Issue Statement

The recent, unexpected enforcement of backflow prevention requirements by the City has placed a significant financial burden on affected property owners. The costs associated with compliance, including initial installation, annual inspections, and future device replacements, can present a substantial challenge, particularly for small businesses and non-residential property owners who had not budgeted or planned for the unanticipated requirement. The commitment to water safety is necessary; however, the financial impact of sudden enforcement must be mitigated through supportive policy and communication measures. By implementing a structured financial assistance program and adopting a collaborative approach, the City can ensure public health protection, while also fostering community trust and compliance.

Background

The City has initiated a program to replace water meters and, in conjunction, is conducting inspections to ensure compliance with its Cross Connection Control Program as mandated by Bylaw #2379. This initiative is driven by the need to protect the municipal water supply from contamination risks associated with cross connections. The urgency of enforcement has been influenced by incidents such as Calgary, which have underscored the potential public health risks of non-compliance.

While the City has expressed a willingness to work with property owners by offering a 90-day window to assess and plan for the implementation of compliance measures, the added financial impact remains a significant concern. The City’s current approach lacks a structured financial support mechanism to help property owners meet these obligations, with potential costs upwards of $20,000, with annual inspections at ~$200/year, and potential future device replacements estimated at $2,000. 

The City’s commitment to water safety is commendable; however, the financial impact of sudden enforcement must be mitigated through supportive policy and communication measures. By implementing a structured financial assistance program and adopting a collaborative approach, the City can ensure public health protection while fostering community trust and compliance.

Recommendations

To support equitable compliance and protect public health without imposing undue financial hardship, we recommend that the City adopt the following measures:

1.    Establish a financial assistance program either through:

a.    A low-interest or interest-free loan program, aligned with the City’s borrowing rate, to assist property owners with the upfront costs of backflow prevention device installation; or

b.    repayment plans available through a utility user fee or installment payment program, allowing property owners to repay the loan over time via their utility bills; or

c.    a rebate or cost-sharing program to provided financial incentives for proactive compliance.

2.    Provide flexible, risk-based timelines for compliance, prioritizing high-risk properties while allowing lower-risk properties additional time to plan and finance upgrades.

3.    Ensure clear, accessible and proactive communication regarding compliance requirements, financial assistance options, and timelines.

4.    Ensure that construction that occurred prior to the original bylaw amendment in 1998, are not adversely impacted or required to implement changes, unless a safety concern is clearly identified.

5.    Offer technical support and guidance to help property owners understand their obligations and navigate the compliance process.

• Additional insight can also be located here: https://www.medicinehat.ca/en/home-property-and-utilities/cross-connection-control-program.aspx
• Town of Edson: https://www.edson.ca/town-office/town-news/post/flood-prevention-rebate 

Date Drafted: July 10, 2025

Date Approved: September 17, 2025