The City's backflow software vendor, Tokay, was acquired by Aquatic Informatics, and the software will no longer be supported. We have been using Tokay for our backflow and commercial irrigation account management for over ten (10) years. With the advancements in software and technology, this gives us the unique opportunity to enter into an agreement to secure more advanced and wider ranging services offered by Aqua Backflow. This will allow us to better meet our needs and be compliant with current and future compliance measures from TCEQ. Aqua Backflow's services come at no cost to the City of Allen and instead are recouped from Backflow Testers and Irrigation Auditors when they upload their inspection results.
Each business is required to perform an irrigation audit once every three years. The costs associated for commercial irrigation audits is $24.95 per audit report. After three years the cost will go down to $9.95 per audit. The higher cost for the first three years is designed to absorb the $18,000 development costs for our commercial irrigation program software. Since the audits are required once every three (3) years, each program enrollee will pay the higher cost just one (1) time.
Additionally, businesses are required to perform a backflow test annually. The backflow test will cost $9.95 per test.
With 1,300 commercial irrigation accounts and approximately 8,500 backflow devices, 1,109 of which are considered high hazard backflow devices, Aqua Backflow will help us manage our growing need for compliant Cross Connection Control and Irrigation Audits. Aqua Backflow will tailor their services to meet our unique needs and specifications. All forms, educational material, and letters can be customized to the City of Allen's program. We always have full unlimited access to our data, histories, site notes, tests, and more via our included online portal. Unlimited utility users have 24/7/365 access to up-to-the minute 'live' data.
The City Water and Sewer Division will continue to be engaged in working with the backflow and irrigation inspection enrollees that fail to perform and submit the required inspections.