What is the optional testing program?
This is a program approved by the Sarasota County Commission to
give Utilities customers a more affordable method of complying
with the sate-mandated Backflow Prevention Program. It gives
customers the option to use one of several licensed plumbers who
have contracted reduced group rates for Sarasota County
customers.
The optional program goes into effect Jan. 1, 2008.
If you wish to participate in that program, your backflow preventer device will be tested again some time in 2008. If you
choose not to participate, you may wait nine months before your
next testing. However, that nine months will fall within 2008,
so it may be advantageous for you to consider enrolling now.
A
technician will attempt to contact you before the test, since
the water will be turned off for a short time during the testing
process. After the test is complete, a tag with an identifying
number and year will be applied to your assembly. The number on
the tag will identify your test history.
Sarasota County Commissioners approved the following rates on
Aug. 28, 2007 for backflow testing, repair and replacement. If
you participate in the optional testing program, these rates
will be applied to your water bill.
Current Water Rates
Customers who do not participate in the optional testing program
have a maximum of 45 days beginning Nov. 1, 2007, to provide
Sarasota County with acceptable backflow preventer test results
from a licensed plumber. Non-compliance of the testing will
result in automatic enrollment in the county’s optional testing
program. A licensed contractor will test your backflow
prevention assembly, and the county will apply charges to your
next utility bill.
You do not need to respond to this notice or take any action to
participate in the new program.
Customers may opt out of
the program by sending a copy of their 2007 test along with a
signed statement stating that they do not wish to be on the
optional program for 2008. If we have a current test on record
for the customer (customers need to call and verify) they will
not need to send a copy of 2007's test to opt out — but
customers will still need to sign and return the statement.
If you do not wish to participate, please prove a current copy
of your backflow test results, along with an opt-out form, to the following address:
Sarasota County Utilities
Douglas Bailey
1001 Sarasota Center Blvd.
Sarasota, FL 34240
Opt-out form
If you have further questions about backflow preventers, or the
optional testing program,
click here, contact the
Sarasota County Call Center at 861-5000 or
e-mail us.
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