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Huntington Woods approves five-year contract for irrigation backflow inspections
Summary
The Huntington Woods City Commission on Sept. 16 approved a $147,993.31 contract with HydroCorp to inspect irrigation-system backflow preventers and identify potential cross connections under a five-year, phased program.
The Huntington Woods City Commission on Sept. 16 approved a $147,993.31 contract with HydroCorp to inspect backflow prevention devices on residential and commercial irrigation systems and identify potential cross connections as required by state regulators.
City officials say the contract implements a statewide EGLE (Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy) requirement that cities document cross-connection control programs and report annually. The inspections will be phased over five years, with the city targeting a July 1, 2026, start for the next budget year.
Under the program, HydroCorp will evaluate properties for required backflow preventers, document devices, facilitate testing, and deliver paperwork the city must submit to EGLE. Commission discussion and a staff exchange clarified that homeowners remain responsible for routine testing and for ensuring devices are functional; the contract covers evaluation, identification and follow-up to ensure testing occurs.
“We just make sure it’s there,” Kevin Wayne said when explaining the city’s role; HydroCorp will perform the on-site evaluations and follow up on tests. Commissioners asked whether the vendor would need entry into homes; staff confirmed the company will need access to residences with irrigation systems and that the program will be divided into sections so not every home is visited in year one.
City staff told the commission the program is intended to protect the city’s drinking water system by preventing backflow events that could push contaminants into the public supply. Officials said noncompliance could ultimately lead to shutting off water service until requirements are met.
The commission approved the contract by voice vote. No roll-call tally was recorded in the minutes.
The contract total and five-year schedule were discussed during the meeting; further scheduling and homeowner notification plans will be handled by staff in coordination with the vendor.
Evidence: Commission discussion introducing the item and staff responses is recorded in the meeting transcript at the item’s introduction and during the Q&A with Kevin Wayne.
