Placer County moves to require backflow-prevention devices in Sheridan water system, approves $36,000 budget to start program

Placer County supervisors on Oct. 14 introduced and waived the oral reading of an ordinance that adds a cross-connection control program to the county code for its two county-operated public water systems and approved a $36,000 budget amendment for Sheridan Water to cover initial device installations.

Regulatory background: County staff said the California State Water Resources Control Board adopted a cross-connection control policy handbook effective July 1, 2024, and compliance is mandatory for all California public water systems. The policy requires standards to prevent non-potable sources from contaminating public drinking-water distribution systems.

Local implementation: Placer County operates two public water systems: Sheridan (about 198 connections) and a small Truckee system (about 9 connections serving county facilities near Eastern Regional Landfill). Staff estimate approximately 5 to 13 Sheridan properties may require installation of a backflow-prevention assembly. The board approved a Sheridan Water Zone of Benefit budget amendment (AM-01247) for $36,000 and cancellation of $36,000 reserves to cover expected initial costs.

Administration and costs: County staff said ongoing testing and maintenance of required assemblies will be managed by the county water system and absorbed into the Sheridan Water budget; staff also said there will be state reporting requirements for testing results.

Board action: The board moved to introduce the ordinance adding chapter 13, article 13.10 to Placer County Code to give the county authority to implement and enforce a cross-connection program and to relocate Sheridan fee schedule references; supervisors approved the budget amendment during the same vote.

Next steps: Staff will return the ordinance for further hearing and adopt rules and fee schedules as needed to implement and enforce backflow prevention requirements and testing.