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Commission gives first reading to cross-connection ordinance aimed at preventing water contamination
Summary
The commission gave a first reading to an ordinance that would regulate cross connections and backflow prevention in the municipal water distribution system, clarify inspection and enforcement authority, and allow the city manager to discontinue water service for violations.
City staff presented a proposed ordinance intended to eliminate cross connections between the municipal treated water system and nonpotable or secondary sources. The draft defines prohibited connections, requires compliance with the state plumbing code and Kentucky Division of Water rules, and mandates annual testing of backflow prevention devices by qualified testers.
The draft gives the city manager authority to discontinue water service to properties where unapproved cross connections present a contamination risk and makes property owners responsible for costs to eliminate violations before service is restored. Staff said the ordinance updates clarify that the city commission oversees the municipal water district and that some language in the city's prior documents dated from 2013 needs revision.
The ordinance was given its first reading at the meeting. Commissioners and staff discussed whether to adopt a separate ordinance with system-specific technical requirements and adopt a cross-connection plan by resolution; staff said they will circulate the detailed ordinance and the cross-connection plan for review prior to the second reading.
