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Woodruff board discusses meter replacements, backflow parts and old service lines
Summary
Board members and public works staff reviewed recent meter change-outs, ordered backflow/double-check parts and discussed replacing old service lines after a resident reported no water at a reconnected meter.
Woodruff board members and staff discussed recent water meter replacements, work orders for a house that had been without service and the town’s plan to install required double-check/backflow devices.
The discussion began after staff reported that a resident, identified in the meeting as Jose Frasier, had water flowing at the meter but no water reaching the house. "I put a new meter on it, turned it on. He wasn't getting any water," a staff member reported, adding that the property owner believes the house's interior service was shut off in 1985 and that the internal pipe may be lead. Board members said the property owner had contracted J Barr to dig and replace the service from the house and that the town would assess whether the line from the main to the meter also must be replaced once the ground is opened.
The board reviewed several recent meter change-outs, noting a practice of paying $50 per meter to the person who removes and replaces meters in the field. Officials also said they ordered 10 of a retrofit double-check/backflow device from Ferguson Waterworks in Ogden; the devices were priced at about $250 each and are expected to take 13 to 16 weeks to arrive. "It's gonna be, like, October, November before they show up," staff said.
Board members discussed testing and inspection requirements. One member summarized the town's understanding of state requirements: "The state law, you have to have a double check valve on there." Staff clarified that annual testing is typically required for larger systems such as sprinkler systems and that residential properties are not subject to the same annual testing regime; property owners are generally responsible for testing and reporting for systems that require it.
Board members also discussed operational improvements to avoid digging for all repairs, by replacing internal meter components instead of full meter setters when possible. The retrofit device the town ordered would allow crews to remove a meter and install the new unit in the former meter location without large excavation. The board heard that some replacement work will be charged to customer accounts and may be paid later by the property owner, and one board member said the town can pay interim costs from the town's water account.
Board members did not take a formal vote during this discussion but directed staff to proceed with repairs and use the town account for interim payments when needed. They noted the need to inspect service lines when contractors dig and to check older homes for lead or asbestos before extensive interior work.
The board also asked staff to track the 10 ordered backflow devices, the delivery timeframe, and any follow-up testing or reporting responsibilities tied to state standards.
