Town of Jupiter updates backflow prevention ordinance to enhance public water safety

During the Town Council meeting held on July 15, 2025, in Jupiter, Florida, a significant discussion centered around the first reading of an ordinance aimed at amending Chapter 20, which governs backflow prevention and cross-connection control within the town's water system. This update, presented by Amanda Barnes, the Utilities Director, is crucial for safeguarding the public water supply from potential contamination.

The proposed ordinance revises existing regulations that have not been updated since 1992, aligning them with changes made to the Florida Administrative Code in 2014. The revisions clarify the responsibilities of residents and businesses regarding the installation, maintenance, and testing of backflow prevention devices. With approximately 31,300 water service connections in Jupiter, the ordinance aims to enhance public health safety by ensuring that these devices are functioning correctly.

One of the key features of the updated ordinance is the introduction of a structured notification system for property owners. The town will provide a 90-day, 60-day, and 30-day notice prior to the recertification testing deadlines for backflow devices. This proactive approach is designed to help residents comply with testing requirements and avoid potential penalties, including water service shut-off for non-compliance.

Council members expressed support for the ordinance while raising concerns about the financial burden on residents and the need for better communication regarding testing responsibilities. Suggestions included creating a dashboard to track inspection findings, which could help identify areas needing attention and demonstrate the value of regular testing to residents.

The discussion also highlighted the challenges posed by buried backflow devices, which are prone to maintenance issues. Council members noted that above-ground installations could reduce these problems and suggested that the town promote this option to homeowners and homeowners associations.

In conclusion, the Town Council unanimously approved the first reading of the ordinance, which is expected to enhance the safety and reliability of Jupiter's water supply. The council plans to continue discussions on how to effectively educate residents about their responsibilities and the importance of maintaining backflow prevention devices. The next steps will involve further review and potential adjustments before the second reading of the ordinance.