Commissioners adopt cross‑connection ordinance for commercial water accounts; inspections to cost $65 per account

The Washington County Board of County Commissioners voted 4‑0 to adopt a cross‑connection control ordinance that applies to commercial water accounts and requires inspections and maintenance to prevent contaminated water from entering the public supply.

County staff member Regina Yodzie introduced the ordinance as an MDE‑mandated requirement intended to "regulate the cross connections with public water systems," explaining cross connections are arrangements that could allow contaminants to reenter public water if not separated or protected.

Under the adopted approach, the county will limit the program to commercial accounts and use a contracted inspector to identify and verify protective devices such as air gaps and backflow prevention assemblies. Yodzie told commissioners the county has engaged Hydro Corp to provide inspection services and training and said, "It's $65 to each commercial account per year to maintain," adding the fee is proposed to be included in the county water billing structure so the program can be self‑sustaining.

Commissioners and staff discussed that devices and separations required by the policy should already exist if properties were built to code; the ordinance creates an inspection and maintenance process to ensure devices are functioning and documented. Staff also noted the policy would address other scenarios, such as irrigation wells, to prevent cross‑connections with the public supply.

During the hearing a resident speaker criticized backflow prevention measures and air gaps but provided no technical evidence that would change the staff recommendation. After discussion commissioners moved, seconded and approved the ordinance by voice vote (4‑0).

Staff will implement the inspection schedule, notify affected commercial customers of requirements and fees, and monitor compliance through the contracted inspection program.