Backflow Prevention Devices

At their May 2005 meeting, the Mt. Crested Butte Water & Sanitation District Board of Directors passed new rules and regulations concerning the use of backflow prevention devices to prevent a cross connection from occurring between customers and the public water supply. The main provisions of the new rules are as follows:

1. All building plans for new construction or remodeling that involve plumbing must be submitted to the local plumbing inspector and the District for review and approval prior to connection to water service.

2. Approved backflow prevention devices shall be installed on all properties served by MCBWSD to protect the domestic water system from potential cross connection contamination. This includes new and existing service.

3. All backflow prevention devices shall be tested at the time of installation and annually thereafter. Test results must be submitted to the District on the District's reporting form.

4. The District may discontinue water service to any property if an unprotected cross connection exists on that property.

This is a Colorado State law that the District is following. Call the MCBWSD (349 7575) for more information. Although these new rules are effective immediately, it will likely be several years before they are fully implemented.

The MLPC Board urges all owners, and those involved in new construction in particular, to consider these new regulations and to make plumbing choices that minimize first cost while meeting the provisions of the new rules.

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