City of Nacogdoches will now be requiring backflow prevention devices

NACOGDOCHES, TX (KTRE) - After weeks of rain, the sun is out, giving customers a long- awaited opportunity to wash their car.

The chemicals used to make a vehicle shine is just one example of hundreds of additives used by many different businesses and services. The failure to take preventive measures could potentially cause the contaminants to backflow into the city's water supply.

“Basicaly all commercial and industrial and institutional properties will get inspected," explained city engineer Steve Bartlett about the city's new backflow prevention program.

“The backflow device keeps the water inside the facility from going backwards, back into the city water line."

Under order by the state, the city is stepping up its enforcement. It's telling businesses that don't have the devices to get them. And those who do, to have them inspected.

"They'll have to have an annual inspection of just that device by a certified inspector," said Bartlett.

Failure to comply could end with a Class C misdemeanor charge and a fine up to $500.

Eastex Environmental Laboratory tests water samples from hundreds of customers. Laboratory Director Paul Hughes abides by the same rules as everybody else.

"We're required to have ours at the laboratory tested once a year, so we comply with that and it's not very much money to have that done. It shouldn't be a money issue to having the testing done."

People want their cars clean. No one should want anything less with their drinking water.

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