City of Santa Maria
Cross-Connection Control Plan
June 2026
• Discuss current cross-connection
program
• Review State changes and potential
impacts
• Review required changes to
Ordinance
• Impacts
• Introduce ordinance (1st Reading)
Purpose of Item
Current Cross-Connection
Control Program
What are we currently doing?
What is a Cross-Connection?
• Cross-Connection: A
connection between potable
and non-potable water systems
– Examples: irrigation, fire
sprinklers, industrial processes
– Creates pathways for
contaminants to enter
drinking water
• Backflow: Reverse flow of
water due to pressure changes
– Can introduce contaminants
into potable water
Effective Program that Protects Public Health
• Established in SMMC Chapter 8-10A, March 2003
• ~3,630 backflow prevention assemblies
• City has designated Cross-Connection Control Specialist • Hazard assessments (site specific evaluation) required:
– New construction, change of ownership, building permits Existing Program
• Utilities
– Trigger and review hazard assessment
– Inspect new and repaired devices
– Send annual notices
– Track status
Existing Responsibilities
• Responsible Party
– Hazard assessment questionnaire
– Perform device tests
– Repair devices
– Submit test results
State Changes to
Cross-Connection Control
What does CCCPH do differently?
• State of CA Adopted the Cross-
Connection Control Policy Handbook
– Established requirements for local
Cross-Connection Control Programs
– Repealed sections of State Code
regarding cross-connections
– Required revisions to the City’s
Municipal Code and preparation of a
Cross-Connection Control Plan
Background
• State framework adopted 2023, effective 2024
• Initial Cross-Connection Control Plans due July 2025
• State guidance refined throughout 2025 and early 2026 • City’s Plan approved in January 2026
• State adopted second revised handbook in April 2026
Brought forward for Council consideration once guidance stabilized
State Timeline
• Title 17 = WHAT must be done
• Handbook = HOW to do it
• Major Changes:
– Formalized hazard assessment requirements
– Expanded definition of hazards (e.g., SFR fire sprinkler systems) – Aligned to modern industry standards
– Added guidance for outreach, record keeping, tester certifications Title 17 Compared to Policy Handbook
• Non-residential assessments: by 2031
• Higher-risk residential: by July 1, 2034
• Remaining residential: by 2071
• Long, phased, risk-based approach –
based on staff request/urging to
regulators
Compliance Timeline – Due Dates
Revisions to Ordinance
What changes are required to support compliance?
• Definitions
• Hazard Survey
• Installation Standards
• Record Keeping
• Outreach
• Written Program
Ordinance/CCCPH Gap Analysis
• Protection Requirements
• Testing Requirements
• Enforcement
Major Gaps Moderate Gaps
The Plan and Revised Ordinance CLOSES these gaps.
Santa Maria Municipal Code Revisions
• Amends Chapter 8 to Authorize the Director of Utilities to:
– Develop and update the City’s Cross-Connection Control Plan – Implement and enforce the Plan
– Manage appeals consistent with other Code provisions
Potential Impacts
How will the community feel this?
• Ordinance does not require immediate device installation • No immediate retrofits for SFR
– Triggers hazard assessments for approximately 1,500 homes • Responsibilities for existing devices remain unchanged • Outreach to educate impacted properties/homeowners
Property Owner Impacts
Mitigating Community Impacts
• Close coordination with the State to “right size” requirements • Hazard assessments spread over multiple years
• Updating engineering standards to reduce future costs • Public outreach supports customer awareness
• Provides continued drinking water protection
• No new rates, fees, or staffing
• Funded through Water Enterprise Fund
• Standard budget/rate process for future needs
• Exploring grant opportunities for impacted homeowners • Updated standards to minimize future impact
Fiscal and Community Impacts
• Municipal Code updates necessary for implementation
– Provides local authority required by State
– Closes gaps in the existing ordinance
Requested Action
Recommendation
1. Waive first reading
2. Introduce amendments for Chapters 8-10A and 8-1.07
3. Set for adoption at the next City Council meeting
Questions?
Ordinance Gap Analysis
Category Alignment Notes
Purpose & Authority Moderate References Title 17 or successor Definitions Weak Must align with CCCPH
Written Program Weak Missing required elements
Hazard Surveys Weak Missing methodology and frequency
Protection Requirements Moderate Needs clarity on type of hazard mapping Installation Standards Weak Missing detailed criteria
Testing Standards Moderate Missing calibration/reporting rules Recordkeeping Weak No structure defined
Enforcement Moderate Needs clarity on procedure
Title 17 (old)
• Mandated basic backflow program
structure
• Provided minimal definitions
• Included limited device and survey
requirements
• Lacked detailed procedures
Title 17 Compared to Policy Handbook
Policy Handbook (current)
• Contains modernized,
comprehensive requirements
• Establishes mandatory program
components
• Sets detailed testing, surveying,
protection selection,
documentation, and enforcement
procedures
• Aligns with industry standards
• Is enforceable by DDW under
Health & Safety Code authority
• Hazard assessments are performed with a combination of:
– Utilities prepared guidance on hazard assessments
– Responsible party self-assessments or certified assessments – Utilities Staff assessments
– Online or paper questionnaires
– Through building permit processes
– Other methods, as needed
• Investigating funding opportunities
Fiscal and Community Impacts