Good Afternoon, I would like to address GM Loupassi's petition request that the State Board of Health to amend the regulations governing corss connection control and backflow prevention, contained in Virginia's Waterworks Regulations.

I am a licensed backflow device worker.  By years end, I will have tested over 400 backflow devices.  Of those 400 about 5% have failed and had to either be repaired or replaced.  My company contracts with the customer before the backflow device is tested to let them know how their backflow is testing before I leave the premises.  All of our customers have come into compliance with repairs and replacements, once the seriousness of a bad backflow is explained to them. 

The life expectancy of a backflow is between 5 - 10 years.  They are composed of metal springs, plastic parts and rubber seals, brass covers.  The life of the backflow also depends on location.  One that is kept out of the weather in a crawl space may last longer than one that day after day is subject to hot summers and cold winters, rain and snow.  One of the most important things that helps the longevity of the backflow is winterization. 

I was suprised to read in the petition that lawn irrigation sprinkler systems were considered by the petitioner a "low risk connection".  The reason Chesterfield County only allows RPZ and PVB backflow preventers to be installed in irrigation systems is because a lawn irrigation sprinkler system is a high risk connection.  A lawn irrigation sprinkler system is tied into the main of the home, unless a companion meter is installed on the line.  Lawns are fertilized, pesticides are put down, and then watered in.  Sprinkler heads work with water pressure.  Once the controller has told the valve to shut down fluid pressure is stopped and the head is sucked back down into the turf taking whatever is in the immediate vicinity with it.  That water should be contained by a properly maintained  backflow device.  In the event of a water main break or large fire in an area, the possibility of backsiphonage through a improperly working backflow could bring all of the undesirable chemicals in the lawn into the drinking water of a home.

What I have found as a tester and a business person is that what upsets people the most is not that they have to have their backflows tested but their neighbor does not come into compliance as they have done.  This frustrates the homeowner who is trying to do the right thing.  Unfortunately, at this point, there is no real penalty for not coming into compliance.  As for the "onerous burden", backflow testing can run from $25 to $125.  Usually people who have lawn irrigation sprinkler systems are aware of the service that is required to keep them functioning correctly.

Backflow Prevention is important to the health and welfare of all who drink public water.  I commend Chesterfield County for taking the initiative to make testing annual and caring enough about their populace to enact efforts to protect them.

Respectfully,

Michelle Wilkerson

President, Virginia Irrigation Association