Council discusses state-required backflow testing notice, proposes one-year compliance window

Town staff reviewed a state requirement that property owners with certain connections must perform annual backflow-prevention testing and submit certification. The chair said the requirement stems from state rules and emphasized the council’s responsibility to notify residents; members discussed a reasonable compliance window and enforcement options.

Councilors suggested giving residents one year to comply rather than the 90-day window in a draft notice, saying a year would allow time for scheduling and avoid the complaints seen in other jurisdictions. A council member noted the town will include a list of certified backflow testers in the notice to ease compliance. The chair stated plainly, “It’s a state law,” while members debated penalties, potential water shutoff for noncompliance, and whether the town should use a phased enforcement timeline.