The City of Spokane is considering action after a backflow incident occurred. The contamination occurred in the Hillyard neighborhood when a commercial hydroseed truck pumping water from a hydrant created a cross-connection that allowed backflow from the truck into the water system. Hillyard residents were unable to drink or cook with their water in July. The city is now looking into ways to make sure a similar incident doesn’t happen again

Many water usage meters in the affected area had to be replaced, as they were clogged with hydroseed fibers. The city is looking at two options: installing locks on fire hydrants to prevent unauthorized access or constructing fill stations that contractors can use to access water rather than hooking up into hydrants. City spokeswoman Marlene Feist said the city will decide what the best course of action is based on the cost and effectiveness.

An estimate for how much such technology could cost was not available although a city spokesperson said it would be paid for through City of Spokane Water Department revenues. The city acknowledged that regardless, in order for the change to be effective, the cost would likely be in the million-dollar range. The city also said a reasonable estimate of the cost of the Hillyard incident is about $50,000. Instituting more secure systems would be more an investment in assuring clean water than saving the city money the representative mentioned.