DATE:
June 17, 2025
TO:
Mayor and Council Members
Chair and Board Members, Hesperia Water District
FROM:
Rachel Molina, City Manager
BY:
Cassandra Sanchez, Director of Public Works / City Engineer Jeremy McDonald, Water Operations Manager
SUBJECT:
Amendments to Title 14, Chapter 14 of the Hesperia Municipal Code related to Cross Connections and Backflow Devices
RECOMMENDED ACTION
It is recommended that the City Council and Board Members of the Hesperia Water District (District) introduce and place on first reading Ordinance No. 2025-02 regarding cross connections and backflow devices; amending Title 14, Chapter 14.04 of the Hesperia Municipal Code.
BACKGROUND
The Hesperia Water District is responsible for safeguarding the City’s potable water supply from contamination and pollution resulting from the backflow of water into the distribution system. Backflow is the undesired or unintended reversal of flow of water and/or other liquids, gases, or other substances into a water distribution system.
Additionally, the City is responsible for identifying and mitigating cross connections, a condition where there is an interconnection between a potable water supply and a non-potable source via any actual or potential connection or structural arrangement between a water distribution system and any source or distribution system containing liquid, gas, or other substances not from an approved water supply. When a cross connection is identified, the user is required to install a backflow prevention device, a mechanical device consisting of two spring loaded check valves which prevents the reversal of flow into the distribution system.
There are currently 1,579 backflow prevention devices in service throughout the City. Each backflow device is annually inspected and tested by a certified tester who has been certified by the American Water Works Association. Public Works staff is responsible for managing the cross-connection control and backflow program which includes performing cross connection control surveys and record keeping of backflow prevention devices.
ISSUES/ANALYSIS
On October 6, 2017, Assembly Bill 1671 (AB 1671) was approved and filed with the Secretary of State. AB 1671 amended California’s Safe Drinking Water Act through the establishment of California Health Safety Code (CHSC) sections 116407 and 116555.5. On October 2, 2019, Assembly Bill 1180 (AB 1180) was approved and filed with the Secretary of State. AB 1180 amended Section 116407 of the CHSC and added section 13521.2 to the Water Code. The adoption of each assembly bill required the State to establish standards for backflow protection and cross-connection control through the adoption of the Cross Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH). Prior to AB 1671 and the adoption of the CCCPH, California’s regulations pertaining to cross-connection control were set forth in regulations in California Code of Regulations, Title 17, which were adopted in 1987 with minor revisions in 2000.
Included within the CCCPH is the requirement for public water systems to perform an initial hazard assessment of each user’s premises within its service area. The recommended change to the municipal code includes this requirement and specifies the requirements for a backflow prevention assembly to be considered acceptable.
CITY GOAL SUPPORTED BY THIS ITEM
Public Safety - Ensure public safety resources adequately protect our community.
FISCAL IMPACT
There are no fiscal impacts identified with this action.
ALTERNATIVE(S)
Provide alternative direction to staff.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Ordinance 2025-02
Attachment 2 – Exhibit “A” Municipal Code Title 14, Chapter 14.04. Section 14.04.09 redlines and alternative language City of Hesperia STAFF REPORT City of Hesperia STAFF REPORT City of Hesperia
STAFF REPORT
City of Hesperia
STAFF REPORT