Prior History: Prior code § 23C-9-1 through Prior code § 23C-9-4; Ord. 1714, 10/17/2023.
A. 
Under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 with amendments in 1986 and 1996 and the California Code of Regulations—Title 17, Sections 7583 through 7605, the City has the primary responsibility of preventing unapproved water sources or other contaminants from entering the public potable water system. The City shall require that any unprotected cross connection be eliminated or that the water system be protected with an approved backflow prevention assembly.
B. 
The purpose of this chapter is to:
1. 
Protect the public potable water supply of the City from the possibility of contamination or pollution by isolating within a user's internal distribution system or a user's private water system, contaminants or pollutants which could backflow or back-siphon into the City water supply system;
2. 
Promote the elimination or control of existing cross-connections, actual or potential, between a user's potable water system and that user's nonpotable water system, plumbing of fixtures and/or industrial piping system;
3. 
Provide for the maintenance of a continuing program of cross-connection control which systematically and effectively prevents the contamination or pollution of the potable water system.
(Ord. 1723, 7/2/2024)
All water users must comply with the requirements of the City of Woodland Municipal Code and Federal and State regulations.
(Ord. 1723, 7/2/2024)
For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
"Air gap separation" or "AG"
means a physical vertical separation of at least two times the effective pipe diameter between the free-flowing discharge end of a potable water supply pipeline and the flood level of an open or non-pressurized receiving vessel; air gaps cannot be less than one inch.
"Approved water supply"
means a water source that has been approved by the State Water Board for domestic use in a public water system and designated as such in a domestic water supply permit issued pursuant to Section 11625 of the California Health and Safety Code.
"Auxiliary water supply"
means any water supply on or available to the premises other than the purveyor's approved public potable water supply. These auxiliary waters may include water from another well, or "used waters" or "industrial fluids." It is located on the premises of, or available to, a water user.
"Backflow prevention assembly tester"
means a person who is certified as a backflow prevention assembly tester by a certifying organization recognized by the State Water Board.
"Backflow prevention assembly" or "BPA"
means a mechanical device designed and constructed to prevent backflow, such that while in-line it can be maintained and its ability to prevent backflow, as designed, can be field tested, inspected and evaluated.
"Backflow"
means the undesired reversal of flow of a liquid, gas, or other substance into a public water system's distribution system or approved water supply.
"Backsiphonage"
means a type of backflow where the upstream pressure in a piping system is reduced to a sub-atmospheric pressure.
"City"
means the City of Woodland.
"Cross-connection"
means any physical connection or arrangement of piping or fixtures between two otherwise separate piping systems, one of which contains potable water and the other non-approved source which contains liquid, gas, or other substances, through which, or because of which, backflow or back-siphonage may occur into the potable water system.
"Distribution system"
means, as defined in Section 63750.50 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR), any combination of pipes, tanks, pumps, etc. which delivers drinking water from a source or treatment facility to the consumer and includes: (1) disinfection facilities for which no Giardia or virus reduction is required pursuant to CCR 64654(a); and (2) the composite of all distribution systems of a public water system.
"Double check detector backflow prevention assembly" or "DCDA"
means a double check valve backflow prevention assembly that includes a bypass with a water meter and double check backflow prevention assembly, with the bypass's water meter accurately registering flow rates up to two gallons per minute and visually showing a registration for all rates of flow. This type of assembly may only be used to isolate low hazard cross-connections.
"Double check valve backflow prevention assembly" or "DC"
means an assembly consisting of two independently-acting internally-loaded check valves, with tightly closing shut-off valves located at each end of the assembly (upstream and downstream of the two check valves) and fitted with test cocks that enable accurate field testing of the assembly. This type of assembly may only be used to isolate low hazard cross-connections.
"Hazard assessment"
means an evaluation of a user premises designed to evaluate the types and degrees of hazard at a user's premises.
"High hazard cross-connection"
means a cross-connection that poses a threat to the potability or safety of the public water supply. Materials that enter or can potentially enter the public water supply are contaminants or health hazards.
"Low hazard cross-connection"
means a cross-connection that has been found to not pose a threat to the potability or safety of the public water supply but may adversely affect the aesthetic quality of the potable water supply. Materials entering the public water supply through a low hazard cross-connection are pollutants or non-health hazards.
"Nonpotable water"
means water which is not safe for human consumption or which is of questionable potability.
"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.
"Potable water"
means any water which, according to recognized standards, is safe for human consumption.
"Premises containment"
means protection of a public water system's distribution system from backflow from a user's premises through the installation of one or more air gaps or BPAs, installed as close as practical to the user's service connection, in a manner that isolates the water user's water supply from the public water system's distribution system.
"Public water system" or "PWS,"
as defined in the California Health and Safety Code Section 116275(h), means a system for the provision of water for human consumption through pipes or other constructed conveyances that has 15 or more service connections or regularly serves at least 25 individuals daily at least 60 days out of the year. A public water system includes the following:
A. 
Any collection, treatment, storage, and distribution facilities under control of the operator of the system that are used primarily in connection with the system.
B. 
Any collection or pretreatment storage facilities not under the control of the operator that are used primarily in connection with the system.
C. 
Any water system that treats water on behalf of one or more public water systems for the purpose of rendering it safe for human consumption.
"Recycled water"
means a wastewater which as a result of treatment is suitable for uses other than potable use.
"Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly" or "RP"
means an assembly with two independently acting internally-loaded check valves, with a hydraulically operating mechanically independent differential-pressure relief valve located between the check valves and below the upstream check valve. The assembly shall have shut-off valves located upstream and downstream of the two check-valves, and test cocks to enable accurate field testing of the assembly.
"Reduced pressure principle detector backflow prevention assembly - type II" or "RPDA-II"
means a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly that includes a bypass around the second check, with the bypass having a single check valve and a water meter accurately registering flow rates up to two gallons per minute and visually showing a registration for all rates of flow.
"Reduced pressure principle detector backflow prevention assembly" or "RPDA"
means a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly that includes a bypass with a water meter and reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly, with the bypass's water meter accurately registering flow rates up to two gallons per minute and visually showing a registration for all rates of flow.
"User premises"
means the property under the ownership or control of a water user and is served, or is readily capable of being served, with water via a service connection with a public water system.
"User's service connection"
means either the point where a water user's piping is connected to a water system or the point in a water system where the approved water supply can be protected from backflow using an air gap or backflow prevention assembly.
"Water service connection"
means the terminal end of a service connection from the public potable water system, i.e., where the City loses jurisdiction and sanitary control over the water at its point of delivery to the user's water system. If a meter is installed at the end of the service connection, then the service connection means the downstream end of the meter. The water service connection shall also include connection from a fire hydrant and all other temporary or emergency water service connections from the City's potable water system.
"Water supplier"
means a person who owns or operates a public water system.
"Water system"
consists of two parts, the City system and the user system:
A. 
The "City system" means the source facilities and the distribution system, including storage and delivery systems under the complete control of the City, up to the point where the user's system begins.
B. 
The "user system" means all facilities beyond the termination of the City system which are utilized in conveying City delivered domestic water to points of use.
"Water user"
means a person or entity who is authorized by the PWS to receive water.
(Ord. 1723, 7/2/2024)
A. 
Cross Connection Control Program. The City shall protect the public water supply from contamination by implementation of a Cross- Connection Control Program. The City's Cross-Connection Control Program shall include the requirements of the State Water Resources Control Board Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH).
B. 
Backflow Protection Required. The type of protective device required shall depend upon the degree of hazard which exists as follows:
1. 
In the case of any premises where there is any material dangerous to health which is handled in such a fashion as to create an actual or potential hazard to the water system, the City water system shall be protected by an approved AG or an approved RP device. Examples of premises where these conditions will exist include, but are not limited to:
a. 
Mortuaries.
b. 
Cemeteries.
c. 
Medical facilities.
d. 
Kidney dialysis facilities.
e. 
Dental facilities.
f. 
Veterinary facilities.
g. 
Pet groomers.
h. 
Chemical manufacturing plants.
i. 
Laboratories.
j. 
Biotech facilities.
k. 
Electronics manufacturers.
l. 
Dry cleaner facilities.
m. 
Industrial or commercial laundry facilities.
n. 
Metal plating facilities.
o. 
Solid waste disposal facilities.
p. 
Marine port facilities.
q. 
Car wash facilities.
r. 
Mobile home park.
s. 
RV park or campgrounds with RV hookups.
t. 
Hotels or motels.
u. 
Gas stations.
v. 
Fire stations.
w. 
Agricultural premises.
x. 
Railroad maintenance facilities.
y. 
Incarceration facilities.
z. 
Airports.
2. 
In the case of commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings, the City water system shall be protected by, at a minimum, an approved double check valve assembly on each service connection. An approved AG or RP will be required if, in the opinion of the Cross-Connection Control Specialist, the degree of hazard so requires.
3. 
In the case of sewage handling facilities, wastewater lift stations and pumping stations, wastewater treatment processes, handling, or pumping equipment that is interconnected to a piping system connected to a PWS, an RP or isolation by an AG is required.
4. 
In the case of processing plants or facilities with radioactive materials or storage, an RP is required.
5. 
In the case of recycled water or graywater systems interconnected to piping that contains water received from a PWS, the PWS shall be protected by an approved AG or an RP.
6. 
In the case of drinking water storage tank overflow connected to a sump pump or storm drain, the premise shall be isolated by an AG only, except as indicated in the most recently adopted CCCPH.
7. 
In the case of business parks with a single meter serving multiple businesses, an AG or RP is required.
8. 
In the case of more than one connection to the PWS, all connections must receive the same level of protection excluding fire protection when connected to the PWS distribution system. (e.g., if one connection requires an RP then all connections must have RPs installed).
9. 
In the case of any premises where hazard assessment access is denied or restricted, due to security requirements or other prohibitions, or where it is impossible or impractical to make a complete in-plant cross-connection survey, the City water system shall be protected against backflow or back-siphonage from the premises by the installation of a backflow prevention device in the service line. In this case, maximum protection will be required; that is, an approved air-gap separation or an RP shall be installed in each service line to the premises.
10. 
In the case of any premises where there are "uncontrolled" cross-connections, either actual or potential, the City water system shall be protected by an approved air-gap separation or an approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device at the service connection.
11. 
In the case where the water supply to a user cannot be interrupted for inspection, repairs or maintenance, the user shall be required to supply two backflow prevention devices of the same design and type, in parallel.
12. 
In the case of any premises where there is an auxiliary water supply, either interconnected to or not interconnected to the PWS, the public water supply shall be protected by an approved air-gap separation or an approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device.
13. 
In the case of private water distribution mains, an RP shall be required.
14. 
In the case of temporary connections to fire hydrants for miscellaneous uses, including construction, an RP shall be required.
15. 
In the case of Tanker and Spray Tanks of 49 gallons or more, air-gap separation or an approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device is required.
16. 
In the case of premises with a fire suppression system:
a. 
Multipurpose and passive purge fire sprinklers for residential systems require no other protection than the protection required for a domestic water supply line.
b. 
Fire systems deemed "Low Hazard," for chemicals and additives requires a double check detector assembly (DCDA).
c. 
Fire systems deemed "High Hazard" require a reduced pressure detector assembly (RPDA), a reduced pressure backflow prevention assembly (RP), or an air gap (AG).
17. 
In the case of any premises where there is water or substance that would be objectionable but not hazardous to health if introduced into the PWS, the PWS shall be protected by an approved double check valve assembly.
C. 
Internal Premises Plumbing. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to control for cross-connections located on the residential plumbing system and to complying with plumbing codes.
D. 
Backflow Prevention Assembly Standards. A water service required to install backflow protection shall install an "approved backflow prevention device." This means a device which has been manufactured in full conformance with the latest standards established by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) entitled: AWWA C510 Double Check-Valve Backflow Prevention Assembly and C511 Reduced-Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly, approved by the American National Standards Institute, and which has met completely the laboratory and field performance specifications of the Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (FCCC & HR) of the University of Southern California. Final approval shall be evidenced by a "Certificate of Approval" issued by an approved testing laboratory certifying full compliance with said AWWA standards and FCCC & HR specifications.
E. 
Backflow Assembly Location. Installation of each device shall be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. When an approved backflow prevention assembly or air gap separation device is required, it shall be installed on each service line to a user's water system at or near the property line before the first branch line leading off the service line.
Backflows should be installed in a horizontal direction, unless explicitly approved by the manufacturer for vertical flow up or flow down installation. The devices shall not be installed in locations containing corrosive, toxic, or poisonous gases or in hazardous areas which could pose a safety threat to backflow testers or repairers. Volatile fumes and gases or corrosive materials could render the device inoperable.
Devices should not be installed in areas prone to flooding, where freezing could cause mechanical damage, or where temperatures rise above the manufacture's specifications for the unit. A hot-water type backflow is required in areas where temperatures exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Devices shall be installed so as to not require ladders or lifts for access. As a general guideline, the bottom side of an RP should be at a maximum of 36 inches above grade. Side clearance from the device to the building should allow for access and maintenance and should be no less than 12 inches from the building.
(Ord. 1723, 7/2/2024)
A. 
The City surveys the service area and conducts hazard assessments to identify actual or potential cross-connection hazards, the degree of hazard, and any backflow protection needed. The timeline for performing initial and subsequent hazard assessments must be documented in the City's Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program.
B. 
To evaluate the potential for backflow into the PWS, an initial hazard assessment must be conducted of the user premises within the service area. The assessment must consider:
1. 
The existence of cross connections;
2. 
The type and use of materials handled and present or likely to be on the user premises;
3. 
The degree of piping system complexity and accessibility;
4. 
Access to auxiliary water supplies, pumping systems, or pressure systems;
5. 
Distribution system conditions that increase the likelihood of a backflow event (e.g., main breaks and high demand situations);
6. 
User premises accessibility;
7. 
Any previous backflow incidents on the user premises; and
8. 
The requirements and information provided in the CCCPH.
C. 
Each hazard assessment must be categorized by the degree of hazard as having a low hazard cross connection, a high hazard cross connection, or as having no hazard (see Appendix D of the CCCPH for examples).
D. 
The hazard assessment must determine whether an existing BPA, if any, provides adequate protection based on the degree of hazard.
E. 
Subsequent to the initial hazard assessment described in subsection A, the City must perform a hazard assessment if any of the following occurs:
1. 
If there is a change in a premises' user account holder, excluding single-family residences or residential attached units;
2. 
Backflow from a user's premises occurs;
3. 
If a user premises is reconnected or newly connected to the PWS;
4. 
If there is evidence that a user on a nonresidential premises created changes in the activities or materials of the premises;
5. 
If the State Water Board requests a hazard assessment of a user's premises; and
6. 
If the City concludes an existing hazard assessment may no longer accurately represent the degree of hazard.
(Ord. 1723, 7/2/2024)
A. 
The City of Woodland PWS must develop and implement a procedure for ensuring all BPAs are field tested, inspected, and maintained and AGs are inspected and maintained in accordance with the latest version of the State Water Resources Control Board Cross Connection Control Policy Handbook.
B. 
The user's system should be open for inspection at all reasonable times to authorized representatives of the City to determine whether cross-connections or other structural or sanitary hazards, including violations of this code and State laws and regulations, exist. When a hazardous condition becomes known, the Public Works Director or the Chief Water Systems Operator may deny or immediately discontinue service to the premises by providing for a physical break in the service line until the user has corrected the condition(s) to the satisfaction of the Public Works Director and a cross-connection control specialist. It shall be the duty of the Public Works Director to see that these timely tests are made. These devices shall be repaired, overhauled or replaced at the user's expense whenever said devices are found to be defective. Records of such tests, repairs, and overhaul shall be kept.
C. 
Inspection Requirements for Existing Water Services. The City of Woodland shall require inspections at any premises where backflow devices are installed at least once a calendar year. In those instances where the Public Works Director deems the hazard to be great enough, certified inspections may be required at more frequent intervals. While the City of Woodland Cross Connection Control Testers will have the primary responsibility of performing inspections, a third-party City of Woodland approved tester may also be used.
D. 
Inspection Requirements for New Water Services. All new water services that require a backflow prevention assembly or air gap at the connection to the public water system must receive an initial and final inspection by an approved Cross-Connection Control Specialist. The property owner or designee must contact the City of Woodland Public Works Department to schedule these inspections.
1. 
An initial inspection is required after a backflow prevention assembly or air gap has been installed at the connection to the public water system. The initial inspection can be performed by a third-party cross connection control specialist.
2. 
A final inspection is required within 48 hours of receiving water service. If this inspection is not conducted, water service will be turned off and will not be restored until the final inspection has passed.
(Ord. 1723, 7/2/2024)
The City shall ensure all BPA testers and cross-connection control specialists used are from a certifying organization recognized by the California State Water Resources Control Board. The City of Woodland may use third party contractors for follow-up backflow inspections after a repair or replacement of a backflow device. The City will maintain a list of certified testers approved by the City.
(Ord. 1723, 7/2/2024)
A. 
If a suspected backflow or cross-contamination event has occurred, notify Public Works. Public Works will assess the degree of the hazard and whether it is a suspected or real backflow event.
B. 
In responding to customer complaints, the City should consider: complaints or reports of changes in water quality as possible incidents of backflow; water quality sampling and pressure recording; and documentation of the investigation, and any response and follow-up activities.
C. 
The City may install, inspect, field test, and or maintain a BPA at a water user's premises, or otherwise address in a timely manner a failure to comply with the cross-connection control program and the City of Woodland Municipal Code.
(Ord. 1723, 7/2/2024)
A. 
If, in the judgment of the Public Works Director, an approved backflow prevention device is required at the City water service connection to any user's premises for the safety of the water system, the Public Works Director, or designated agent, shall give the user notice in writing to install such an approved backflow prevention device or to abate the hazardous conditions to the satisfaction of the City. The user shall be given 90 calendar days from the date of notification to install such approved device or devices, at his or her own expense, and failure, refusal, or inability on the part of the user to do so shall constitute grounds for discontinuing water service. The City may terminate the water service to a premises if compliance is not achieved within 120 calendar days of notice.
B. 
Should the Public Works Director order immediate disconnection without prior notice pursuant to Section 13.24.090, the user shall be given notice in writing as soon as possible. The notice shall clearly state: (1) the reason for the disconnection under this chapter; (2) the steps the user must take under this chapter in order to have water service restored; and (3) the opportunity for a hearing on the matter with the City Manager.
1. 
After written notification of a backflow/back-siphonage hazard, the user shall apply within two working days for a permit to correct the hazard. The compliance permit shall specify a maximum allowable time period for installation by the user and satisfactory testing of the specified backflow protection device. The user shall pay the applicable permit fee.
2. 
The notice shall clearly state that the user must apply for a permit to correct the hazard, the time period for compliance, the appeal rights of the user, and that water service will be discontinued should the user fail to apply for the permit.
C. 
Should the user dispute the existence of a backflow/back-siphonage hazard requiring a backflow protection device under this chapter, the user may request a hearing with the Public Works Director or designated agent. This request shall be made at the time of application for the compliance permit. The hearing shall be held as soon as possible within the period of time specified on the permit for installation and inspection of the device. If the Public Works Director, or designated agent, determines at the hearing that the device is not required under this chapter, the permit fee shall be promptly refunded to the user. If the hearing results in a determination that the device is required under this chapter, the device must be installed in accordance with the compliance permit.
(Ord. 1723, 7/2/2024)
A. 
Failure to comply with the procedures specified in Section 13.24.100 subsections A and B may result in immediate discontinuance of water service without prior written notice.
B. 
The City may deny or discontinue service of water to any premises in the following situations: if a backflow prevention device required by this code is not installed, tested and maintained; if a backflow prevention device has been removed, altered, or bypassed; or if an unprotected cross-connection exists on the premises. Service will not be restored until such conditions or defects are corrected pursuant to Section 13.24.100.
C. 
All presently installed backflow prevention devices which do not meet the requirements of Section 13.24.040 shall be replaced with an approved device. Whenever the existing device is moved from the present location or requires more than minimum maintenance or constitutes a hazard to health, the unit shall be replaced by a backflow prevention device meeting the requirements of Section 13.24.040 at the expense of the user.
(Ord. 1723, 7/2/2024)
A. 
The City of Woodland PWS will maintain the following records in accordance with the State Water Resources Control Board's latest version of the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH).
1. 
The two most recent hazard assessments for each user premise, conducted pursuant to the most recently approved CCCPH;
2. 
For each BPA, the associated hazard or application, location, owner, type, manufacturer and model, size, installation date, and serial number;
3. 
For each AG installation, the associated hazard or application and the location, owner, and as-built plans of the AG;
4. 
Results of all BPA field testing, AG inspection, and swivel-ell inspections and field tests for the previous three calendar years, including the name, test date, repair date, and certification number of the backflow prevention assembly tester for each BPA field test and AG and swivel-ell;
5. 
Repairs made to, or replacement or relocation of, BPAs for the previous three calendar years;
6. 
The most current cross-connection tests (e.g., shutdown test, dye test);
7. 
If a user supervisor is designated for a user premise, the current contact information for the user supervisor and water user, and any applicable training and qualifications;
8. 
Descriptions and follow-up actions related to all backflow incidents;
9. 
If any portion of the cross-connection control program is carried out under contract or agreement, a copy of the current contract or agreement;
10. 
The current Cross-Connection Control Plan as required in the most recently adopted CCCPH; and
11. 
Any public outreach or education materials issued for the previous three calendar years.
B. 
The City does not keep records of "secondary" backflows or backflows located internally within a user premises and downstream of the backflow installed to protect the primary water system.
C. 
All information in subsection A must be available to the State Water Board upon request. All correspondence with State or local authorities must be kept for a minimum of 10 years.
(Ord. 1723, 7/2/2024)