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Public Works proposes cross-connection/backflow control program with permits, inspections and fees
Summary
Public Works Director Steve Randall presented a proposed cross-connection/backflow control program to the Board of Selectmen: it would require owner-installed devices and testing, create a permit system (initial $75, $50 renewals), mandate inspection schedules (high-hazard twice yearly, low-hazard annually) and use the iWORKS system to track compliance and renewals.
Steve Randall, director of public works for water and sewer utilities, presented the select board with a draft cross-connection control program intended to prevent contamination of the municipal water supply via backflow and cross connections.
Randall explained the program's purpose and legal basis, citing New Hampshire administrative rules (Env-DW 505 and related regulations) and said the Wolfeboro Water and Sewer Utilities will serve as the primary operator for prevention, inspection and enforcement. He summarized device types (air gaps, vacuum breakers, double-check valves and reduced-pressure-zone [RPZ] devices) and described a hazard-class system that determines device and testing requirements.
Key provisions Randall listed: owners must install and maintain required devices at their own expense; permits would be required except for standard residential dual-check installations; permit fees proposed were $75 initial and $50 for renewal every five years; high-hazard devices would require semiannual testing (twice a year) and low-hazard devices annual testing; certified inspectors perform tests, and owners must repair failed devices within 30 days and keep inspection records for five years.
Randall said the utility is building a "golden master" inventory of water customers (he cited approximately 2,400 water customers and estimated about 30% are commercial) and aims to complete that inventory this year so the department can track required inspections and renewals. He noted staff will use the town's iWORKS software to log permits and trigger renewal reminders, and that many commercial customers already perform and submit self-inspections (for example, hospitals and restaurants).
Board members asked clarifying questions and requested three specific edits: (1) explicitly state that installations must be completed by licensed plumbers where applicable; (2) clarify that the program applies to municipal water customers (not private wells); and (3) add clearer guidance on where and how to obtain permit forms (website and public-works garage). Randall said he would incorporate those edits and return the revised policy for further review.
Why it matters: the program clarifies responsibilities and testing cycles designed to reduce contamination risk to the municipal water supply, places costs for required devices and testing on property owners, and establishes a tracking system to ensure compliance.
What's next: Randall will redline the draft to reflect board edits and return with the revised document; the board discussed scheduling follow-up work sessions on water, sewer and road topics.
Representative quotes:
"Backflow prevention is what restricts flow from flowing back into our water system... think of it like almost like a trap on a sink," Steve Randall said, explaining the basic purpose.
"Owners must install, maintain, and have devices tested at their expense," Randall said, describing the program's cost allocation.
"We are actively building that inventory... the goal is to have it all completed this year," Randall said of the customer master list.
