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Katy adopts online reporting system to track required irrigation backflow testing
Summary
The council approved a service agreement with Veppo LLC for EnviroTrax, a free-to-the-city internet reporting system to track annual backflow inspections; homeowners pay a small submission fee when inspectors upload results, staff said.
Katy City Council voted Jan. 13 to authorize an agreement with Veppo LLC to provide EnviroTrax, a secured internet-based reporting system the city will use to track annual backflow testing for irrigation systems.
Community Development staff member Elaine said the service is free to the city; third-party testers or inspectors will upload inspection results and typically pay a small submission fee "like a $10 or $11 fee," which the inspector or property owner would bear. The system is intended to streamline reporting, reduce manual staff tracking and help the city respond to state audits requiring proof of annual testing.
Council members asked whether the system applies to residential properties and whether the city would need additional staff to follow up. Elaine said the requirement covers residential and commercial irrigation systems; without an automated system staff would need to track permits and inspections manually, increasing staff time and cost. The council discussed enforcement steps if property owners do not respond; staff said notices would be sent, with follow-up and, if necessary, code enforcement referral.
A council member described the state requirement as an unfunded mandate; staff agreed the city must comply with the state of Texas but that the online system minimizes city expense. The council approved the agreement by voice vote.
Next steps: staff will implement the EnviroTrax upload process with the city's permitting system and provide guidance to permitted irrigation contractors and property owners.
