Proposal is a disaster just waiting to happen

A recent article in the Bee has misrepresented the pending backflow ordinance by saying only about 450 residences are affected. It clearly states that “an employee of the city shall inspect every building or premises in this city as frequently as in his judgment may be necessary” and if he determines there is a violation “which in his judgment may permit the pollution or contamination of the city water supply,” you will be forced to comply.

This could be as simple as having a hose connected to your house without a backflow device. It also states that a right of entry with the permission of the owner during reasonable hours must be obtained. If permission is not given the building owner can be fined $300 per day and his water turned off. I am not sure if I want my future to governed by the judgment of a city employee. Anyone who had contact with the city on the recent sidewalk fiasco can attest to city employee judgment. This is a disaster waiting to happen.

This program is of such urgency that it has taken 22 years for action by the city, and I can find no other city in the state that has such an ordinance. There is no backflow incidence that can be attributable to the lack of this device in the state, and this testable assembly is so complex and subject to failure that is has to be tested at least annually. Every connection to the city water supply that has a meter has a double check valve which meets the minimum requirements of the EPA, and is good enough for the rest of the nation.

The state of Florida is in the process of rescinding its backflow program because it was costly to administer and the risk was so low. See “State backs off requiring $500.00 backflow prevention devices” (PalmBeackPost.com)

The mayor and several council members feel this is so urgent that they are trying to suspend the third reading for approval at the next council meeting. Contact your City Council person or the mayor. They have the power to stop this insanity. They will tell you it has to be done now. It does not.

FRED DARNELL

Sandpoint