As a licensed Waterworks Operator, former drinking water laboratory manager and bacteriologist, I STRONGLY OPPOSE the deregulation of backflow prevention professionals in Virginia.  The Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR) places a great emphasis on system evaluations and correcting problems to eliminate future contamination risks.  One key component of waterworks protection is a robust backflow prevention program.

Backflow inspections serve to verify that microbial and chemical intrusion is minimized by having competent professionals evaluate the devices annually.  Many utilities have regulations requiring this inspection by certified professionals and there are great challenges in expanding their legal authority to regulate private plumbing more strictly than the State.  If this task is deregulated, we face greater risks of system contamination and public health emergencies.  Waterworks also face the more challenging task of regaining public trust when the public do not trust the government to protect drinking water quality in a post-Flint, Michigan era. 

If DPOR votes to deregulate this essential function, the Board is effectively telling the community that they no longer care about public health if the problem originates in premise plumbing.  Improperly maintained private plumbing systems have resulted in the spread of Legionella within a building - this could become a more widespread issue if hot water tanks back siphon into the public system due to significant pressure drops resulting from water main ruptures or firefighting activities. 

The cost of obtaining/maintaining the certification is negligible and the reward is not worth the risk of deregulation.

Please support water security and vote to CONTINUE regulating Backflow Protection Device Workers.