MOORESVILLE, N.C.,None — A new rule to protect public health has Mooresville business owners shelling out money.
To keep public water clean, Mooresville is requiring its 1,700 business owners to install a backflow preventer.
Deputy Town Manager Ryan Rase said the concern is that wastewater from commercial properties can get into the public supply during low-pressure periods, such as when firefighters use hydrants or a water line breaks.
When customers turn on their faucets, they could drink chemicals, he said.
"It could make you very sick, put you in the hospital or cause the worst case of death," Rase said.
City leaders are enforcing the 2007 federal mandate first near Williamson Road.
The city sent out four letters outlining the new rules.
As of Wednesday, all but 10 homeowners associations had complied.
If they do not comply by Feb. 13, the city will shut off their water.
"We've got to have a hammer that makes everybody comply," Rase said.
The equipment will cost business owners between $400 and $800, but it will be more expensive in Mooresville's downtown because the Main Street buildings are older and so close together.
"If the government is going to force you to do something, they should be willing to pay for it," said property owner Robert Brawley.
Brawley does not believe the hair salon in his building could cause any public threat.
"It sounds to me like some environmentalist was able to raise an issue and were successful," he said.
"I could see some businesses that have a discharge but not us we're an office," said Chick Pless, owner of Pless-Haire Insurance Agency.
Pless does not agree either, but he and Brawley said they will follow the law because it's the law.
City officials want to have all businesses in compliance by the fall of this year.