In August of 2020, the Water Quality Control Commission updated the Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulations (Regulation 11). During the stakeholder work for the rulemaking, the division acknowledged that additional work on guidance documents (e.g. annual backflow report template and periodic tank inspection checklist) needed to be completed. The division has identified a two-phase approach to update guidance documents. A template and guidance document for Backflow Prevention and Cross Connection Control reporting is available for review and feedback. Use the buttons below to provide feedback no later than November 20, 2021.
While there were a few minor changes to several rules during the August 2020 rulemaking, there were also more significant changes to the Storage Tank Rule (Section 11.28) and to the Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control Rule (Section 11.39). Subsequently, in early 2021, the division updated several policies related to Backflow Prevention and Storage Tanks. These policies include Policy 7 (Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control Policy); Policy 10 (Sanitary Defect Policy - section regarding storage tanks only); Policy 12 (Storage Tank Rule Alternative Inspection Schedule Policy); and, Policy 15 (Storage Tank Rule Inspection Methods Qualified Personnel Policy). To update these policies, the division received feedback on the draft policies in February 2021 and issued final policies in April 2021. The responses received by stakeholders regarding the draft policies can be viewed in the public folder.
Updated templates and guidance
Regulation 11 updated policies
How to get involved
Plan to update guidance in accordance with updated rules
During the stakeholder work for the August 2020 rulemaking, the division acknowledged that additional work on guidance documents (e.g. annual backflow report template and periodic tank inspection checklist) needed to be completed.
The division has identified a two-phase approach to update guidance documents. The majority of field-identified violations cited are related to the Backflow Prevention and Cross Connection Control (BPCCC) Rule, so templates and guidance for that rule will be prioritized in Phase 1. Phase 2 will focus on Storage Tank Rule inspection guidance and checklists.
The tentative schedule is as follows:
- Phase 1 (May-August 2021) - BPCCC guidance and report template updates
- Phase 2 (September-December 2021) - Storage tank guidance and inspection checklists
For questions related to Regulation 11 Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control, contact:
- Tyson Ingels | tyson.ingels@state.co.us or 303-692-3002