Council hears staff warning on cross‑connections; letters and possible water shutoffs planned

City staff told the South Jordan City Council study session that inspections in two private subdivisions found cross‑connections between secondary irrigation and culinary water systems and that a small number of residents have not complied with required backflow protections.

A council member raised a regional concern after noting that neighboring Riverton had issued a recent "do not drink" advisory; city staff (Garrison) said South Jordan has conducted certified mailings, door knocks and email outreach but has not received cooperation from four residents. "We are gonna be sending a letter saying, if they don't comply or get with us in a certain amount of time, we will be disconnecting their water service," Garrison said.

Staff explained most properties in the area—about 48 homes—have complied and installed required backflow devices, but remaining noncompliance creates a risk of backflow that could force a broader boil order. From a legal perspective staff described options including administrative enforcement, criminal charges or code enforcement powers to disconnect service until compliance is achieved; staff said the letters are going out this week and discussed a possible May 30 timeframe for action.

Council members pressed for communication and neighborhood outreach and asked staff to be cautious; staff said they will provide good notice and allow reinstatement once a resident shows steps toward compliance, such as engaging a contractor. The council also noted that private secondary systems sometimes require extra inspection and that state plumbing code requires appropriate backflow prevention.

There was no formal council vote in the study session; staff described the intended enforcement steps and timeline and said they will notify council members if the city proceeds with disconnections.