4.2 ERMUSR 10-12-2021UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO:FROM:
ERMU CommissionJennie Nelson – Customer Service Manager
MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
October 12, 2021 4.2
SUBJECT:
Backflow Prevention Program Update
ACTION REQUESTED:
None
BACKGROUND:
During a joint City of Elk River/Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) meeting in November 2019,
the City designated administrative authority, including related code enforcement, fora
backflow prevention program to ERMU. Minnesota Plumbing Code requires all testable
backflow prevention devices to be tested annually. Commercial testing needs to be done by a
licensed plumber with a testing certification, but ERMU staff recommended creating a
residential device testing program, at no extra charge to the resident, with the safety of our
water system as the number one priority. Two water department staff went through a Pressure
Vacuum Breaker testing certification class in April 2021 and received their certifications.
DISCUSSION:
Our first residential testing season is wrapping up as residents are beginning to winterize their
irrigation systems. The notices, scheduling of appointments, and testing processes went very
well. Staff received positive feedback from customers regarding the free residential testing and
it is certainly recognized what a value this program is to the community.
ERMU’s Water Department Rules already have a section related to backflow prevention, but
many updates needed to be made to reflect current procedures as well as a reference to our
third-party records management company, HydroCorp. Additionally, a penalty fee has been
created for customers that are in non-compliance with our backflow prevention program. This
penalty will be added to the 2022 ERMU fee schedule.
ATTACHMENTS:
ERMU Policy - W.1 - Water Department Rules – Backflow Preventers Section
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