4.3. SR 08-17-2020
Request for Action
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 4.3
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Consent August 3, 2020 Cal Portner, City Administrator
Item Description Reviewed by
Ordinance Update: Delegating Backflow Prevention Bob Ruprecht, Building Official
Program to ERMU
Reviewed by
Peter Beck, City Attorney
Action Requested
Adopt, by motion, an update to city ordinance delegating a backflow prevention program to Elk River
Municipal Utilities.
Background/Discussion
State law requires commercial irrigation and fire suppression systems to have periodic inspections on
backflow prevention systems connected to the municipal water system. Recently, residential irrigation
systems constructed after January of 2016 are required to have a similar inspection on file with the utility.
The building inspections division ensures all new construction plumbing meets code, including the
installation of various backflow prevention devices. The purpose of backflow prevention devices is to
protect the municipal water supply. The inspection of operable devices requires a certification our
building inspectors do not carry and are typically completed by private inspection companies. For
example, the city contracts with a licensed and bonded private inspector to do inspections on our facilities
per statute and we submit the inspection affidavit to ERMU each year as they maintain the water system.
The updated ordinance officially delegates responsibility of the inspection program to ERMU.
Financial Impact
N/A
Attachments
Ordinance
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Ordinance 20 - ____
An Ordinance Adding Chapter 78, Section 27, Backflow Prevention Program of the
City of Elk River, Minnesota, City Code
The City Council of the City of Elk River does hereby ordain as follows:
SECTION 1. That § Section 78-27 – Backflow Prevention Program., of the City of Elk River Code of
Ordinances shall be added to read as follows:
(a) Backflow preventer devices required. The plumbing code of the City of Elk River,
adopted pursuant to Section 30-86 of this Code of Ordinances, requires that the City
water system be protected by the installation and testing of testable backflow preventer
devices including, but not limited to, Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) devices, Pressure
Vacuum Breaker (PVB) devices, Double Check Valve (DCVA) devices and Atmosphere
Vacuum Breaker (AVB) devices at all connections to the City water system.
(b) Installation of backflow preventer devices. The City Building Safety Department shall
be responsible for ensuring that testable backflow preventer devices are installed and are
initially tested as required by the plumbing code of the City of Elk River at all
connections to the City water system. The Building Safety Department shall notify Elk
River Municipal Utilities of each installation and initial inspection within 30 days of the
installation.
(c) Testing of backflow preventer devices. Elk River Municipal Utilities shall have the
authority, pursuant to Section 78-12 of this Code of Ordinances, to adopt and
implement rules and regulations establishing an ongoing testing program for backflow
preventer devices. The testing program shall comply with the plumbing code of the
City of Elk River. User fees, if any, for the testing program shall be established by Elk
River Municipal Utilities and shall be adopted and published in the City fee schedule
ordinance.
SECTION 2. That this ordinance shall take effect upon adoption and be published as provided by law.
Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Elk River this 17th day of August, 2020.
______________________________
John J. Dietz, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Tina Allard, City Clerk