Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Section 13.08.130 of the Westminster Municipal Code to Update the Cross-Connection Control Program to Comply with the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook.
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From: Jake Ngo, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Noelani Leal, Management Analyst
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
Introduce for first reading an Ordinance entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2139 AND AMENDING SECTION 13.08.130 OF THE WESTMINSTER MUNICIPAL CODE TO UPDATE THE CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL PROGRAM OF THE CITY’S WATER DIVISION,” read by title only and waive further reading.
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BACKGROUND
The State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB) - Division of Drinking Water has completed the development and adoption of a Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH), which will replace existing cross-connection control regulations in California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 17. The CCCPH is available on-line.
The CCCPH requires public water suppliers to protect their water systems from cross-connections and prevent a backflow situation. A cross-connection is defined as an actual or potential connection between potable (drinking) water and a non-potable water supply or system. A cross-connection can result in a contamination of the drinking water and spread serious health issues, including illness or death. This contamination occurs when water flows backwards from a non-potable source through a cross-connection into the public water system.
To protect Westminster’s water system, the City has a cross-connection control program that includes the elimination and/or protection of all cross-connections by approved methods or approved equipment called backflow prevention assemblies. This is to ensure that we protect the public health by preventing any potential contaminated water from entering the drinking water distribution system.
The existing cross-connection regulations were adopted in the 1980s and have not been substantially revised. Assembly Bills 1671 (2017) and 1180 (2019) authorized the SWRCB to replace the existing cross-connection regulations in CCR Title 17 with the CCCPH.
The CCCPH will increase the scope of work for public water suppliers cross-connection control programs. It will require the development of a Cross-Connection Control Management Plan (CCCMP), more robust site assessments of hazards, more detailed requirements for installation of backflow prevention assemblies, additional record keeping, public outreach and education, and notification of the State Water Board when a backflow incident is suspected. The goal of the CCCPH is to increase protection of public health by implementing a clear CCCMP.
Section 13.08.130 of the Westminster Municipal Code defines and lists procedures in a manner prescribed in accordance with the State of California Administrative Code, Title 17, Public Health. This ordinance will update the Westminster Municipal Code in accordance with the new regulations from the State Water Resource Control Board - Division of Drinking Water Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council adopt this ordinance amending Section 13.08.130 of the Westminster Municipal Code to update the Cross-Connection Control Program to comply with the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ordinance 2139
2. Proposed Ordinance
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
City Attorney’s Office
Christine Cordon, City Manager