HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.a. Backflow Prevention Program
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Utility Commission Meeting: March 20, 2017
AGENDA ITEM: Backflow Prevention Program AGENDA SECTION:
New Business
PREPARED BY: John Morast, City Engineer/Christine Watson,
Public Works Coordinator AGENDA NO: 6.a.
ATTACHMENTS: Fact Sheet, City of Rochester Program
Information APPROVED BY: LJM
RECOMMENDED ACTION: None
BACKGROUND
In August 2016, City staff met with representatives from Safe Water Commission, a private company
geared toward helping municipalities manage their backflow prevention programs. Backflow is the
undesirable reversal of the flow of water into the distribution pipes of the potable water system. Managing
backflow is a critical component to ensuring that our water supply is protected from contamination.
Backflow prevention devices are required on irrigations systems and some home appliances. According to
Minnesota Plumbing Code, each municipality is responsible for notifying owners of backflow devices of
the need for annual testing of those devices. The actual inspection and replacement of backflow
preventers is the responsibility of the homeowner, while the inspector/tester is responsible for registering
the results with the municipality. The diagram below, taken from the Safe Water Commission website,
illustrates the responsibility of each party.
The City currently does not have a formal program in place to monitor private backflow preventer
inspections, aside from the 19 devices located at various City facilities, which are tested/inspected annually
and currently rebuilt/replaced as necessary by an outside contractor. The Building Inspections
Department receives copies of backflow preventer test results and files them in the address file, but does
not have a comprehensive inventory of the devices that are currently installed throughout the city, or how
many are being inspected/tested/replaced on an annual basis.
The Safe Water Commission, as well as other companies, provides services to help municipalities manage
their backflow prevention program. One of the key services is to complete a comprehensive, citywide
inventory of all backflow prevention devices. Without such a comprehensive inventory as a foundation, it
will be difficult for in-house staff to develop an effective program with our existing resources. This
particular inventory is at no cost to the City, but requires a three-year commitment to continue using their
services. The company does not charge the City directly. They do, however require inspectors to register
to gain access to and record inspection data into their system. This registration and access to the database
is what the company charges the inspectors for. It is assumed this cost would be passed through to the
customer (property owner) with the cost of the inspection.
The safe potable water system is the City’s responsibility as a water purveyor. With recent and more
upcoming changes in water and backflow prevention regulations, it is unclear (with differing opinions)
what exact responsibilities the City has in developing and implementing a program. Staff is further
researching and learning more on this issue. Staff would like to be more proactive, rather than reactive, in
maintain and protecting our water supply and system. A backflow inspection program and system could
have cost impacts to the City, to property owners and to rate payers, so staff wanted to present and discuss
with the Utility Commission as we continue to gather more information. If the Commission so desires,
staff can set up presentations for future meetings programs in greater detail.
SUMMARY
No formal action is necessary. Staff is seeking input from the Utility Commission as to how to move
forward with implementing a backflow prevention program.
G:\UTILITY COMMISSION\20161017 UC Backflow Prevention Program.docx