) is the accepted standard of practice referenced by the National Plumbing Code of Canada (NPC) and forms the basis for provincial and territorial approvals of alternate water supply systems across the country.

The standard explicitly excludes systems designed to generate drinking water from non-potable sources and does not apply to water used for human consumption, food preparation, or bathing.

Critical Technical Requirements

1. Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention

The most stringent requirement is the absolute physical and hydraulic separation of the non-potable system from the potable water supply. Air gaps or Reduced Pressure Principle (RPZ) backflow preventers are mandated at all potable water makeup connections. The piping network must be a dedicated system with no direct ties to the potable water lines.

Critical Safety Requirement: The standard mandates that no non-potable water pipe shall be physically connected to a potable water pipe. All outlets must be clearly marked to prevent accidental consumption. Failure to provide adequate separation will result in immediate rejection of the system plan and inspection.

2. Piping Identification and Color Coding

Implementation Tip: For buried piping, install detectable warning tape above the pipe. Indoors, the purple color must be used on exposed pipe segments, valve handles, and the covers for flush valves and outlets to warn maintenance personnel and occupants.

3. Storage Tank Design and Materials

The standard provides detailed requirements for storage tanks. Tanks must be constructed of durable, non-toxic materials resistant to corrosion and UV degradation. They must include a sealed manhole for access, an overflow pipe with a visible air gap and insect screen, and provisions for cleaning. Sizing must be based on a detailed water balance calculation that accounts for supply variability and peak demand.

4. Water Quality and Treatment Performance Targets

The standard is performance-based for water quality. The table below outlines typical targets defined by the standard.

Water Quality Parameter	Greywater Systems (Treated)	Rainwater Systems (Indoor Use)
Turbidity (NTU)	≤ 2.0	≤ 1.0
Total Coliforms (CFU/100 mL)	≤ 1	≤ 1
Residual Chlorine (mg/L)	0.5 – 4.0	0.5 – 4.0
pH Range	6.0 – 9.0	6.0 – 8.5

Implementation and Compliance Highlights

Field Testing and Maintenance (B128.2-06)

Ongoing compliance is verified through rigorous field testing protocols detailed in B128.2-06. Required testing includes:

Daily: Visual inspection of the treatment system, verification of disinfection residuals, and checking for alarms.
Weekly: Sampling for turbidity levels.
Monthly: Bacteriological sampling for total coliforms (E. coli).
Annually: Full maintenance of the system, including tank cleaning and replacement of filtration media. Backflow prevention devices must be tested by a certified tester in accordance with CAN/CSA-B64 series.

Record Keeping: All field test results and maintenance records must be documented in a formal log book. This documentation must be retained for the operational life of the system and made available to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) upon request.

Interaction with Provincial Codes and AHJs

While this standard provides the technical baseline, implementation often requires specific approvals from the provincial or municipal authority. Many jurisdictions require the system design to be stamped by a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) and the installation to be performed by a licensed plumbing contractor. The standard is a prerequisite for most alternative water system permits.

System Signage and Fixture Labeling

All access panels, inspection hatches, and equipment vaults associated with the non-potable system must be identified. Hose bibs supplied by the non-potable system must have a specific warning label and may require a special keyed handle or hose connection to restrict inadvertent use for potable purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the primary distinction between B128.1-06 and B128.2-06 within this combined standard?
A: B128.1-06 focuses on the design, material selection, and initial installation of the non-potable water system. B128.2-06 specifies the detailed ongoing maintenance, operational monitoring, and field testing schedules required to ensure sustained water quality and system safety.

Introduction to CSA B128.1-06/B128.2-06 (R2016)