Oceanside Municipal Code Art. IX Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention

(a) The purpose of this ordinance is:

(1) To protect the public water supply against actual and potential cross-connection by isolating within the premises contamination that may occur because of some undiscovered or unauthorized cross-connection on the premises;

(2) To eliminate existing connections between drinking water systems and other sources of water that are not approved as safe and potable for human consumption;

(3) To eliminate cross-connections between drinking water systems and sources of contamination;

(4) To prevent the making of cross-connections in the future;

(5) To protect the health and welfare of the citizens of [the] city; and

(6) To maintain the backflow prevention program by administering an inspection and testing program of backflow prevention assemblies installed at the meter.

(b) These regulations are adopted pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 7583) and Article 2 (commencing with Section 7601) of Group 4 of Subchapter 1 of Chapter 5 of Division 1 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations. It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation at any time (i) to make or maintain or cause to be made or maintained, temporarily or permanently, for any period of time whatsoever, any cross-connection between plumbing pipes or water fixtures being served with water by the city water system and any other source of water supply; or (ii) to maintain any sanitary fixture or other source of water supply or to maintain any sanitary fixture or other appurtenances or fixtures which by reason of their construction may cause or allow backflow of water or other substances into the city water system.

(Ord. No. 18-OR0118-1, § 2, 3-28-2018)

For the purposes of this ordinance, the following words and phrases have the following meanings:

ABPA means American Backflow Prevention Association.

Air-gap separation (AG) means a physical break between a supply pipe and a receiving vessel. The air-gap shall be at least double the diameter of the supply pipe measured vertically above the top rim of vessel, no less than one inch.

Approved backflow prevention assembly means an assembly or physical separation that has been designed specifically for preventing the backflow of water/liquid, gas from entering the system, which has passed laboratory and field evaluation tests performed by a recognized testing organization which has demonstrated its competency to the California Department of Health Services.

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

ASSE means American Society of Sanitary Engineers.

Auxiliary supply means any water supply on or available to the premises other than the city water supply.

AWWA means American Water Works Association.

AWWA standard means an official standard developed and approved by the American Water Works Association (AWWA).

Backflow means a flow condition, caused by a differential in pressure, that causes the flow of water or other liquids, gases, mixtures or substances into the distributing pipes of a potable supply of water from any source other than an approved water supply. Back siphonage or back pressure are causes of backflow.

City water system means the source facilities and distribution system under the control of the city water utilities department up to and including the meter.

Consumer's water system means and includes all facilities beyond the service meter. The system or systems may include both potable and nonpotable water systems.

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.

Cross-connection, as used in this chapter, 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 as safe, wholesome, and potable. Bypass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections, swivel or changeover assemblies, or other assemblies through which backflow could occur, shall be considered to be cross-connections.

Double check detector check assembly (DCDA) is a backflow prevention assembly consisting of a line size double check valve assembly in parallel with a detector meter and water size double check valve assembly. Each double check valve assembly is to be equipped with properly located test cocks and a tightly closing shut-off valve at the end of the assembly.

Double check valve assembly (DCA) means an assembly of at least two (2) independently acting check valves including tightly closing shut-off valves on each side of the check valve assembly and test cocks available for testing the water tightness of each check valve.

Hazard, degree of hazard is derived from an evaluation of the potential risk to public health and the adverse effect of the hazard upon the potable water system; it includes "health hazard", "plumbing hazard", "pollution hazard" and "system hazard":

(1) Health hazard is any condition, assembly, or practice in the water supply system and its operation which could create, or in the judgment of the division, county, or state health official, may create a danger to the health and well being of the water consumer.

(2) Plumbing hazard is a plumbing type cross-connection in a consumer's potable water system that has not been properly protected by an approved air-gap or approved backflow prevention assembly.

(3) Pollutional hazard is an actual or potential threat to the physical properties of the water system or to the potability of the public or the consumer's potable water system, and which would constitute a nuisance or be aesthetically objectionable or could cause damage to the system or its appurtenances, but would not be dangerous to health.

(4) System hazard is an actual or potential threat of severe damage to the physical properties of the public potable water system of the consumer's potable water system or of a pollution or contamination which would have a protracted effect on the quality of the potable water in the system.

Health agency refers to the California Department of Health Services.

Local health agency refers to the county or city health authority.

Passive purge system a passive purge system in plumbing primarily involves connecting a designated water fixture (like a toilet) to a fire sprinkler system. This connection ensures that regular use of the fixture flushes fresh water through the fire sprinkler piping, preventing stagnant water and maintaining water quality.

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

Pollution means the presence of any foreign substance (organic, inorganic, or biological) in water which tends to degrade its quality so as to constitute a hazard or impair the usefulness or quality of the water to a degree which does not create an actual hazard to the public health but which does adversely and unreasonably affect such waters for domestic use.

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

Public water system means a system for the provision of piped water to the public for human consumption which has five (5) or more service connections or regularly serves an average of twenty-five (25) individuals daily at least sixty (60) days out of the year.

Reclaimed water means wastewater which as a result of treatment is suitable for uses other than potable use.

Recycled water. See reclaimed water.

Reduced pressure detector check assembly (RPDCA) means a backflow prevention assembly consisting of a line-size reduced pressure principle assembly in parallel with a detector meter and meter-size reduced pressure principle assembly. Each reduced pressure principle assembly is to be equipped with properly located test cocks and a tightly closing shut-off valve at each end of the assembly.

Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly(RPA) means an assembly incorporating two (2) or more check valves and an automatically operating differential relief valve located between the two (2) check valves, a tightly closing shut-off valve on each side of the check valve assembly, and equipped with necessary test cocks for testing.

Service connection refers to the point of connection of a user's piping to the city's facilities.

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

(Ord. No. 18-OR0118-1, § 2, 3-28-2018; Ord. No. 25-OR0596-1, § 1, 10-15-2025)

(a) General provisions.

(1) Unprotected cross-connections with the public water supply are prohibited.

(2) Whenever backflow protection has been found necessary, the city will require the water user to install an approved backflow prevention assembly by and at his or her expense for continued services or before a new service will be granted.

(3) Wherever backflow protection has been found necessary on a water supply line entering a water user's premises, then any and all water supply lines from the city's mains entering such premises, buildings, or structures shall be protected by an approved backflow prevention assembly. The type of assembly to be installed will be in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.

(b) Where protection is required.

(1) Each service connection from the city water system for supplying water to premises having an auxiliary water supply shall be protected against backflow of water from the premises into the public water system unless the auxiliary water supply is accepted as an additional source by the city, and is approved by the public health agency having jurisdiction.

(2) Each service connection from the city water system for supplying water to any premises on which any substance is handled in such fashion as to allow its entry into the water system shall be protected against backflow of the water from the premises into the public system. This shall include the handling of process waters and waters originating from the city water system which have been subjected to deterioration in sanitary quality.

(3) Backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed on the service connection to any premises having:

a. Internal cross-connection that cannot be permanently corrected and controlled to the satisfaction of the state or local health department and the city, or

b. Intricate plumbing and piping arrangements or where entry to all portions of the premises is not readily accessible for inspection purposes, making it impractical or impossible to ascertain whether or not cross-connections exist.

(c) Type of protection required.

(1) All industrial, commercial, agricultural and irrigation services shall be protected with a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly (RPA),

(2) An approved double check detector check assembly shall be provided for all private fire services.

(3) If an auxiliary water source is used for fire service, then a reduced pressure detector check assembly will be required.

(4) All temporary construction meters shall be protected with an RPA assembly.

(5) All properties that have a well on site must have an RPA assembly on all water services to the property.

(6) All single-family residences with fire sprinklers systems installed must have a passive purge system installed on their water system, on a designated fixture, such as a toilet.

(7) The type of protection that shall be provided to prevent backflow into the approved water supply shall be commensurate with the degree of hazard that exists on the consumer's premises. The type of protective assembly that may be required (listing in an increasing level of protection) includes: double check valve assembly (DC), reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly (RPA), and an air-gap separation (AG). The water user may choose a higher level of protection than required by the city. The minimum types of backflow protection required to protect the approved water supply, at the user's water connection to premises with varying degrees of hazard are given below. Situations which are not covered below shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and the appropriate backflow protection shall be determined by the city or health agency.

(d) Type of backflow protection required:

(1) Sewage and hazardous substances.

a. Premises where the public water system is used to supplement the reclaimed water supply will use an air gap separation.

b. Premises where reclaimed water is used and there is no interconnection with the potable water system will use an air gap separation. This does not include a single-family residence that has a sewage lift pump. An RPA may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by the health agency and the city.

c. Premises where hazardous substances are handled in any manner in which the substances may enter a potable water system will use an air gap separation. This does not include a single-family residence that has a sewage lift pump. An RPA may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by the health agency and the city.

d. Premises where there are irrigation systems into which fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides, are, or can be, injected will use a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly.

(2) Auxiliary water supplies.

a. Premises where there is an unapproved auxiliary water supply which is interconnected with the public water system will use an air gap separation. An RPA may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by the health agency and the city.

b. Premises where there is an unapproved auxiliary water supply and there are no interconnections with the public water system will use a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly. A DC may be provided in lieu of an RPA if approved by the health agency and the city.

(e) Fire protection systems.

(1) Premises where the fire system is directly supplied from the public water system and there is an unapproved auxiliary water supply on or to the premises (not interconnected) will use a double check detector check assembly.

(2) Premises where the fire system is supplied from the public water system and interconnected with an unapproved auxiliary water supply will use an air gap separation. An RPA may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by the health agency and the city.

(3) Premises where the fire system is supplied from the public water system and where either elevated storage tanks or fire pumps which take suction from the private reservoirs or tanks are used will use a double check detector check assembly.

(4) Premises where a fire system is interconnected with more than one (1) service connection from the city water system and no other system hazard exists will use a double check detector check assembly.

(f) Other systems.

(1) Premises where a booster pump is required on the service connection line injected will use a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly.

(2) Premises where there is a repeated history of cross-connections being established or reestablished will use a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly.

(3) Premises where there is intricate plumbing and piping arrangements or where entry to all portions of the premises is restricted or not easily accessible for inspection purposes, making it impossible to ascertain whether or not cross-connections exist, will use a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly.

(Ord. No. 18-OR0118-1, § 2, 3-28-2018; Ord. No. 25-OR0596-1, § 2, 10-15-2025)

(a) Approved backflow prevention assemblies.

(1) Only backflow prevention assemblies approved by the California Department of Health Services shall be acceptable for installation by a water user connected to the city's potable water system.

(2) The city will provide, upon request, to any affected customer a list of approved backflow prevention assemblies.

(b) Backflow prevention assembly installation.

(1) Backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed in a manner prescribed in Section 7603, Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations. Location of the assemblies should be as close as practical to the user's connection. The city shall have the final authority in determining the required location of a backflow prevention assembly. Approved backflow prevention assemblies shall be protected when necessary from extreme weather or site conditions that could cause physical damage to or malfunction of the backflow prevention assembly.

a. Air-gap separation (AG). The air-gap separation shall be located on the user's side of and as close to the service connection as is practical. All piping from the service connection to the receiving tank shall be above grade and be entirely visible. No water use shall be provided from any point between the service connection and the air-gap separation. The water inlet piping shall terminate a distance of at least two (2) pipe diameters of the supply inlet, but in no case less than one inch above the overflow rim of the receiving tank.

b. Reduced pressed principle backflow prevention assembly (RPA). The approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly shall be installed on the user's side of and as close to the service connection as is practical. The assembly shall be installed a minimum of twelve (12) inches above the grade and not more than thirty-six (36) inches above grade measured from the bottom of the assembly and with a minimum of twelve (12) inches side clearance. The assembly should be installed so that it is readily accessible for maintenance and testing.

(c) Backflow prevention assembly testing and maintenance.

(1) The owners of any premises on which, or on account of which, backflow prevention assemblies are installed, shall have the assemblies tested by a person who has demonstrated his or her competency on testing of these assemblies to the city. Backflow prevention assemblies must be tested at least annually and immediately after installation, relocation or repair. The city may require a more frequent testing schedule if it is deemed to be necessary. No assembly shall be placed back in service unless it is functioning as required. A report in a form acceptable to the city shall be filed each time an assembly is tested, relocated, or repaired. These assemblies shall be serviced, overhauled, or replaced whenever they are found to be defective, and all costs of testing, repair, and maintenance shall be borne by the water user.

(2) The city will supply affected water users with a list of persons acceptable to the city to test backflow prevention assemblies. The city will notify affected customers by mail when annual testing of an assembly is needed and also supply users with the necessary forms which must be filled out each time an assembly is tested or repaired.

(Ord. No. 18-OR0118-1, § 2, 3-28-2018)

(a) The following are minimum requirements:

(1) Each testing company shall have a city business license.

(2) Applicants shall have had at least two (2) years' experience in plumbing or pipe fitting or equivalent qualifications and hold a valid certification from one of the following agencies: American Water Works Association California-Nevada Section (AWWA), American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA), American Society of Sanitary Engineers (ASSE).

(3) Each applicant shall be responsible for the competency and accuracy of all test and reports prepared.

(4) Applicants shall annually provide the city water utilities department a copy of their test gauge calibration report and a copy of their current city business license.

(5) Backflow testers shall submit their test results via the web-based backflow test entry platform. A user ID and password will be assigned to each testing company by the city water utilities department prior to use. If assembly information has changed or it is a new installation, the tester must mail in the completed test form with corrections to the city water utilities department.

(6) Testers may be removed from the city approved tester list if any of the following conditions apply:

a. Business license expires, tester certificate expires, gauge calibration expires.

b. Improper testing or repairs.

c. Falsifying documents.

d. Failure to enter completed tests reports online.

(b) Water system survey.

(1) The city will review all requests for new services to determine if backflow protection is needed. Plans and specifications must be submitted to the city upon request for review of possible cross-connection hazards as a condition of service for new service connections. If it is determined that a backflow prevention assembly is necessary to protect the public water system, the required assembly must be installed before service will be granted.

(2) The city may require an on-premises inspection to evaluate cross-connection hazards. The city will transmit a written notice requesting an inspection appointment to each affected water user. Any customer who cannot or will not allow an on-premise inspection of their piping system shall be required to install the backflow prevention assembly the city considers necessary.

(3) The city may require a re-inspection for cross-connection hazards of any premises to which it serves water. The city will transmit a written notice requesting an inspection appointment to each affected water user. Any customer who cannot or will not allow an on-premise inspection of their piping system shall be required to install the backflow prevention assembly the city considers necessary.

(c) Customer notification—Assembly installation.

(1) The city will notify the water user of the survey findings, listing corrective action to be taken if required. A period of sixty (60) days will be given to complete all corrective action required including installation of backflow prevention assemblies.

(2) A second notice will be sent to each water user who does not take the required corrective action prescribed in the first notice within the sixty (60) day period allowed. The second notice will give the water user a two (2) week period to take the required corrective action. If no action is taken within the two (2) week period the city may terminate water service to the affected water user until the required corrective actions are taken.

(d) Customer notification—Testing and maintenance.

(1) All backflow prevention assemblies are required to be tested on an annual basis. Testing must be done by a certified tester who is on the city's approved backflow tester list. The city will notify customers in writing when it is time for the backflow prevention assembly to be tested. This written notice shall give the water user thirty (30) days to have the assembly tested. Included with this notice will be a copy of the current approved backflow tester list.

(2) A second notice will be sent to each water user who does not have his or her backflow prevention assembly tested as prescribed in the first notice within the thirty (30) day period allowed. The second notice will give the water user a two (2) week period to have his or her backflow prevention assembly tested. If no action is taken within the two (2) week period the city may terminate water service to the affected water user until the subject assembly is tested.

(e) Backflow prevention assembly removal.

(1) Approval must be obtained from the city before a backflow prevention assembly is removed, relocated, or replaced.

a. Removal. The use of an assembly may be discontinued and the assembly removed from service upon presentation of sufficient evidence to the city to verify that a hazard no longer exists or is not likely to be created in the future. Approved backflow prevention assemblies shall not be bypassed, made inoperative or removed without specific written authorization by the water utilities director or his or her representative;

b. Relocation. An assembly may be relocated following confirmation by the city that the relocation will continue to provide the required protection and satisfy installation requirements. A retest will be required following the relocation of the assembly;

c. Repair. An assembly may be removed for repair, provided the water use is either discontinued until repair is completed and the assembly is returned to service, or the service connection is equipped with other backflow protection approved by the city. A retest will be required following the repair of the assembly;

d. Replacement. An assembly may be removed and replaced provided the water use is discontinued until the replacement assembly is installed. All replacement assemblies must be approved by the city and must be commensurate with the degree of hazard involved.

(Ord. No. 18-OR0118-1, § 2, 3-28-2018)

(a) General. When the city encounters water uses that represent a clear and immediate hazard to the potable water supply that cannot be immediately abated, the city may institute the procedure for discontinuing the city water service.

(b) Basis for termination. Condition or water uses that create a basis for water service termination shall include, but are not limited to the following items:

(1) Failure or refusal to install a required backflow prevention assembly;

(2) Failure or refusal to test a backflow prevention assembly;

(3) Failure or refusal to repair a faulty backflow prevention assembly;

(4) Failure or refusal to replace a faulty backflow prevention assembly;

(5) Direct or indirect connection between the city water system and a sewer line;

(6) Unprotected direct or indirect connection between the city water system and an auxiliary water system;

(7) A situation which presents an immediate health hazard to the city water system.

(c) Water service termination procedures.

(1) For conditions B1, B2 or B3 of Section 37.161, the city may terminate service to a customer's premises after two (2) written notices have been sent specifying the corrective action needed and the time period in which it must be done. If no action is taken within the allowed time period water service may be terminated.

(2) For conditions B4, B5, B6 or B7 of Section 37.161, the city may take the following steps:

a. Make reasonable effort to advise water user of intent to terminate water service;

b. Terminate water supply and lock service valve. The water service will remain inactive until correction of violations has been approved by the city.

(Ord. No. 18-OR0118-1, § 2, 3-28-2018)

Upon noncompliance by user, the city may terminate water service until the assembly has been tested and all reinstatement fees have been paid.

(Ord. No. 18-OR0118-1, § 2, 3-28-2018)

At each premise, where it is necessary in the opinion of the city, a user supervisor shall be designated by and at the expense of the water user. This user supervisor shall be responsible for the monitoring of the backflow prevention assemblies and for avoidance of cross-connections. In the event of contamination or pollution of the drinking water system due to a cross-connection on the premises, the city shall be promptly notified by the user supervisor so that appropriate measures may be taken to overcome the contamination. The water user shall inform the city of the user supervisor's identity on, at a minimum, an annual basis and whenever a change occurs.

(Ord. No. 18-OR0118-1, § 2, 3-28-2018)