Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Water Quality topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Milpitas introduces backflow‑prevention ordinance to meet state cross‑connection policy; up to 2,900 services affected
Summary
Council introduced an ordinance to bring Milpitas into compliance with the state’s 2023 cross‑connection control policy. Staff estimates roughly 2,900 services could be affected over time; hazardous assessments for existing connections must be submitted by June 30, 2027.
The city introduced an ordinance on June 9 to align Milpitas code with the California State Water Resources Control Board’s 2023 cross‑connection control policy. City officials said the changes are intended to protect drinking‑water quality by standardizing hazard assessments, testing, and backflow‑assembly installations.
City Engineer Michael Sea explained that state law requires suppliers to implement a cross‑connection control program. The proposed amendments broaden local requirements to include recycled‑water services, require that certified testers be on the city’s approved list, and require customers and testers to notify the city of failed tests or cross‑connection incidents.
Sea told the council preliminary inventories show about 2,300 services already have assemblies that are tested annually; staff identified an unverified inventory that includes roughly 336 fire services with single check assemblies, about 255 recycled‑water services and about 850 single‑family homes with fire‑sprinkler systems. Staff anticipates that approximately 600 of 1,400 existing services will ultimately require new or upgraded assemblies when the policy is fully implemented.
Under the draft schedule presented to council, customers with existing devices must submit a hazard assessment by June 30, 2027. Certain single check assemblies and below‑grade devices that cannot be tested will be phased out; the policy requires additional protections for fire service connections and recycled‑water interfaces. Staff noted the state has not provided funding for the mandate and said they will continue to look for grants and will consider recommendations to help offset customer expenses if the council directs.
Council introduced the ordinance by title, waived additional reading and directed staff to continue customer outreach and inventory verification. The city will return with final adoption language and outreach materials for affected property owners.
What’s next: Staff will complete the inventory and hazard‑assessment outreach, identify sites that require upgrades, and recommend potential financial assistance options to council if directed.
