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Board advances first reading of cross-connection/backflow rules; directors warn of homeowner costs
Summary
The board approved first reading of an ordinance codifying the district's cross-connection control plan and backflow prevention rules; staff said required reduced-pressure (RP) devices will be required for pressure sewer pump connections and noted enforcement will be phased but could impose costs on some homeowners.
The McKinleyville Community Services District on May 6 approved the first reading of an ordinance that codifies the district’s Cross-Connection Control Plan submitted to the State Water Resources Control Board and adds backflow-prevention requirements to the district’s rules.
Key provisions: The proposed rule clarifies that reduced-pressure principle (RP) backflow prevention devices will be required where a pressure sewer pump or similar configuration creates a health hazard risk to the public water system. The ordinance also adopts written procedures for hazard assessments, recordkeeping, public outreach and use of certified cross-connection control specialists and testers.
Board discussion and resident impact: Directors and staff discussed the practical impacts of requiring RP devices and requiring that certain devices be brought above ground to simplify testing and maintenance. Staff and directors acknowledged trade-offs: bringing devices above ground reduces maintenance time and testing difficulty but can increase upfront costs for property owners (installation, hard piping, possible pressure-boost pumps for high-elevation customers). Staff emphasized phased enforcement tied to device replacement, repairs or failure dates documented in the district’s plan submitted to the state.
Operational notes: The district’s operations staff will continue to perform testing at cost; the plan assumes certified private testers will enter the market to perform required annual tests. Directors asked staff to plan outreach to likely-affected customers, and staff noted the State review of the CCCP may take months but when approved the district must enforce according to the plan.
What’s next: This was the first reading; the ordinance is scheduled to return for a second reading and potential adoption at a future meeting. Staff will prepare outreach materials and a phased schedule for compliance to mitigate near‑term financial impacts on residents.
