Lawn irrigation systems make watering lawns and gardens easier, save you time, and can be designed to be water efficient. However, water that is contaminated by weed killers, fertilizers, and animal waste can "flow back" into your drinking water (a problem known as backflow).

To protect your drinking water from potential contamination, it is important to have an approved backflow protection assembly/device located on your irrigation system. It is equally important to make certain that this backflow assembly is tested annually - in fact, it's required by Idaho State law and City Ordinance 1776.

Backflow assemblies must be tested annually at spring irrigation start up. This test, performed by a private, state-licensed backflow tester (the city of Coeur d'Alene has a list of approved testers), verifies that the assembly is functioning correctly.

A lawn irrigation system that is not protected by an approved backflow prevention assembly, or protected by an assembly that is not functioning correctly, endangers the health of a household, neighborhood, and an entire community.

If you have any questions or wish to obtain a state-licensed backflow tester list, contact Greg Schrempp (676-7408), or Gary Nolan (769-2220, Ext. 818), City of Coeur d'Alene Water Department. Water Department offices are located at 3820 Ramsey Road.