East Palo Alto Municipal Code Ch. 15.44 Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control

Footnotes:

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Editor's note— Ord. No. 04-2021, § 1, adopted Oct. 19, 2021, repealed the former Ch. 15.44, §§ 15.44.010—15.44.100, and enacted a new Ch. 15.44 as set out herein. The former Ch. 15.44 was entitled "Backflow Prevention," and derived from Prior Code §§ 6-6.101—6-6.110.

This chapter shall be known as the "East Palo Alto Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control Ordinance." The purpose of this chapter is:

A. To describe the cross-connection control program implemented by the City of East Palo Alto and its contractors and partners to protect the public water supply against actual or potential contamination through cross-connection and backflow.

B. To protect the water system from the possibility of contamination or pollution by isolating within the customer's internal distribution system(s) or the customer's private water system(s) such contaminants or pollutants which could backflow into the public water systems.

C. To promote the elimination or control of existing cross-connections, actual or potential, between the customer's potable water system(s) and non-potable water systems, plumbing fixtures, and industrial piping system.

D. To provide for the maintenance of a continuing program of cross-connection control that will systematically and effectively prevent the contamination or pollution of all potable water systems.

(Ord. No. 04-2021, § 1, 10-19-2021)

The scope of the cross-connection control program includes all of the elements necessary to ensure compliance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 17, Public Health Sections 7583 through 7605, and any future state water resource control board requirements and regulations for cross-connection control. The City of East Palo Alto has a contract with the San Mateo County Environmental Health Services Division to implement this program, including compliance with required program personnel certifications, surveying of residential, industrial and commercial user facilities for potential cross-connection hazards, designation of appropriate backflow preventers, requirements for testers and testing of backflow prevention assemblies, and maintenance of records.

(Ord. No. 04-2021, § 1, 10-19-2021)

The following definitions describe those terms and phrases pertinent to the various elements of a cross-connection control program:

"ABPA" is an acronym for the American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA).

"Air Gap" means the unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere between the lowest opening from any pipe or faucet conveying water to a tank, plumbing fixture, receptor or other assembly and the flood level rim of the receptacle. These vertical physical separations must be at least twice the diameter of the water supply outlet, never less than one inch.

"Approved Backflow Prevention Assembly" means assemblies listed, and installed as prescribed, on the most current List of approved backflow prevention assemblies, published by the University of Southern California Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (USC Foundation), and meeting any additional requirements deemed necessary by the city or San Mateo County Environmental Health Services.

"Approved Water Supply" means any water supply whose potability is regulated by a state or local health agency.

"Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker Assembly" means an assembly that contains an air inlet valve, a check seat and air inlet port(s). A shutoff valve immediately upstream may be an integral part of the assembly, but there shall be no shutoff valves or obstructions downstream. The assembly shall not be subject to operating pressure for more than twelve (12) hours in any twenty-four (24) hour period.

"Auxiliary Water Supply" means any water supply on or available to the premises other than the approved water supply as delivered by the water purveyor to the service connection.

"AWWA" is an acronym for the American Water Works Association.

"Backflow" means a flow condition, caused by a differential in pressure, which causes the flow of water or other liquid, gases, mixtures or substances into the distributing pipes of a potable supply of water from any source or sources other than an approved water supply source. Back siphonage is one cause of backflow; back siphonage is caused by negative or reduced pressure in the supply piping. Back pressure is the other cause. Back flow is the undesirable reversal of flow in a potable water distribution system as a result of cross-connections.

"Backflow Preventer" means an approved assembly or means designed to prevent backflow.

"Certified Tester" means a person certified by AWWA or an approved equivalent certificate and authorized by San Mateo County Environmental Health Services to perform backflow prevention assembly testing.

"City" means the City of East Palo Alto.

"Contamination" means a degradation of the quality of the potable water by any foreign substance which creates a hazard to the public health, or which may impair the usefulness or quality of the water.

"County" means San Mateo County Environmental Health Services.

"Cross-Connection" means any unprotected actual or potential connection between a potable water system used to supply water for drinking purposes and any source or system containing unapproved water or a substance that is not or cannot be approved as safe, wholesome, and potable. By-pass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections, swivel or changeover devices, or other devices through which backflow could occur, shall be considered to be cross-connections.

"Cross-Connection—Control by Contaminant" means the installation of an approved backflow-prevention assembly at the water service connection to any customer's premises, where it is physically and economically unfeasible to find and permanently eliminate or control all actual or potential cross-connections within the customer's water system; or it means the installation of an approved back-flow prevention assembly on the service line leading to and supplying a portion of a customer's water system where there are actual or potential cross-connections that cannot be effectively eliminated or controlled at the point of the cross-connection.

"Cross-Connection—Controlled" means a connection between a potable water system and a non-potable water system with an approved backflow-prevention assembly properly installed and maintained so that it will continuously afford the protection commensurate with degree of hazard.

"Cross-Connection Control Specialist" means a person certified by the California-Nevada Section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA), or an approved equivalent certifying entity, to evaluate the hazards inherent in supplying a customer's water system.

"Customer" or "Responsible Party" means the person that either has applied for water service from the city, or the one who owns or controls water piping or fixtures served by the city water supply.

"Division" means the state water resources control board, division of drinking water.

"Double-Check Detector Assembly" (DCDA) has the meaning defined in the most recent edition of the University of Southern California, Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research, Manual on Cross-Connection Control.

"Double Check Valve Assembly" means an assembly that consists of two internally loaded check valves, either spring-loaded or internally weighted, installed as a unit between two tightly closed resilient-seated shutoff valves and equipped with properly located resilient-seated test cocks. This assembly shall only be used to protect against a non-health hazard (a pollutant). Devices must be manufactured in full conformance with the standards established by the American Water Works Association entitled "AWWA C506-78(R83)—Standards for Reduced Pressure Principle (RP) and Double Check Valve Backflow Prevention Devices (DC)" as referenced in 17 CCR § 7602.

"Double Check Valve Detector Assembly" shall mean an assembly that is a specially designed backflow assembly composed of a line-sized-approved double check valve assembly with a bypass containing a water meter and an approved double check valve assembly. The meter shall register accurately for only very low rates and is used to show unauthorized usage or leaks in the customer's system.

"DPW" means the City of East Palo Alto Department of Public Works.

"Facility" means any and all areas on a water user's property which are served or have the potential to be served by the public water system.

"Hose Bibb Vacuum Breaker" means a device that is permanently attached to a hose bibb and acts as an atmospheric vacuum breaker.

"Inspection Tag" means a current-calendar-year backflow tag purchased from San Mateo County Environmental Health Services.

"Person" means an individual, corporation, company, association, partnership, municipality, public utility, or other public body or institution.

"Pollution" means an impairment of the quality of the water to a degree which does not create a hazard to the public health, but which does adversely and unreasonably affect the aesthetic qualities of such waters for domestic use. Pollution causes impairment to the usefulness of water.

"Pressure Vacuum Breaker Assembly" means an assembly that contains one or two independently operated spring-loaded check valves and an independently operated spring-loaded air inlet valve located on the discharge side of the check or checks. It also includes two tightly closing shutoff valves on each side of the check valves and equipped with properly located resilient-seated test cocks.

"Public Water System" (PWS) means a system for the provision of water for human consumption through pipes or other constructed conveyances that has fifteen (15) or more service connections or regularly serves at least twenty-five (25) individuals daily at least sixty (60) days out of the year.

"Reduce Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly" means an assembly that consists of two independently acting approved check valves together with a hydraulically operating, mechanically independent pressure differential relief valve located between the check valves and below the first check valve. These units are located between two tightly closing resilient-seated shutoff valves as an assembly and equipped with properly located resilient-seated test cocks. Devices must be manufactured in full conformance with the standards established by the American Water Works Association entitled "AWWA C506-78(R83)—Standards for Reduced Pressure Principle (RP) and Double Check Valve Backflow Prevention Devices (DC)" as referenced in 17 CCR § 7602.

"Reduced Pressure Principle Detector Assembly" has the meaning defined in the most recent edition of the University of Southern California, Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research, Manual on Cross-Connection Control.

"Service Connection" means the point of connection of a facility's piping to the water supplier's facilities, usually considered the point at the outlet from the water meter.

"SWRCB" is an acronym for the state water resources control board.

"Water Supplier" means the person who owns or operates the approved water supply system.

"Water User" means any person obtaining water from an approved water supply system.

(Ord. No. 04-2021, § 1, 10-19-2021)

A. Administrative Authority. The city's department of public works is the administrative authority for the cross-connection control program. The authority to administer this program comes from California Code of Regulations Title 17 and any future state water resource control board requirements and regulations for cross-connection control; State of California, Public Utilities Commission Rule 16c; and State of California, State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water.

B. Program Administrator. The program administrator for the cross-connection control program is the city's public works director or designee. At a minimum, the program administrator must be at a supervisor capacity and must be a cross-connection specialist certified by ABPA or AWWA. The city has a contract with the county division through an agreement to implement portions of the program, as allowed by state law and regulations and any future SWRCB requirements. City and the city's water provider are ultimately responsible for the implementation of the program.

C. Cross-Connection Control Inspector and Tester. The city representative assigned to the inspection and survey of consumers to determine if backflow prevention is warranted shall be a cross-connection control specialist. The city employee or designee assigned to the testing of city-owned assemblies shall be a ABPA or AWWA certified tester as defined by San Mateo County Ordinance Code Section 4.72.080.

(Ord. No. 04-2021, § 1, 10-19-2021)

A. New Construction, Remodels and Tenant Improvements.

1. Residential (Single-Family, Duplexes and Multiple Family), Commercial, Industrial and Institutional.

a. Domestic Water. City may require an approved backflow prevention assembly to be installed on the facility as close as possible to the service connection. The assembly shall be a lead-free reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly. If it is determined that a backflow prevention assembly is required, the customer may also need to install a thermal expansion tank in accordance with the California Plumbing Code.

b. Irrigation System. City requires an approved backflow prevention assembly to be installed on the facility on the branch line serving an irrigation system. The assembly shall be a pressure vacuum breaker, reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly, or atmospheric pressure vacuum breaker as determined by the city.

c. Fire Suppression System. All facilities with an installed fire suppression system must have an approved backflow prevention assembly, excluding flow-through fire systems, on the branch line serving the fire suppression system. The assembly shall be a double check valve backflow prevention device, a double check detector assembly, a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly, or a reduced pressure principle detection assembly or as determined by the city. Flow-through fire protection systems shall be constructed with approved potable water piping and materials.

B. Fire Protection System. Except as noted below, a public water system must ensure its distribution system is protected with no less than double check detector assembly protection for a premises with a fire protection system.

1. A high hazard cross-connection fire protection system, including, but not limited to, fire protection systems that may utilize chemical addition (e.g., anti-freeze) or an auxiliary water supply, must have no less than a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly protection. An air gap is required for customers where the fire system is supplied from the public water system and interconnected with an unapproved auxiliary water supply.

C. Sewage and Hazardous Substances.

1. An air gap is required for facilities where there are waste water pumping and/or treatment plants and there is no interconnection with the potable water system. This does not include a single-family residence that has a sewage lift pump.

2. An air gap is required for facilities where hazardous substances are handled in any manner in which the substances may enter the potable water system. This does not include a single-family residence that has a sewage lift pump.

3. A reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly is required for facility's where there are irrigation systems into which fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides are, or can be, injected.

D. Auxiliary Water Supplies.

1. An air gap is required for facilities where there is an unapproved auxiliary water supply which is interconnected with the public water system.

2. A reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly is required for facilities where there is an unapproved auxiliary water supply and there are no interconnections with the public water system.

E. Recycled Water.

1. A reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly or another city-approved device that is in accordance with the SWRCB is required for facilities where the public water system is used to supplement the recycled water supply.

2. A reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly is required for facilities where recycled water is used and there is no interconnection with the potable water system.

F. Existing Service Connection. When it is determined in a survey by the city or county cross-connection control program specialist that an actual or potential cross-connection or backflow condition is present on an existing facility, the installation of an appropriate backflow preventer shall be required. Should an existing backflow prevention assembly be in place that does not meet the city's installation requirements, does not comply with this section, or does not provide adequate protection with the degree of hazard found on-site, the assembly shall be replaced or upgraded as required by the city, at the expense of the customer or responsible party.

(Ord. No. 04-2021, § 1, 10-19-2021)

A. Identification of Survey Candidates. City may identify specific industries that might pose an actual or potential backflow hazard to the public water supply. Some of these industries are identified from common lists of industries where cross-connections are likely to be found, as provided by the State of California, the USC Foundation, and other recognized organizations. From these lists, specific facilities in the city's service area may be identified by directories, mailing lists, associations, and business licenses.

B. Surveys may take the form of office surveys or field surveys. Office surveys may include determination of facility hazards based on business type or known water use on the facility. Office surveys could also include evaluation of responses to mailed or on-line surveys.

C. Procedures for surveying and retrofitting existing facilities and for plan review and inspection of new construction:

1. Backflow preventers are tested annually, and the city's contracted water system operator works with the county when devices are out of compliance or needs testing. City recognizes and follows all state, county, and other jurisdictional authorities' procedures and guidelines. New construction is analyzed on a case-by-case basis by city.

2. Existing backflows will be identified, and those backflows will be tested per state testing procedures, at least annually. Customers with noncompliance backflow systems will be notified as outlined in Section 15.44.100 and required to come into compliance.

3. Portable backflows must be tested annually and or retested when disconnected or removed from any approved location. Anyone connecting to the public water system, by hydrant, temporarily or other, must have an acceptable and approved backflow preventer assembly and or plan from city. If the device is moved from place to place it must be tested by a city-approved certified tester.

D. Field surveys may include evaluation of water use by observations made from public or private areas not on the subject facility, or physical inspection on all or a portion of the facility. When possible, a request to survey the facility shall be made at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance, and a date and time agreed upon with a responsible party. Should the request to survey be denied by a responsible party, notice shall be sent to the customer or responsible party directing installation of a lead-free reduced pressure principle backflow assembly, at the water meter, based on best available knowledge of the water use and potential hazards at the facility.

During the survey many factors are considered to determine if activities or water use on facility are or could be a potential hazard to the public water supply. Factors that may be considered include:

1. Alternative sources of water on-site (auxiliary water supplies).

2. Piping configurations on-site.

3. Uses of water on-site.

4. Types of water using equipment.

5. Condition of water using equipment.

6. Complexity and elevations of plumbing on-site, and the potential for alterations of that system.

7. Storage and use of hazardous materials on-site.

All the factors found and recorded during the survey shall be considered in the determination of the degree of potential hazard (degree of hazard) to the public water supply. This information shall be considered in the determination of the appropriate backflow preventer. The customer or responsible party shall be informed of the requirement to provide backflow protection and the type of backflow prevention assembly required in accordance with Title 17 of the California Regulations Related to Drinking Water or any future state water resource control board requirements and regulations for cross-connection control, or the direction of the San Mateo County Health Officer.

(Ord. No. 04-2021, § 1, 10-19-2021)

Location and Configuration of Backflow Assemblies. Backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed in accordance with Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 7603, and any future state water resource control board requirements and regulations for cross-connection control, and the most recent edition of the USC Foundation Manual. Any deviation from these requirements shall require the city's approval. Unless otherwise permitted by the city, all backflow preventers shall be installed on the customer's or responsible party's facility. A public water system must comply with the requirements of any future SWRCB cross-connection control regulations.

A. Air Gap Separation. The air gap separation shall be located as close as practical to the user's connection and all piping between the user's connection and the receiving tank shall be entirely visible unless otherwise approved. The DPW must ensure that air gap meets the requirements in Section 603.3.1 of the 2019 California Plumbing Code and any requirements in any future updates to the California Plumbing Code. The receiving water container must be located on the water user's premises at the water user's service connection unless an alternate location has been approved by the DPW. All piping between the water user's service connection and the discharge location of the receiving water container must be above finished grade and be accessible for visual inspection unless an alternative piping configuration is approved by the DPW. Any new air gap installation at a user service connection must be reviewed and approved by the SWRCB prior to installation.

B. Double Check Valve Assembly. A double check valve assembly and double check valve detector assembly shall be installed a minimum of twelve (12) inches above grade and not more than thirty-six (36) inches above grade measured from the bottom of the assembly in a manner where it is readily accessible for testing and maintenance. Below ground installation can be considered by the DPW if it determines no alternative options are available. A minimum of twelve (12) inches side clearance is required in a manner where the assembly is readily accessible for testing and maintenance, except that a minimum side clearance of twenty-four (24) inches must be provided on the side of the assembly that contains the test cocks. See Section 15.44.050 for fire protection and fire suppression system assembly requirements.

C. Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly. A reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly shall be installed a minimum of twelve (12) inches above grade, unless an alternative is approved by the DPW, and not more than thirty-six (36) inches above grade measured from the bottom of the assembly. With a minimum of twelve (12) inches side clearance in a manner where the assembly is readily accessible for testing and maintenance, except that a minimum side clearance of twenty-four (24) inches must be provided on the side of the assembly that contains the test cocks. See Section 15.44.050 for fire protection and fire suppression system assembly requirements.

D. Pressure Vacuum Breaker. A pressure vacuum breaker check valve assembly shall be installed a minimum of twelve (12) inches above all downstream piping and flood level rims of receptors and in a manner where it is readily accessible for testing and maintenance.

E. Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker. An atmospheric vacuum breaker check valve assembly shall be installed a minimum of six inches above all downstream piping and flood level rims of receptors and in a manner where it is readily accessible for testing and maintenance.

F. Spill-Resistant Pressure Vacuum Breakers Back-Siphonage Prevention Assembly. A spill-resistant pressure vacuum breaker must be installed a minimum of twelve (12) inches above all downstream piping.

G. Pressure vacuum breakers, spill-resistant vacuum breakers and double check valve assemblies may not be used for premises isolation.

H. Backflow Prevention Assembly Enclosures. A backflow prevention assembly enclosure, cage or locked bag may be required by city to be installed at the customer's expense, to combat against tampering, vandalism or theft. City may require that any enclosure, cage or locked bag be secured to a concrete slab and securely locked.

I. Backflow protection must be located at the water user's service connection unless one or more alternative locations have been approved by the DPW. If internal protection is provided the DPW must obtain access to the user premises and must ensure that the on-site protection meets the requirements of this chapter for installation, testing and inspections.

J. Each backflow prevention assembly and air gap separation must be accessible for field testing and maintenance.

K. Any deviation of installation from the descriptions provided shall require the city's approval prior to installation. All backflow prevention assembly installations shall be inspected by the city to ensure compliance with all relevant statutes, regulations, ordinances, and city requirements.

(Ord. No. 04-2021, § 1, 10-19-2021)

A. As required by the California Code of Regulations, Title 17 or any future SWRCB requirements and regulations for cross-connection control, the city shall assure that adequate maintenance and annual testing of backflow prevention assemblies are provided by the customer or responsible party, to ensure the proper operation of the assemblies. The customer or responsible party is ultimately responsible for the installation, testing, and maintenance of all required backflow prevention assemblies on or related to the customer's facility.

B. Certified Testers. No person shall test and/or make reports on backflow prevention assemblies to comply with this section unless he or she possesses a current certification issued by the county as defined in the county ordinance code. Additionally, testers must be approved by city.

C. Frequency of Testing. Backflow prevention assemblies shall be tested by a certified tester immediately after they are installed, relocated or repaired and not placed in service unless they are functioning as required. All backflow prevention assemblies shall be tested at least annually or more frequently if determined to be necessary by the city or county, in accordance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 17 or any future SWRCB requirements and regulations for cross-connection control, and San Mateo County Ordinance Code.

D. Fire Suppression System Backflow Preventer Testing.

1. Single-Family and Duplex Residential. Single-family and duplex residential fire suppression systems with an installed backflow prevention assembly shall be tested upon installation and annually thereafter.

2. Commercial, Industrial, Multiple-family.

a. Commercial, industrial, multiple-family fire suppression system backflow preventers must be tested annually by a certified tester.

b. If an existing fire suppression system backflow assembly is located in a vault, and has adequate physical clearance to test, it is considered "existing non-conforming" and approved for testing.

c. If an existing assembly fails the field test, the assembly must be repaired or replaced with an appropriate, approved backflow prevention assembly, installed to current city standards. If any failed assembly is currently in a vault, the assembly must be relocated above grade, to meet all current codes and city standards.

d. If an existing fire system does not have testable approved backflow prevention assembly the city shall require that a new appropriate assembly that meets all current codes be installed at customer or responsible party expense.

(Ord. No. 04-2021, § 1, 10-19-2021)

A. Testable backflow prevention assemblies shall be tested using current USC Foundation test procedures.

B. When a backflow prevention assembly is inspected and has passed the testing procedure, the certified tester shall immediately affix a numbered inspection tag to the assembly purchased from the county.

C. When a backflow prevention assembly fails the testing procedure, the certified tester shall immediately affix a "Failed" inspection tag to the assembly. Records of failed assembly tests shall be filed/submitted as directed within ten (10) days. The "Failed" inspection tag shall remain affixed to the assembly until the assembly is repaired, has passed the testing procedures and has been affixed with a numbered inspection tag.

D. Certified testers are solely responsible to comply with applicable municipal requirements for additional permits or licenses (i.e., local business license, plumbing permit, etc.) to test or repair backflow prevention assemblies within the city limits.

E. Procedures for handling backflow related complaints and emergencies:

1. The city water operator works closely with the county as part of its cross-connection control program regarding backflow prevention. Complaints may be sent to the city water operator and then the operator will coordinate with San Mateo County Environmental Health Services.

2. During emergencies contact the city water provider.

(Ord. No. 04-2021, § 1, 10-19-2021)

A. County has authority to take enforcement action as specified in the county ordinance code relating to backflow prevention, consistent with the agreement between the city and county. The city and city's water provider shall work with the county on enforcement. If the county is unable to reach the customer or responsible party, the city, with support from the city's water provider, will send a notice of violation by certified mail to the customer or responsible party.

B. Failure to comply with any requirement of this chapter may be cause for the discontinuance of water service. The program administrator shall give notice in writing of any violations of this chapter to the customer or responsible party. If appropriate action is not taken within ten (10) days after such notice has been mailed or delivered in person, the program administrator may discontinue delivery of water. However, if the program administrator or the health officer determines that the violation constitutes an immediate threat to the public health or safety or to the integrity of the public water system, the program administrator or the health officer may discontinue delivery of water immediately without prior notice; in such an instance, the program administrator or the health officer shall deliver notice of discontinuance as soon as practicable to the property owner and customer or responsible party. Delivery of water shall not be resumed until all required corrective actions have been made and certified as complete by the city or county.

C. All costs incurred by the city for discontinuance of water service and all fees associated with reinstating water service shall be paid by the customer or responsible party. Costs incurred by the county for inspections shall be paid by the customer or responsible party at the rate established by San Mateo County.

D. Any person found guilty of violating any provision of this chapter, or who bypasses or renders inoperative any backflow prevention assembly installed under the provisions of this chapter, shall be fined as follows:

1. A fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100.00) for the first violation;

2. A fine not exceeding two hundred dollars ($200.00) for a second violation within twelve (12) months;

3. A fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500.00) for each additional violation within twelve (12) months.

(Ord. No. 04-2021, § 1, 10-19-2021)

All reporting by the city required by this chapter shall be the responsibility of the program administrator. This includes any reports to local, state, and federal regulatory or health agencies.

(Ord. No. 04-2021, § 1, 10-19-2021)

A. Assembly Records. Records of assembly type, size, manufacturer, installation date, location, account number, customer or responsible party of record, and repair history shall be kept electronically or in hard copy form. Assembly records shall be kept for the life of the assembly by either the city or the county, as appropriate.

B. Testing Records. Test results on all assemblies shall be kept electronically or in hard copy form for a minimum of three years.

C. Backflow Incident Notification.

1. Each public water system must notify the SWRCB of any known incident of backflow within twenty-four (24) hours of the determination. If required by the state water board, a public water system must issue a tier 1 public notification pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Section 64463.1.

2. If required by the SWRCB, the public water system must submit, by a date specified by the SWRCB, a written incident report describing the nature and severity of the backflow or cross-connection incident, the actions taken by the public water system in response to the incident, and the follow up actions to prevent future incidents. The written report must contain, at a minimum, the information requested in the California State Water Resources Control Board Backflow Incident Report Form which can be found on the city website.

(Ord. No. 04-2021, § 1, 10-19-2021)

Education is a critical component to the control of backflow and cross-connection control. The city shall provide educational information on the backflow and cross-connection control program on the city website.

(Ord. No. 04-2021, § 1, 10-19-2021)

No person shall advertise locally by local means, sell, or offer for use or sale any water-treating chemical or substance, water-using or water-operated equipment, mechanism or contrivance which may cause contamination or pollution of the domestic water supply if not equipped with an approved backflow prevention device, unless such person states in such advertisement or at the time of such sale or offer that state law and this chapter may require such device in connection with the use of such chemical, substance, equipment, mechanism or contrivance.

(Ord. No. 04-2021, § 1, 10-19-2021)

Nothing in this chapter shall exempt any person from compliance with applicable requirements of the local plumbing codes.

(Ord. No. 04-2021, § 1, 10-19-2021)