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A backflow device prevents contamination of potable water sources. Image via wikipedia

published on September 10, 2018 - 1:06 PM
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The City of Parlier has agreed to reimburse childcare providers for wrongly requiring them to install a backflow device in their facilities.

A backflow prevention device is used to protect potable water supplies from contamination or pollution due to backflow in a plumbing system.

On Aug. 19, the City of Parlier reimbursed $22,000 to 16 family childcare providers for overcharging them to operate their licensed family childcare businesses.

“The issue was that local municipal codes here in Parlier require backflows in any of the businesses, and that was in conflict with a state law that normally exempts childcare facilities, even if it’s a home,” said Antonio Gastelum, finance director for the City of Parlier. “When that was brought to the city’s attention, they figured out a way to reimburse the installation expenses that any of those businesses had incurred to be compliant.”

Parlier had been requiring family child care providers to install backflow devices for more than three years, and the San Francisco-based Child Care Law Center contacted city officials on behalf of the child care providers to work out a compensation deal.

“By eliminating local fees and reimbursing residents, Parlier is prioritizing the needs of working families, children. and those who care for them,” said Laurie Furstenfeld, senior staff attorney at the Child Care Law Center. “We hope more cities will review their local ordinances to make sure they fall within state guidelines.” 

Only childcare businesses who kept receipts for the installation of a backflow device were able to be reimbursed.


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