Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council introduces ordinance to comply with state cross-connection rules; staff warns retrofits could cost homeowners thousands
Summary
The council introduced an ordinance to establish legal authority for a cross-connection control program required by the state; staff estimates about 3,000 residences may need backflow protection at an estimated $7,000–$12,000 each, and some commercial sites $10,000–$40,000.
City utilities staff introduced a first-reading ordinance on Nov. 6 to establish Manhattan Beach—s cross-connection control program required under recent state rules and to provide the city legal authority to enforce corrective actions.
Utilities manager Jeff Page told council that the state amended rules effective July 1, 2024 require jurisdictions to submit a cross-connection control plan by July 1, 2025 and to have properties in compliance by July 1, 2034. The program will include property hazard assessments, a registry of required backflow-prevention assemblies and annual testing.
Page said preliminary city records indicate some 3,000 residential properties with fire-sprinkler systems may lack backflow devices; retrofit costs are projected at approximately $7,000 to $12,000 per residence. Commercial and industrial costs are more variable; Page estimated roughly 317 commercial or industrial properties may need devices at costs from $10,000 to $40,000 depending on pipe size and installation complexity.
"A comprehensive cross-connection control program provides for public health protection," Page said, citing federal public-health authorities that link cross connections and backflow to waterborne disease risks. He also said the ordinance is the framework; staff will return with a detailed plan and timeline, outreach and potential avenues for grant assistance.
Several council members expressed concern about the potential cost to homeowners and businesses and asked staff for specifics on inspection processes, enforcement approaches and possible funding/assistance. Page said enforcement could include water shutoff for properties that pose an imminent hazard and that staff will propose timelines and compliance priorities based on risk.
Council introduced the ordinance for first reading and directed staff to return with the detailed cross-connection control plan and implementation options for council review before state submittal in 2025.
