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Commission gives first reading to ordinance tightening cross-connection and backflow rules for water system
Summary
The commission gave a first reading to a proposed ordinance that would update the city's cross-connection and backflow prevention rules to align with state plumbing code and Kentucky Division of Water standards, and directed staff to refine the ordinance for a second reading.
City staff presented an ordinance proposal intended to protect the municipal water system from contamination by updating cross-connection and backflow prevention rules.
The ordinance, described in the meeting packet as an addition to the utilities code, would require new and existing connections to comply with the latest state plumbing code and Kentucky Division of Water rules, mandate annual testing of backflow prevention devices by licensed testers, and allow the city manager to discontinue water service where cross-connections are not corrected.
Staff said the draft clarifies the city's authority over the water district and includes procedures for notice, remediation timelines tied to hazard degree, and that owners are responsible for costs to eliminate cross connections. Commissioners discussed whether the cross-connection plan should be adopted by resolution while using an ordinance for technical standards; staff recommended separate actions for an ordinance (technical rules) and a resolution (adopting a cross-connection plan).
The commission gave the ordinance its first reading and asked staff to prepare the ordinance text and any required supporting resolution for a subsequent meeting and second reading.
Next steps: staff will refine the ordinance language, prepare the cross-connection plan for formal adoption as appropriate, and schedule a second reading.
