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Simi Valley water district introduces cross-connection control plan and ordinance to tighten backflow prevention rules
Summary
Following new State Water Board regulations, staff presented a cross-connection control plan and introduced Ordinance WWD-19 to require hazard assessments, certified testing, annual reporting and legal authority to enforce backflow prevention; the board moved to approve the plan and introduce the ordinance.
The board of directors of Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8 (the city council serving in that capacity) held a public hearing Sept. 15 and introduced Ordinance WWD-19 to implement a cross-connection control plan aimed at preventing backflow contamination of the potable water distribution system.
Public works director Ron Fichiwaki explained that a “cross connection” is an interconnection between a potable water source and any nonpotable source that could allow contaminants to enter the public system if pressure reverses. “Backflow is [a] contaminant or pollutant introduced through a cross connection that occurs when the non-potable contaminant source is at a greater pressure than the potable water distribution system,” Fichiwaki said. He told the board the State Water Resources Control Board recently adopted regulations requiring public water systems to implement plans and legal authority to protect drinking-water distribution systems.
The proposed WWD-19 would replace Ordinance WWD-18 and requires hazard assessments, use of certified testers and specialists, designation of a program coordinator, incident reporting for backflow events, public outreach and education, and legal authority to deny or discontinue service for noncompliance. Fichiwaki said the plan also requires annual reporting to the state and coordination with local partners. He told the board that device maintenance and testing are the responsibility of property owners and businesses and that annual AWWA-certified testing will be required.
Councilmember Ruth Litster asked about the cost and staffing implications; staff said the program could be supported by contracting with certified specialists or by building in-house capacity, with implementation timing and staffing to be addressed through midyear or next-year budget processes. Staff also said there are civil remedies and the authority to discontinue service if required under the new plan.
There were no public speakers on the item. Following the hearing, the board voted to approve the cross-connection control plan and introduce Ordinance WWD-19; the hearing was closed and the item advanced. The ordinance replaces WWD-18 and establishes the legal authority needed to implement the state-required program.
The motion to approve the plan and introduce the ordinance passed unanimously.
