Dear Aqua Man,
How do I respond to a customer that refuses to install or test their backflow device due to COVID-19?
Sincerely,
Sy Phoning
Dear Sy,
Recently the WQCD has been contacted by citizens requesting extensions from CDPHE to extend backflow device installation deadlines or device testing deadlines issued by their drinking water supplier. Frequently, they express COVID-19 exposure concerns. The Division has taken the approach to help educate citizens that the backflow prevention and cross connection control (BPCCC) requirements are an important part of the Drinking Water Regulations. Many people are unaware that Colorado has about one known waterborne disease outbreak that makes people sick every year due to unprotected cross-connections. Drinking water suppliers must protect the water in their piping by making sure that backflow prevention assemblies are installed and tested annually. Installing these assemblies and keeping them in proper working order are the only barrier to prevent unintentional contamination of the drinking water supply from backflow events. Therefore, this kind of work, and other plumbing work responding to pipe breaks, etc. are considered essential functions that need to be carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Drinking water suppliers across the state and their customers are proceeding with backflow prevention work including installation and testing during the pandemic with COVID-19 safety precautions. Drinking water suppliers and their customers are working together with plumbing contractors and others to safely and effectively protect their water systems against backflow while avoiding unnecessary exposure to COVID-19 by taking appropriate safety precautions.
Resources:
- Guidance for safe construction projects during COVID-19
- CDC guidelines for hiring contractors for in-home projects during COVID-19
- The Division is developing a COVID-19 backflow prevention brochure for customers that will be published on the WQCD website. Please stay tuned!
CDPHE oversees implementation of the rules by water systems. CDPHE does not override decisions made by drinking water suppliers unless they are failing to protect the drinking water. There is no provision in the regulations allowing CDPHE to do this. In this case, drinking water suppliers are acting in the interest of public health to protect drinking water via their rule implementation and CDPHE will not override their determinations. Therefore, CDPHE will not grant extensions to citizens for deadlines their drinking water supplier has implemented to install or test backflow prevention assemblies. The customer needs to continue to work with the drinking water supplier to protect their piping from uncontrolled cross connections. If the drinking water supplier needs an alternative schedule for installation or replacement of a device, then they can apply to the Division for an extension under Regulation 11.
For any questions or concerns about backflow prevention please email our backflow team at cdphe_wqcd_fss_questions@state.co.us.
