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Residents weigh in on proposed water cross-connection/backflow rules
Summary
Public commenters urged caution about mandating double-check backflow devices for municipal water customers, citing cost concerns and low perceived risk; others described past sewage or freeze events as reasons to consider precautions.
During public input, residents addressed a proposed cross-connection/backflow policy for the municipal water system. One commenter questioned the need to require double-check valves for all municipal customers, calling the risk "minuscule" and arguing mandatory installation and periodic testing could impose thousands of dollars in costs on homeowners and businesses.
Other speakers described incidents (sewage backup, burst pipes after frozen homes) and urged the board to consider that such safeguards are in place for less-obvious but potentially serious contamination events. The board said it would use public input at its next meeting when staff brings the cross-connection policy back for formal consideration and asked for additional information, including any RSA or statutory guidance that clarifies what funds or enforcement options the town may have.
