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Council okays low-cost backflow-testing tracking service to manage cross-connection program
Summary
Facing an administrative burden tracking backflow prevention devices and test reports, the council approved purchase of a web-based tracking service. Staff said the service will consolidate reports and reminders; cost discussed ranged from a vendor's $150/month minimum to an agreed plan at $25/month.
Town staff told the council June 2 that tracking mandatory backflow prevention tests and maintaining an accurate inventory is administratively onerous and proposed using a commercial web service to consolidate test reports, reminders and contact information.
Staff described two quotes during the discussion: a vendor's published small-system minimum of $150 per month, and a negotiated or alternative plan staff offered to procure for $25 per month. Council members supported the lower-cost solution as a way to reduce staff time and improve compliance.
The council approved the purchase of the tracking service during the meeting. Staff said the system will allow testers to upload reports directly, provide automated reminders to property owners, and centralize records for town review.
Implementation will include onboarding testers and integrating existing historical test data where possible; staff will return with details on enrollment and any costs to third-party testers if they must subscribe.
