Fill out the survey

“Failure to complete survey by July 31st may result in termination of water services.”

This short message was printed on a bright orange slip of paper which was included with a letter and survey mailed by the City of Colfax to residents.

The warning prompted a strong and almost immediate response.

Some residents were incensed that the city could cut off their water service even though their water bill was current. A few thought this was an example of overreach by government. Some claimed the threat of stopping city water service was illegal.

Of the comments, not one mentioned the importance of the survey in securing the safety of city residents.

If nothing else, the orange slip caught the attention of the recipients.

It is called the Cross Connection Control Survey and is intended to identify “the possible cross connection hazards in our water system and take appropriate action to protect against them.”

A cross connection is when drinking water piping connects to fixtures or equipment. If not protected, a back flow, or reverse flow, can occur which can contaminate drinking water. The contaminate could be chemicals, grey water or even sewage.

According to Matt Hammer, city public works director, the survey is the result of a state mandate to identify possible dangers and prevent contamination of city water. It is all about protecting public health.

This is the second time the survey was mailed to residents. The first mailing of 1,200 garnered only 200 responses. That mailing was without the bright orange notice.

Despite the lack of a full description and explanation, the survey is important. Protecting the city’s water supply is of the utmost importance. There is no time frame for the public release of the results. At this point, the need for corrective action is unknown.

What is known is that city officials say the survey and information that will come from it is important.

Cross contamination of drinking water can be a serious matter. Citizens need to respond to the survey. Whatever your response to the bright orange warning, send the requested information to the city.