Interlaken sets June 30 deadline for annual backflow-prevention reports

Interlaken staff told the council Tuesday they will require owners with irrigation or fire-suppression systems tied to the town’s culinary water to submit annual backflow-prevention inspection reports by June 30.

Town staff said the change standardizes reporting and simplifies tracking. The town must compile and submit a cross-connection control report to the state; a single annual deadline reduces repeated reminders and administrative burden.

According to the staff summary, the town has roughly 43 occupied lots that reported irrigation connections to the culinary system; 38 of those have backflow-prevention devices recorded but only three of those devices had inspection reports on file so far. For fire-suppression systems, staff said reporting was sparser: about 20 lots were reported to have sprinkler systems, 19 of which have backflow devices recorded and four of which have test reports on file. Several lots remain “unknown” in the town’s inventory.

Staff asked owners to schedule inspections and submit test reports by June 30 so the town can prepare the state-required submission. The town’s watermaster supported the June 30 deadline.

Town staff noted that backflow-prevention testing is an annual requirement for systems connected to the culinary water supply. The council did not take a final vote on policy at the meeting but confirmed the deadline and the requirement to collect reports for state compliance.

Clarifying details: staff said there are roughly 43 occupied lots with irrigation connections, 38 recorded backflow devices for irrigation systems, and three irrigation-device test reports on file; for fire-suppression systems staff reported about 20 systems, 19 devices recorded and four test reports received. Several lots remain unreported and staff will continue outreach.

The town will post the cross-connection control program guidance and forms on its website and follow up with property owners who remain nonresponsive.