HB25-1077 updates Colorado’s rules for work on backflow prevention devices, which are used to keep contaminated water from flowing back into potable water systems. The bill narrows an existing licensure exemption so that people who install, remove, inspect, test, or repair these devices generally remain subject to licensure, while preserving an exception for installation or replacement on stand-alone fire suppression sprinkler systems. It also adds new tagging and documentation requirements for service work performed on backflow prevention devices.
Beginning July 1, 2025, licensed plumbers who install, test, inspect, repair, or reinstall a backflow prevention device must affix a tag identifying the business, contractor registration or master plumber license number, date of service, and description of the work. A separate provision applies to certified cross-connection control technicians and licensed plumbers with that certification when they test or repair devices, requiring similar tags plus the technician’s ASSE or ABPA certification number. The bill defines key terms such as ASSE, ABPA, certified cross-connection control technician, and licensed plumber with cross-connection control certification.
Impact
The bill amends Colorado Revised Statutes sections in the plumbing licensing article and the water quality/cross-connection control article. In practice, it reinforces licensing oversight for backflow prevention device work, creates a paper trail for service performed on those devices, and standardizes information that must be left on the device after service. It does not require the Department of Public Health and Environment or the commission to conduct inspections or enforce the new section, and it expressly states that it does not affect other provisions in the same article.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad bipartisan support and moved through both chambers unanimously in the recorded votes. Committee and floor actions show no recorded opposition, and the Senate committee recommended it for the consent calendar, suggesting it was viewed as a technical or noncontroversial public-safety measure. The safety clause also indicates the legislature treated the bill as important for immediate effect.
Contention
There is little visible contention in the available record. The main policy choice is whether to keep licensure requirements broad for backflow prevention work while carving out a limited exception for stand-alone fire suppression sprinkler systems. Another practical issue is the shift of responsibility to service providers through tagging requirements, without assigning active inspection or enforcement duties to the state health department, which may reflect a preference for industry self-documentation over new regulatory enforcement. No specific stakeholder opposition is reflected in the votes or transcripts provided.
An Act Concerning The Department Of Public Health's Recommendations Regarding Subsurface Sewage Enforcement Officers, Water Operator Apprentices And Various Revisions To The Environmental Health And Drinking Water Statutes.
Relating to the access to and use of certain criminal history record information, to the procedure for obtaining that information, and to the correct terminology for certain licenses the issuance of which requires a criminal history background check.
Relating to the access to and use of certain criminal history record information, to the procedure for obtaining that information, and to the correct terminology for certain licenses the issuance of which requires a criminal history background check.