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Valdosta adopts new backflow requirements, cites 2,167 devices and Dec. 31 compliance deadline
Summary
The council approved a utilities protocol and an addendum tightening backflow prevention assembly requirements; Utilities Director Jason Barnes said the city has 2,167 active assemblies and set a Dec. 31 compliance target while promising customer outreach and case-by-case hardship consideration.
Valdosta’s council on March 12 adopted a water-service termination protocol and a related addendum strengthening backflow-prevention requirements after Utilities Director Jason Barnes described freeze-related incidents that forced emergency actions to protect the distribution system.
Barnes told the council the city operates a cross-connection control program to comply with the Georgia Safe Drinking Water Act and Georgia EPD requirements and recommended the protocol to authorize field staff to terminate service when broken or failed backflow prevention assemblies threaten contamination. "Recent incidents involving broken, bypass, frozen or failed assemblies have required emergency water service determination to protect the city's distribution system," Barnes said.
As part of the addendum, staff proposed mandatory hard insulated enclosures for all new installations (no soft wraps or foam-only covers) and illustrated how various device sizes are used on residential and commercial meters. Barnes reported device counts in the city, stating "right now we have 2,167 active backflow prevention assemblies in the city," and provided a size breakdown in the meeting. He said the compliance deadline recorded in the meeting is Dec. 31 of this year and that the department intends to work with customers and consider hardship on a case-by-case basis rather than immediately pursuing enforcement or EPD involvement.
Council approved both the termination protocol and the addendum and authorized immediate implementation. Barnes told council staff will pursue outreach and said some devices are modest in cost ("$150, $200 maybe at the most" for smaller units), while larger commercial devices can cost thousands.
The utilities department noted it will notify affected customers, provide information about acceptable protective enclosures, and offer case-by-case guidance for hardship. The transcript contains detailed device counts and technical descriptions provided by Barnes; the council recorded no roll-call vote (adoption was by motion and show of hands).
