June 11, 2008
Warnings from city may be in error

No consensus exists on need for inspections

Chris Joyner
chris.joyner@jackson.gannett.com
The Jackson Public Works Department is sending letters to city homeowners saying they have 60 days to have anti-contamination systems on their pools, lawn sprinklers and fountains inspected.
But the Legislature exempted such so-called low-hazard water residential systems from the requirement to have the devices, known as backflow preventers, seven years ago.
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Willis said residents with backflow prevention devices need to get them inspected to make sure they are functioning properly. "It's a real confusing issue, but it's all about trying to protect the public water system," he said. "There are bacteria in fertilizers and things like that that have the potential to get back into the water system."
But when pressed, Willis was noncommittal about the city's legal footing to enforce inspections. For instance, what would happen if residents simply ignored the letter?
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The city's chief concern is getting its paperwork to avoid being cited by the Health Department, he said.
But Melissa Parker, deputy director of the state Health Department's Public Water Supply Bureau, said the department does not require low-risk connections to be inspected.