Oxnard introduces updated backflow-prevention ordinance; city to extend notice lead time for annual tests

The Oxnard City Council on Feb. 3 introduced and waived first reading of an ordinance updating the city code governing cross-connection control and backflow prevention standards.

Public Works Director Michael Wolf and Wastewater Division manager Chris Payton explained the ordinance updates and the practical effects on owners of backflow prevention devices. A member of the public, Ronald Aruejo, said the city’s annual testing notice window sometimes leaves customers too little time to schedule testing with private testers and can result in late fees. Staff said the timing of the annual notice was an internal standard, not set in the ordinance, and agreed to expand the lead time (staff indicated they could move annual notices to roughly 45 days in advance) to reduce scheduling stress for ratepayers.

Council unanimously approved introduction and waiver of first reading, instructing Public Works to revise internal mailing practices to give customers more notice for annual backflow testing. The ordinance establishes enforcement steps for failed tests and clarifies recordkeeping and tester-report submission requirements, while the operational change will be handled through Public Works’ standard operating procedures.