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Aiken council hears second reading on backflow ordinance update to tighten testing and compliance
Summary
City staff presented a second-reading ordinance to update Aiken's backflow code, clarifying device requirements, distinguishing low- and high-hazard systems, setting residential testing every three years, establishing compliance timelines for legacy systems, and enabling a third-party compliance portal.
City staff presented a second-reading ordinance to amend Aiken's backflow code, outlining a series of technical and administrative changes intended to strengthen potable-water protections.
Miss Tilton, reading the staff report, said the revisions would "clarify the device requirements for residential and commercial properties," and would distinguish between low-hazard and high-hazard systems. She told the council the ordinance updates the residential testing frequency to every three years and establishes a compliance timeline for legacy systems.
The ordinance also formalizes commercial containment requirements, updates administrative and appeals authority and enables a third-party compliance portal to help the city ensure ongoing compliance. Staff noted the council previously considered the measure at a February 23 work session and at a March 9 meeting, and that the planning and utilities departments worked on technical details.
Councilmembers asked clarifying questions about how the code will be enforced for legacy devices and whether the third-party portal will be available to property owners; staff said details and timelines would be provided as the code moves to final reading.
The council held the public hearing for second reading and moved the ordinance forward for further consideration.
