Letter: City makes a mess of backflow test letters

Published 6:15 am Thursday, May 18, 2023

To the Editor:

Once again, the city of John Day is making someone else handle the duties of the city. Residents were mailed a letter regarding backflow testing services.

The letter states that city records indicate that I have a device that requires backflow testing and the city no longer provides this service. The letter refers me to a Union County company to set up an appointment to have this service completed.

I was sure I had no backflow device, but I called anyway only to find that the city mailed this letter to everyone on city water. This placed a burden not only on the residents of John Day, but also the independent company in Union County. This company should not have to field phone calls just to tell everyone they don’t actually need a service from them.

The public works department knows who they did backflow testing for in the past. Only these people should have received this letter.

Shame on you, John Day, for making someone else do your job. Not to mention the additional cost associated with letterhead, envelopes and postage.

Michael Kemper

John Day