Colorado’s plumbing regulatory board convened an emergency session to address a new law that has sparked concerns across the plumbing industry. The law could potentially lead to water cut-offs and steep charges for basic services.
The legislation mandates licensing for any professional involved in inspecting, testing, or repairing backflow prevention devices—a change from the previous requirement of a plumbing license only for installation or removal. Backflow preventers are crucial in preventing contamination of the public water supply and are standard in both residential and commercial settings.
The amendment largely surprised the industry. Colleen Morrison of Morrison Backflow Testing discovered the law, effective July 1, only in mid-June. Morrison highlighted that the new regulation cuts out 44% of her business and increases the risk of public exposure to contaminated water, as well as significantly raising customer costs.
According to Morrison, despite existing rigorous certification processes for professionals working with backflow preventers, the law has been criticized for its potential to triple consumer costs.
The change stems from HB24-1344, sponsored by Democratic Rep. Sheila Lieder and co-sponsored by Republican Sen. Byron Pelton, which was part of a broader plumbing regulation bill. The bill’s implications were not fully realized during the legislative process, a point Lieder acknowledged, noting the lack of feedback during the public hearings and debates.
Sen. Pelton mentioned that the plumbing union’s involvement in the negotiations led to the inclusion of the new requirement, which he believes was not necessary given the absence of public harm under the old system.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, alongside the Department of Regulatory Agencies, has expressed concerns that the legislative change does not serve public or water utility interests. They are assessing how to realign statutory and regulatory directives to support public water utilities.
Despite the state plumbing board making some clarifications at the emergency meeting, significant changes were not made, leading to further frustration among industry professionals like Morrison. She remains hopeful for more substantial rule changes in August but acknowledges the constraints until then.
