§ 4.104.200. Cross Connection Control Program.

(1)

Purpose. The district has a responsibility of protecting the potable water supply from contamination occurring through cross connection or backflow. This can only be achieved by implementing an effective cross connection control program. This program is designed to:

a)

Protect the potable water supply against actual or potential cross-contamination or pollution that may occur because of some undiscovered or unauthorized cross connection on a water user's system;

b)

Eliminate existing connections between drinking water systems and other sources of water that are not approved as safe and potable for human consumption;

c)

Protect the drinking water supply within the premises where plumbing defects or cross connections may endanger the drinking water supply available on the water user's system;

d)

Mitigate the burden on rate-payers arising from costs associated with remediating contamination of the district water supply due to backflow from private water sources caused by a water user's failure to comply with the requirements of the ordinance codified in this chapter.

(2)

Incorporation of Regulations. The regulations of the California Department of Public Health, Title 17, California Code of Regulations, sections 7583—7605, inclusive, hereinafter referred to as Title 17, the ordinance codified in this chapter, County Ordinance Code chapter 4.72 (Backflow Prevention Ordinance) and all amendments thereto, are hereby adopted, incorporated by references herein and made a part hereof, insofar as the same are applicable to the protection of the district's water distribution system.

(3)

Requirements.

a)

No water service connection to any premises or facilities shall be installed or maintained by the district unless the district's water supply is adequately protected in accordance with the requirements and regulations of Title 17, the ordinance codified in this chapter, and the Backflow Prevention Ordinance, as determined by the District or its designee.

b)

The property owner or water user is responsible for the installation, maintenance, and appropriate testing, including any associated costs, of any protective device or assembly as required and as directed by the district or its designee. The district, or its designee, shall be furnished with a copy of any backflow prevention assembly test results as required by Title 17, the Backflow Prevention Ordinance, or the district. Such testing and submittal of test results shall be performed and submitted as directed and in the time frames defined in the Backflow Prevention Ordinance.

c)

The water user's system should be open for inspection at all reasonable times, or in case of emergency at any time, to authorized representatives of the district to determine whether cross connections or other structural or sanitary hazards, including violations of the ordinance codified in this chapter, exist.

d)

Failure to comply with any section of the ordinance codified in this chapter may be cause for the discontinuance of water service, as ordered by the Director of Public Works or his designee. The Director of Public Works shall give notice in writing of any violations of this chapter to the property owner and water user. If appropriate action is not taken by the property owner or water user within ten (10) calendar days after such notice has been mailed or delivered in person, the Director of Public Works may discontinue delivery of water. However, if the Director of Public Works or his designee determines that the violation constitutes an immediate threat to the public health or safety or to the integrity of the public water system, the district may discontinue delivery of water immediately without prior notice; in such an instance, the district shall deliver notice of discontinuance as soon as practicable to the property owner and water user. Delivery of water shall not be resumed until an appropriate protective device has been properly installed, tested, and approved as provided in this section.

(4)

Program Administration. The administration of the Cross Connection Control Program shall be considered as special services provided by the district in accordance with County Ordinance Code section 4.104.190; however, property owners or water users required to procure, install, test, maintain, repair and replace backflow prevention devices, shall be charged an equal share of the actual costs in a fiscal year incurred by the district for labor, equipment and material for the implementation and annual maintenance of the Cross Connection Control Program. The charges, when assessed, shall be included as part of the water user's water bill and must be paid by the water user in the same manner as the water bill.

(Ord. No. 04687, 2-11-2014)