Why are backflow devices manditory for businesses and not for residences?
In July 2005, my wife and I bought the old 7-11 building at the corner of Smoke Ranch and Decatur. As we were remodeling, the Las Vegas Valley Water District informed me that the anti-siphon valve that had been used for almost 30 years had to be replaced with a Water District installed and maintained back flow device. The cost would be $4 a month. It is not that $4 a month will bankrupt us, but it is the principle that businesses in Nevada are being discriminated against.
Many other small businesses in the area were also having this tan box installed which contained the back flow device. No residences were having this back flow device installed. I was told that the purpose of this device is to not let any contaminants flow back into the water system. Our building has 1 sink, 1 toilet and 1 outside drip irrigation systems for watering plants. Most residences will have many more water fixtures than that. This means residences would have a higher chance of contaminating the water system without having to install a Water District back flow device. Mel Nelson a engineer at LVVWD did not know why all businesses would be more dangerous than all residences. Mel Nelson also did not know why residences were not included in this regulation, but would consider this idea as a suggestion.
Therefore Collins as a board member and the Las Vegas Valley Water District are discriminating against business in Clark County. Both businesses and residences should have to have the Water District back flow device or neither unless there is a specific danger at the business or residence.
This mandatory discrimination was created 2/20/1997 by regulation of the State Board of Health NAC445A.67195. This was not voted on by the people, the legislature, the Water District, Clark County Commission or signed by the Governor. It is an example of the government writing it's own law know as a regulation. Even though Collins did not create this regulation, he is not challenging it's existence as board member of the Las Vegas Valley Water District or as Clark County Commissioner. He was in the Legislature in 1997 when it was created so he could have challenged this regulation if he knew about it or really cared about the people or the small businesses of Southern Nevada.