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Council asks staff for plan to create city-run backflow inspection unit after residents report high private fees
Summary
After concerns about high private inspection fees for required backflow preventer tests, the council asked Utilities staff to return in 60 days with options — including a city inspection program, training for private contractors, or a utility fee model — to make annual backflow testing affordable and accessible.
The city council directed utilities staff to produce a proposal within 60 days for establishing a city-run backflow inspection division after members and residents complained that private contractors were charging high fees for required annual backflow-preventer tests.
What the city heard: Councilmembers said homeowners with irrigation systems and some commercial customers reported inspection fees rising to $150–$400 per test. Councilmember Melissa Perez, who placed the item on the agenda, said Laredo has had a backflow-prevention requirement for decades but enforcement has been inconsistent, and that residents are surprised by the cost when the rule is enforced.
City staff explained…
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