Isle of Wight County Public Utilities strongly supports continued regulation of Backflow Prevention Device Workers, and opposes the elimination of the licensure requirement or DPOR oversight. We concur with the comments issued by the Virginia Chapter of the American Backflow Prevention Association, and with the other commenters in favor of continued regulation.

Backflow prevention and testing are critical to the safety of the water supply and vital to the public health. The DPOR process protects consumers and waterworks by requiring a review of a Tester's experience, certification credentials, and requiring a 3rd party technical exam with a passing grade before issuing a tradesman license. DPOR should continue regulating Backflow Device Prevention Workers, in keeping with the current and proposed Waterworks Regulations by the Virginia Dept. of Health.

Donald N. Jennings, PE
Director of Utility Services
Isle of Wight County

Philip Jones
Codes Compliance Inspector - Cross Connection Control
Isle of Wight County