City Council
259 N. Wilma Avenue
Ripon, CA 95366
MEMO
To: Honorable City Council
From: James Pease, Public Works Director
Date: 02/10/2026
Subject: Professional Services Agreement - George Montross RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approve and authorize the Mayor to sign the Professional Services Agreement with George Montross to assist in the development and oversight of a State mandated Cross-Connection Control Plan in the not to exceed amount of $10,000.00 (funding source: Water Enterprise Operating Fund).
BACKGROUND:
The City operates a public drinking water system regulated by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Drinking Water (DDW) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Under Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations, all public water systems are required to maintain an active Cross-Connection Control Program (CCCP). The purpose of the program is to prevent contamination of the potable water system from backflow events caused by crossconnections.
A cross-connection is any physical connection between the public water system and a nonpotable source such as irrigation systems, fire sprinkler systems, industrial processes, or chemical systems. If pressure fluctuations occur (main breaks, hydrant use, pump failures), contaminants can be drawn into the drinking water distribution system.
DISCUSSION:
Ripon has regularly updated its CCCP as required by DDW and no cross-connection contamination issues have been found or reported. In 2025, the SWRCB amended existing policy to strengthen their oversight of CCCPs throughout the State. Public water systems must now demonstrate their CCCP is formally documented, actively administered, maintains complete records of hazard assessments and annual testing in addition to being overseen by certified personnel.
Certified personnel include a Cross-Connection Control Specialist, the technical authority responsible for ensuring contaminated water does not enter the public drinking water system through backflow events. The City of Ripon does not have a specialist on staff who has completed the State required training and passed the certification examination.
Staff reached out to George Montross who is a certified Cross-Connection Control Specialist and experienced professional in the field of water quality for public drinking water systems to request a scope and fee to assist the City to comply with the new regulations. These services, as described in Exhibit A of the Professional Services Agreement, include reviewing and approving the City of Ripon CCCP prior to submission to DDW and periodically updating the program as necessary.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The attached Professional Services Agreement with George Montross to assist the City with fulfilling new CCCP requirements is for a not to exceed amount of $10,000 over a two-year period, funded through the Water Enterprise Operating Fund.
Attachments:
1. PSA - GMontross