Plumbing sunset bill makes several notable changes
House Bill 24-1344 made a number of changes to the Plumbing Practice Act. Most significantly, amendments added to HB24-1344 during the legislative process now permit only licensed plumbers to install, inspect, test, repair, and remove backflow prevention devices.
New policy addresses enforcement discretion questions on HB24-1344
The Colorado State Plumbing Board convened an emergency meeting on July 11 in response to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's request that the State Plumbing Board use its statutory discretion and not issue disciplinary actions until HB24-1344 has been fully implemented through Board rulemaking. During this meeting, the Board agreed and issued a policy stating that certified cross-connection control technicians would not be subject to discipline for inspecting, testing, and repairing backflow prevention devices through April 1, 2025.
This direction maintains public health protections, supports water utility compliance with drinking water regulations, and does not disrupt the lives of people and businesses operating under the prior status quo.
This timing also allows the General Assembly the ability to hear from all stakeholders and reconsider this issue and its implications for public health during the 2025 session. We hope to reach an agreement that allows technicians to do the critical work they were doing prior to the passage of HB24-1344.
To participate in rulemaking and stakeholder input opportunities with DORA, please sign up using this form.
House Bill 24-1344 and Primary Drinking Water Regulations Frequently Asked Questions.
Request to the Colorado State Plumbing Board
CDPHE executive director Jill Hunsaker Ryan sent a letter to the Colorado State Plumbing Board about House Bill 24-1344.
Backflow prevention
- Report any suspected backflow contamination to the CDPHE 24-hour emergency line.
- Frequently asked questions.
- Backflow Prevention Information for Customers.
- Private cistern BPCCC guidance.
- Updated Backflow Guidance Document (pdf version).
- Quick links within guidance document:
- Template and forms:
- Appendix A: Written Backflow Program Template.
- Appendix B: Example Backflow Ordinance.
- Appendix C.1: Cross-Connection Control Extension Application.
- Appendix D: Backflow Annual Report and Tracking Template.
- Appendix E: Backflow Survey and Questionnaires.
- Appendix F: Alternative Survey Compliance Ratio Application.
- Appendix G: Small System Backflow Program Template.
- Appendix H: Small System Cross-Connection Survey.
Colorado drinking water regulations (Regulation 11)
- Regulation 11, Section 11.39 Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control Rule
- Please note that the backflow rule (11.39) was updated with an effective date of October 15, 2023
Policy 7: Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control Rule Policy
- Policy 7 provides additional information on how the backflow rule (11.39) is implemented
Questions about backflow or feedback on errors within documents?
- Contact the CDPHE backflow team at cdphe_wqcd_fss_questions@state.co.us.