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Department of Utilities
Reference: Discussion of Proposed Backflow Program Ordinance Changes
To: Mayor Kenneth J. Kreutzer and Members of City Council
Through: Marv Falconburg, Acting City Manager
Through: Michael Woodruff, Director of Infrastructure
Prepared By: Bradley S. Dallam, P.E., Assistant Director of Utilities
Kim Schoen, Utility Maintenance/ Wastewater Manager
Date Prepared: August 28, 2019
PURPOSE
Provide background information regarding backflow prevention program and present proposed changes to the City's current Ordinance.
STRATEGIC FOCUS AREA
Safe, Active and Engaged Community
Financially Responsible
Supportive, Sustainable Infrastructure
BACKGROUND
State Statute requires backflow devices in business to be tested once a year. There is a minimum standard of businesses that need to be tested, with results submitted to the City for the City to be compliant with CDPHE (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment). The City needs to meet a test reporting requirement of 80% for 2019 and 90% for 2020. Each required business must have their backflow devices tested by an approved tester and submit those results to the City annually, the City does not provide the testing of those devices. The City receives those test results and catalogs the results each year for reporting to the State.
An essential part of an Ordinance is the enforcement ability in which the City can ensure that businesses test and report the results to the City on an annual basis. It is absolutely imperative that the devices are tested and reported to ensure that potential cross connections and potential drinking water contamination is avoided. Staff believes that our current ordinance lacks the enforcement mechanisms to ensure full compliance with the required testing and reporting regulations.
Staff has analyzed Ordinances from surrounding communities that have resulted in gains in compliance, met with our City Attorney and drafted a revised Ordinance fo...
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