South King News

City of Mercer Island issued the following announcement on April 2

In light of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, the City has announced updated guidance around its water utility billing policy and rules for annual backflow testing.

Water Utility Billing Policy

Clean and safe drinking water on Mercer Island is an essential service and is particularly critical during the coronavirus outbreak. To avoid imposing an undue financial burden, the City has implemented the following steps on behalf of our business and residential customers:

• The City will not disconnect customers for non-payment during this emergency, nor will late fees be charged. Staff will work with customers who have been financially impacted by the coronavirus epidemic to find payment solutions. Please call the City’s customer service team at 206-275-7626 or email coronavirus@mercergov.org to set up a payment plan. backflow page.ffering access to discounted utility rates. More info here.

In order to protect safety and ensure social distancing during Governor Inslee’s “Stay Home – Stay Healthy” order, City utility field staff will only respond to emergency and critical safety situations, which include: addressing sewer, water, or stormwater line backups; or other essential infrastructure that needs emergency repairs.  

Annual Backflow Testing Requirement

By State law, any high-risk plumbing connection that could potentially allow dirty water to enter the clean side of the City's drinking water system must be protected by a backflow prevention device, which must be tested annually. Common property features that require a backflow prevention device include irrigation systems, swimming pools, and fountains. About one third of the Island's water service connections are covered by this requirement, and most owners are accustomed to receiving a notification each year from the City. Learn more from the City's backflow page.

In order to maintain safe drinking water, the City will not suspend the required annual testing of backflow devices during the Coronavirus event. As usual, tests musts be completed by a certified backflow tester by June 30, who then submits the report electronically via the City’s online test portal. To assist residents, the City is developing a program to waive the monetary penalties for missing the deadline, but a completed satisfactory test will still be required. 

Original source can be found here.