AgdaPkt 2012-09-10 - Laserfiche WebLink

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6.1.F. - Page 2 On February 28, 2012 the City sent letters to 855 parcel owners who have, or are suspected of having, a groundwater well or using creek water for landscape irrigation. The letter served as both an outline of backflow protection requirements and an invitation to a community meeting on the subject. Approximately 60 residents attended the March 10 meeting at the Public Works Service Center. Staff prepared a summary of questions and comments from the community meeting and sought guidance from DPH on how to implement its backflow prevention regulations. Staff then met with the Utilities Committee on April 18 and again on August 1 to provide updates on the program. Approximately 30-40 residents attended both Utilities Committee meetings to provide public comment. ANALYSIS The City recognizes that its customers' compliance with the Cross Connection Control Program comes at a cost to property owners. In recognition, the City asked DPH to determine the level of discretion afforded to the City that would still achieve compliance with State law. Little leeway is allowed by DPH in regard to the measures required to prevent backflow events. However, DPH will offer flexibility on two items that are important to property owners: a) the allowance of a below-grade double check valve; and b) a routine inspection of properties where wells are unused or abandoned, in lieu of requiring backflow installation. The City may implement these policies as part of developing an Implementation Plan to be submitted to DPH. The Implementation Plan describes how the City's program remains protective of the water system. Despite this flexibility, DPH has the authority to take "formal enforcement action against the City" under the California Safe Drinking Water Act, in the event that a contamination incident is caused by a homeowner cross-connecting to the public water supply. Such enforcement action against the City could include a notice of violation, citation, or compliance order, accompanied by monetary fines of up to $1,000/day per violation. Because of the stringent requirements of the State, the Utilities Committee recommends that the City continue enforcing current backflow policy and requirements. The City will submit an Implementation Plan to the State that proposes the installation of a below grade double check valve, and routine annual inspection by City inspectors of properties with abandoned groundwater wells, in lieu of requiring backflow installation on properties where well water is not being utilized or pulled from a well. Additionally, the Utilities Committee recommends that the City adopt a policy that provides an amnesty period from cross connection control program requirements and waives certain fees for a period of one year. The policy is specific to residential properties with groundwater wells or that use creek water for landscape irrigation. The waiver of fees is further described in the Fiscal Impact section below. Staff surveyed other water suppliers to learn about any measures implemented to encourage