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City explains new residential backflow inspection program run by HydroCorp
Summary
HydroCorp described how it will phase residential cross-connection/backflow inspections, provide public education and scheduling, and complete a contract target of 430 inspections per year under the city agreement.
Council heard a presentation from HydroCorp about a new cross-connection and backflow inspection program the city has contracted to implement to comply with Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.
Paul Patterson of HydroCorp told council the work will be multi-year and residential inspections will be organized geographically; HydroCorp will provide a city-branded website, public education and appointment scheduling so homeowners can self-schedule or call an assigned customer-service representative. Patterson said the contractor will typically need access to a basement or mechanical room and the exterior of the house but will not enter bathrooms.
HydroCorp said inspectors will look for common residential hazards such as boilers, water-softener drains, water-assisted sump pumps and unprotected hose bibs. The company will provide and install simple vacuum breakers for exterior hose connections if that is the only deficiency found. Patterson said the contractor will perform a visual inspection for cross-connections and that mandatory testing (for example, reduced-pressure backflow preventers on irrigation systems or water-assisted sump pumps) remains the owner’s responsibility; such devices must be tested every three years by a licensed tester.
City staff and HydroCorp said they will coordinate the program start-up with the city’s existing commercial-testing obligations and review the city’s ordinance and enforcement provisions for noncompliance. HydroCorp noted it is contracted to complete 430 inspections annually for the city under the agreement. The contract includes commercial and residential scopes.
Council asked about homeowner nonresponse; HydroCorp said staff will attempt outreach and scheduling and that the program has historically achieved good progress in the first years. Paul Patterson offered to run a demonstration inspection for interested councilmembers so they can explain the process to residents.
No council action was recorded beyond staff confirming the existing contract and outlining next steps for public outreach and scheduling.
