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Commission sets July 18 second reading for water ordinance amendment on cross connections
Summary
The commission approved first reading of an amendment to Section 25.137 of the Mount Clemens Water Ordinance to extend cross-connection requirements to residences (particularly those with irrigation systems) to comply with EGLE; inspectors must be state-certified and fee schedules will be proposed later.
The Mount Clemens City Commission approved introduction and first reading of an amendment to Section 25.137 (cross connections) of the city water ordinance and set July 18 for a second reading and potential adoption.
Staff explained the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) now mandates that cross-connection programs apply to residential properties as well as commercial and industrial ones. A Hydro Corp representative told commissioners the rule is intended to prevent backflow — for example, when a garden hose left in a swimming pool could siphon contaminated water back into the public system — and said residential properties with irrigation systems that use backflow preventers will be the most commonly affected.
Commissioners pressed staff about fees and enforcement. Commissioner Menser asked whether the city will adopt a fee schedule and whether inspections will be performed by city staff or contractors; staff said a fee schedule will come back to the commission and inspections must be performed by state-certified inspectors; Hydro Corp has performed most inspections in the past. The city attorney and staff said fee revenues would be adopted by resolution at a later date.
Why it matters: The amendment puts the city's ordinance into alignment with a state mandate designed to protect the drinking-water supply from contamination via cross connections. Homeowners with irrigation systems may face new inspection requirements and associated fees.
What’s next: The commission set July 18 for a second reading and adoption; staff will return with a proposed fee schedule and additional implementation details.
