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Board to highlight cross-connection risks in DVWS newsletter after Contra Costa Water input
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Summary
Board members agreed to strengthen newsletter messaging about cross connections and coordinating language with Contra Costa Water District; they discussed mailing timing, use of postcards, privacy limits on customer identification, and including capital improvements in the newsletter.
The Diablo Vista Advisory Board discussed content and timing for the annual Diablo Vista Water System newsletter and agreed to emphasize education about cross connections. Clerk/Staff said they are drafting the newsletter, which typically goes out in April, and will circulate a draft to the board for review.
An agency official urged a stronger message about “way too many cross connections now,” saying cross connections can backfeed into the system and complicate repairs. Clerk/Staff said Contra Costa Water District will provide language to include and suggested the material could be a one-page spread or a front-page highlight. Board members discussed whether a separate postcard focused on cross-connection precautions might be more effective than the newsletter alone.
Board members also debated privacy and identification methods: staff noted that Contra Costa Water District and backflow vendors may have data about which houses have backflow devices, but that privacy concerns limit direct sharing. Members suggested billing or meter records could flag likely cross-connection properties for targeted outreach. The board agreed staff would send a draft newsletter to members for review before mailing and to include notice of scheduled maintenance (including planned system start-up and flow-meter work) as appropriate.
The board’s communications planning aims to balance clear public-safety messaging with privacy and operational constraints; staff will follow up with Contra Costa Water District and circulate the draft newsletter for final input.
