The Town of Jupiter Council unanimously approved Ordinance 13-25 on Aug. 7, amending Chapter 20, Article 5 of the town code to revise backflow-prevention and cross-connection control rules. The ordinance modifies definitions, sets testing-notice timelines and clarifies enforcement steps for cross connections.

The ordinance sets a 90/60/30-day notice cycle before a device's testing due date and provides an additional 15 days after the deadline for residents to report test results or remedy a failed device. Town staff said that, in practice, a customer notified at 90 days effectively has up to 105 days to test and report results; if a cross connection is found, the town may require immediate severance and then allow 15 days to rectify the condition.

Why it matters: backflow devices stop nonpotable water from entering the potable system. Councilors and staff said the changes aim to increase compliance and give the town clearer authority to act where a hazardous cross connection is found.

Council discussion and public comment focused on enforcement logistics and consumer protection. Resident Craig Mowery described cases in which different plumbing companies produced conflicting pass/fail results and recounted one instance he said involved a $500 repair charge and a separate case he said reportedly cost $1,700. Town staff responded that their calls to local plumbers indicated typical testing costs of about $125 to $150 for most devices and that contractors sometimes offer bulk rates for neighborhood testing.

"If there were an issue that were to come up, would there be or could there be a grace period or with notification to the utility?" a councilor asked. The Utilities Director said, "As long as the customer is taking initiative to resolve the issue, we will definitely work with them." The director also said the state requires a licensed plumber with backflow-certification accredited through the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association to perform testing.

Council and staff pledged follow-up steps: staff will explore a publicly available list of plumbers who respond to backflow work (not a town procurement contract) and post guidance on average pricing and complaint procedures. Utilities staff said they would investigate specific high-cost reports and encouraged customers to file complaints via the town's customer portal (Jupiter Connect) and by e-mail to backflow@jupiter.fl.us.

Staff reported that in 2024 towns contractors or customer reports recorded testing for more than 6,400 backflow devices and 168 failures, which staff described as roughly a 95% compliance rate. The council approved Ordinance 13-25 on second reading by unanimous vote.

Ending: Councilors said they will watch implementation closely and fold lessons from early enforcement into public guidance and the town's customer communications.