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State Water Board adopts limited updates to Cross Connection Control Policy Handbook, schedules further public workshop
Summary
The State Water Resources Control Board on June 17 adopted a resolution that updates portions of the Cross Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCPH), approving staff recommendations that include extending several compliance deadlines and aligning handbook language with the California Plumbing Code.
The State Water Resources Control Board on June 17 adopted a resolution that updates portions of the Cross Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCPH), approving staff recommendations that include extending several compliance deadlines and aligning handbook language with the California Plumbing Code.
Board Chair Joaquin Esquivel called the item and staff from the Division of Drinking Water presented the proposed changes. Zach Rounds and Loreen (Loreen) Tan explained the amendments and public‑comment record: the board adopted the resolution by roll call vote; board members Nicole Morgan, Laurel Firestone, Vice Chair Doreen D'Adamo and Chair Esquivel each voted “Aye.”
Nut graf: The amendments adopted June 17 are narrowly focused: initial hazard assessment deadlines for noncommunity public water systems will be extended to July 1, 2027, certification requirements for testers and specialists will be postponed to July 1, 2026, and handbook wording will be adjusted to match the California Plumbing Code on air‑gap distances and reduced‑pressure (RP) assembly language. Staff recorded 11 public comments, most supporting the deadline extensions; one comment opposed a change to backflow prevention installation language but staff said their proposal matches the plumbing code.
In the presentation, staff outlined six specific proposed changes: extend the initial hazard assessment deadline for noncommunity systems to 07/01/2027; postpone certification requirement effective date for testers/specialists to 07/01/2026; correct a conjunction in hazard reassessment triggers; align certification language with ISO/ANSI recognition; align air‑gap distances and RP assembly language with the California Plumbing Code; and revise wording for public water system alternatives for maximum height. Staff also described an out‑of‑scope set of public comments that prompted plans for a fall workshop to address fire sprinkler protection, auxiliary water sources (private wells), and use of ANSI‑equivalent certifying bodies that meet ISO 17024.
Public commenters included Megan Murphy of the California Municipal Utilities Association, who thanked staff and requested resources for a broader handbook revision effort, and Tom Inslow of the California State Pipe Trades Council, who supported deadline extensions but urged expedited recognition of the ASSE certification application (ASSE had applied for state recognition in February 2024). Rounds told the board ASSE recognition was “imminent this week.”
Ending: The board adopted the resolution by roll call vote; staff will file the final CCPH changes, issue a guidance document on protection for fire sprinkler systems by the end of the month, and plan a fall board workshop to consider broader handbook revisions and alternatives raised in public comment.
