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Some may get a break for plumbing

The county may share the cost of backflow valves, used for lawn watering.

By CATHERINE E. SHOICHET Times Staff Writer
Published September 14, 2007

County Commission Chairman Jim Norman asked staffers to look into creating a program to help pay for backflow valve installation, which can cost around $600.

A county ordinance requires residents to install the valves if they use reclaimed water, wells or lakes to water their lawns.

The valves prevent cross connections, which can allow contaminated water to enter the county's system.

"We're trying to make that safety element more affordable," Norman said.

Commissioners unanimously supported his motion to research the possibility.

Their vote came after a presentation from attorney Gerald Buhr, who specializes in utility law. He said Hillsborough County's backflow prevention ordinance follows state and federal laws. "Based on my experience, I don't believe it is heavy handed," he said.

But Sun City Center resident David Brown, a vocal opponent of the ordinance, said after the meeting that he wished Buhr had presented a more detailed analysis of the county's enforcement approach.

He said commissioners should follow the lead of several other counties, which require installing the valves when homes change ownership.

But he said considering giving senior citizens and low-income families a break is a step in the right direction.

"I'm pretty sure something will come of it," he said.

Catherine E. Shoichet can be reached at cshoichet@sptimes.com or 661-2454.

[Last modified September 13, 2007, 08:20:09]