County gets tougher on irrigation systems

Lisa Billings/Chesterfield Observer John Gibson from Hard Scrabble Irrigation tests a backflow-prevention device.

Have you had your backflow-prevention device inspected lately? If not, and you're a homeowner with an underground irrigation system, you'll need to. A message went out to Chesterfield Utilities Department customers in their March/April bills, informing them that the county is becoming more proactive in upholding a state law that requires homeowners to have the backflow-prevention devices on their irrigation systems tested and certified annually.

Having a backflow-prevention assembly that is worn presents a danger most homeowners wouldn't want to face. Backflowprevention devices stop the reverse flow of water and other substances in pipes to keep contaminated or polluted water from entering a home's main water system, which supplies water for drinking, cooking and bathing. A backflow of water can occur when there is an increase in pressure in pipes, called backpressure, which can happen when water is pushed backward by a pump, increase in temperature or when water rises. It can also happen when there is a decrease in the pressure, called back-siphonage, because of opening a valve or hydrant or having a break in a pipe or water main.

Many businesses that use water for a commercial purpose, such as restaurants, medical and dental offices, funeral homes and others, and residences with underground irrigation systems must have the devices tested to make sure they're functioning properly. State law requires that backflow-prevention devices be installed, maintained and tested when they are put in and then yearly after that.

Though the law providing for this has been in place since the late 1970s, the county hasn't been very strict with its enforcement, especially as it applies to residents.

"It [the law requiring backflow-prevention device testing] has been enforced over the past 20 years," said Roy Covington, director of utilities. "But it is one program that we're looking at to improve."

Improvement has meant some changes on the part of the county.

"The original ordinance has been modified to better align with the state waterworks regulations," Covington said. "It's more clear and consistent with the state law."

Those who perform the test must have a "backflow prevention device worker" certification, which is issued by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations. The price of the test varies from about $100 to almost $300, and the cost is the responsibility of the homeowner.

"We aren't looking to punish people," Covington said. "We're looking for compliance. We'll remind people and give them an appropriate time period to respond."

But Covington adds that, because his department is responsible for protecting the county's water supply by keeping it clean and safe, eventually noncompliance will be answered by "provisions in the ordinance," though he won't be specific about what those provisions are.

Since enforcing the ordinance has been somewhat haphazard in the past, the utilities department Web site includes a list of certified backflow-prevention device testers and their phone numbers to help homeowners meet the requirement. Once the test has been performed, the tester fills out a "Backflow Prevention Assembly Test Report," which the homeowner submits to the county. The tester list, report form and more detailed information about the topic is available at www.chesterfield.gov/utilities. On the left side of the page, click on "Cross Connection Control & Backflow-Prevention Program" and "Backflow-Prevention Assembly Test Report."