FALLBROOK: 'Backflow' issue resurfaces for Rainbow water customers

Letters being sent to domestic users; waivers available for some

By TOM PFINGSTEN - Staff Writer | Thursday, December 4, 2008 4:09 PM PST ∞

FALLBROOK ---- Hundreds of customers in the Rainbow Municipal Water District will receive letters next year asking them to install costly devices that prevent potentially contaminated water from flowing back into the local water system, officials said Thursday.

The letters represent the latest twist in a long-running dispute over what to do about "backflow" devices, which cost at least $500 and are required of agricultural customers and some residential users, said general manager Dave Seymour.

While the dispute was mostly settled three years ago, some residential customers are still upset about the possibility of having to pay a plumber to install a brass fitting that prevents water that has already passed through the meter from flowing back into the pipeline.

Seymour said customers who don't need the devices are eligible for waivers and that such requests can be made in writing to the district offices at 3707 Old Highway 395.

Backflow occurs when there is a loss of pressure in the main water line, which could be caused by extremely high demand ---- perhaps by firefighters using several hydrants in one neighborhood ---- or a broken pipeline.

"Any loss of pressure, whether it's a water main break or really high consumption, can reduce the pressure enough (to cause) water to wash back into the system," Seymour said.

If that water has mixed with chemicals, such as fertilizers or pesticides, the result could be contamination in the water main, he said.

Because many agricultural water users often have tanks that mix incoming water with fertilizer, the district focused on those customers first.

"I think we're probably 95 to 98 percent done" working with the district's agricultural customers, said Seymour. "We are now working on the domestic customers as well."

He said there are more than 1,000 domestic customers to check, and that the letters will continue going out through 2009.

Out of the last round of 80 letters, 20 waivers were granted, he said.

"I'm guessing it would run an average of around $500 to have one installed," Seymour said. "They're heavy-duty brass, built to last a long time, and they're not inexpensive."

In 2003, the district passed an ordinance requiring the devices to be installed at every meter within the district by the end of 2008.

But in 2005, the board of directors reversed that decision after a huge public outcry over the cost of the devices.

In May 2005, around 1,200 customers had already installed the backflow controllers.

Controversy mostly focused on the high cost of the devices, not their necessity, as customers protested having to foot the bill.

In nearby water districts, such as the larger Fallbrook Public Utility District, officials can have district employees install the devices, reducing the cost.

But officials have said that the small size of the Rainbow district ---- which is based just southwest of Interstate 15 and Highway 76 ---- prevents it from doing the work.

There are 7,200 meters in the 78-square-mile water district.

Seymour said when a customer asks for a waiver, district personnel will inspect the property to see whether a backflow device is needed.

"In almost every case, if you have agricultural activities on the property, you're probably going to have to have one," he said. "We typically have large lots, which usually means people have animals or a grove.

"Not everybody needs one in this area," Seymour added, pointing out that most of the houses in the dense Lake Rancho Viejo development, along with the Valley Oaks mobile home park, probably will not need backflow devices.

Contact staff writer Tom Pfingsten at (760) 740-3516 or tpfingsten@nctimes.com.

Related stories:

Rainbow customers told to go with the (back)flow (April 24, 2005)

Rainbow district further lifts backflow device requirement (June 6, 2005)

Rainbow backs out of backflow device policy (May 12, 2005)

New water backflow policy leaves few options for some (May 13, 2005)

Backflow device mandate draws backlash (April 14, 2005)