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Wallsburg council discusses state backflow-testing notice, proposes longer compliance window
Summary
Council reviewed a state-required backflow prevention assembly test notice and debated enforcement and timeline; members proposed giving residents one year (through next May/December 1 referenced) to comply rather than a 90-day deadline, and discussed estimated costs for testing and installations.
Staff presented a state-required notice requiring owners with connections to the town water system to have backflow-prevention assemblies tested and certified annually. Chair (S1) said the notice is from the state and emphasized the town must notify affected customers about testing and certification requirements. Several councilors suggested a longer compliance period, with one member recommending a one-year window (into 2027) rather than the 90 days mentioned in the notice to allow time for residents to comply and avoid short-term complaints.
Council discussed estimated costs: testing/certification was described as roughly $150, a backflow device could cost a couple hundred dollars, and installation might be around $2,300 in some cases. Members also discussed clarifications for systems that use town ditch-only water (which may be exempt) and the town's potential enforcement tools (including warnings, reminders and, as a last resort, water shutoff for noncompliance). Chair summarized that staff would investigate how other cities enforced the rule and return with recommendations.
