By RAELYNN RICARTE
News staff writer
April 4, 2007

The City of Hood River is surveying residents about their water usage — but answering the form won’t lead to a fee increase.

“We are just trying to create a good data base so, if something goes wrong on your property, we’ll know what to do,” said Bob Francis, city manager.

The questionnaire was sent out in mid-March to all water users and asks 17 questions about the site. For example, residents are queried about whether they have an underground sprinkler system, if they attach an insect sprayer to their garden hose or have a swimming pool/hot tub.

“Things can go wrong with a backflow protection system and we want to be ready to offer assistance if necessary,” said Francis.

The city is seeking to forestall any health problem by reminding citizens this month to have their backflow valves checked.

Francis said all citizens are required by state law to pay for the annual testing of these devices. The city is attempting to standardize the testing cycle so that all water users ensure the equipment is fully functional before it is time to begin watering the lawn.

Earlier this year the city took steps to prevent sewage backups from blocked pipes. All homeowners with properties on a steep hillside are now required to install a backflow prevention valve — or agree to assume the cost for damages.

Although the city provides the valve without charge to anyone who requests it, the property holder is responsible for the cost of installation. However, lower income residents — those already receiving some sort of government subsidy — do not have to pay the $200-$1,500 plumbing fee. Moderate income homeowners can get some reduction in costs, and make monthly payments on the remainder. Although people earning a higher income will be required to pick up the full tab, Francis said they can also make payments over time.

He encourages anyone living on a hillside to consult the Public Works Department, 386-2383, about obtaining a backflow valve.

Two major sewage backups in 2006 have spurred the city’s new campaign for installation of the equipment. Both landowners with properties near 13th Street and Montello Avenue filed claims that totaled about $300,000 with Columbia River Insurance, the city’s carrier. Within the past five years, the city has paid out $111,000 in other claims.

Although state law limits the public agency’s liability to $50,000 for each incident, the outcome of court actions are uncertain. So, the city’s insurance carrier recommended that proactive action be taken to ward off future payouts.

If landowners decline to install the backflow valve, they are asked to sign a waiver that lets the city off the hook financially if a problem does occur.

Waivers are granted for a limited number of reasons, including the physical impossibility of installing a value because of the location, or if the home’s siting alleviates the potential for a problem.