3.4. SR 11-18-2019
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Request for Action
To
Mayor and City Council, Chair and Utilities Commission
Item Number
3.4
Agenda Section
Joint Meeting
Meeting Date
November 18, 2019
Prepared by
Troy Adams, P.E. – ERMU General Manager
Item Description
Ordinance Amendment to Designate
Administrative Authority of a Reduced Pressure
Zone Device and Pressure Vacuum Breaker Device
Backflow Prevention Program to ERMU
Reviewed by
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Discussion and direction regarding the potential adoption of an ordinance amendment to designate
administrative authority, including related code enforcement, for a reduced pressure zone device and
pressure vacuum breaker device backflow prevention program to Elk River Municipal Utilities.
Background/Discussion
City and ERMU staff, with the assistance of legal counsel, have been discussing ways to improve the
process for code enforcement of city ordinance and plumbing code requiring the annual testing of
reduced pressure zone (RPZ) and pressure vacuum breaker (PVB) backflow prevention devices. The
devices, RPZs typically for commercial and PVBs typically for residential, are required in the 2015
Minnesota Plumbing Code to prevent potential backflow into the domestic water distribution system with
the goals being the protection of public safety and the protection of publicly owned assets.
Options to designate authority for a RPZs/PVBs program, which would include code enforcement, from
the city to ERMU are being researched. Additional information will be provided verbally during the
meeting. Discussion and direction are requested.
Financial Impact
N/A
Attachments
N/A