The City of Wichita wants to ensure that all water being used for irrigation systems does not mix with contaminants such as pesticides and fertilizers that could “flow back” into the City’s water distribution system.
Every Wichita water customer who has an irrigation system connected to the City’s water system is required to have a working backflow device. This ensures everyone has access to clean drinking water.
Protecting cross-connection points via backflow devices is a federal requirement of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The annual backflow certification for Wichita water customers was due May 23rd.
Multiple notices and door hangers have gone out to accounts that have been non-compliant for one year or more. These accounts are now scheduled for water disconnection. A door hang notice will be left at properties one week prior to disconnection. Disconnections will begin on Monday, August 22nd.
If a Wichita water customer has not yet gotten their backflow tested, they can schedule backflow testing and call the water department with their appointment date to avoid risk of water disconnection.
If residents have a sprinkler system that is connected to the City water and have not yet completed backflow testing, it is crucial they do so immediately.
Residents may go to www.wichita.gov/backflow or call (316) 219-8916 for information on how to achieve compliance. The website also has a list of certified technicians that customers may call for testing.
