If You think backflow does not affect you, ask your self a couple questions.

Do you have a pool, sprinkler system, water softener? These are 3 very common luxuries that very often require residential backflow preventers that are regulated by the state of Texas and EPA. Many customers ask or suggest that the cities are making money on this demand for residential and commercial backflow testing requirements. In an indirect way they are, but it is not what you think.

Many States get money from the EPA for water infrastructure Improvements and projects. The string attached is that the states that do receive the grants and money from the EPA must follow the laws and regulations such as the Clean Water Act. Part of the deal is that the local state Authorities TCEQ, is required to enforce these EPA guidelines and if they find a City or municipality is not compliant, they can fine and penalize the water purveyor that is not compliant. When the city is demanding the backflow test they are only following the guidelines that the TCEQ is required to follow from the EPA.

In many cases the cities are not making money off of the backflow prevention program, but are actually losing money on the cross connection control part of the business.

The contractors that are performing the services are making the service calls and collecting the fees. These contractors are in many cases the eyes and ears that can be a great asset to the local water departments.

I guess that is enough for now.

To be continued.