Council hears plan to disconnect service at a few properties amid cross‑connection risks

City utility staff reported that two private subdivisions south/southwest of the Merit Medical building on 98th Street share a secondary irrigation system that previously produced water‑quality test failures. Inspections and outreach over the last year brought most properties into compliance, but staff said four residences have not cooperated and have not responded to certified letters, emails or door knocks.

Utility staff (presented as Garrison) told the council the city’s code and the state plumbing code require backflow protection to prevent cross‑contamination between secondary irrigation systems and culinary (drinking) water. Staff said if property owners do not demonstrate engagement with a contractor or take steps toward compliance within the notice period, the city will disconnect secondary water service to protect the broader system; letters are scheduled to go out this week and disconnections could begin near the end of the month.

Council members pressed staff on the location (roughly 48 homes in the area, with about 44 already compliant), outreach methods and fairness; staff said they will make every effort to provide clear notice and allow owners to show they have contracted for repairs before re‑instating service. The council and staff emphasized the action is intended to avoid issuing a broader boil or do‑not‑drink advisory for larger parts of the city.

The council asked the district council member to expect constituent contacts and offered to help with on‑the‑ground outreach. Staff said criminal or administrative charges are possible under local code but that the immediate plan is disconnection to protect the system and residents.