Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention

As part of the District’s commitment to delivering safe, reliable, high-quality water to our customers, the District administers a Cross Connection Control Program as required by the California State Water Resources Control Board. This program is implemented in accordance with the requirements of the California Environmental Protection Agency and the Cross Connection Control Handbook.

What is a cross connection?

Cross Connection means any connection between the District’s water distribution system and an auxiliary water supply, a pipe or piping system, plumbing fixture, appliance, container, receptacle, vessel or other devices that may allow for contaminated water, fluids, or other substance, other than the water supplied by the District, to enter any part of the District’s water distribution system. Examples are (but not limited to):

• Private Wells
• Booster Pumps
• Auxiliary Water Sources not approved by the District
• Irrigation systems
• Fire sprinklers
• Rainwater harvesting tanks
• Boilers or cooling towers
• Chemical mixing tanks

Without proper protection, these connections pose a serious risk of contaminating the drinking water supply.

What is Backflow?

Backflow happens when water flows backward. Instead of clean water coming into your home or business, dirty water flows back into the public water supply, possibly carrying harmful chemicals, bacteria, or other contaminants. Common examples include water from lawn irrigation that's puddled near the sprinkler heads, fire sprinkler systems that are pressurized with water that's been stagnant, and hoses that are left submerged in a swimming pool, pond, or a fish tank.

While the District does its best to maintain constant pressure in our distribution system, a decrease in water pressure is not uncommon. If a fire hydrant is being used nearby to extinguish a fire or nearby water main has ruptured, it will cause the pressure to drop suddenly.

Why it Matters

Backflow can pollute our drinking water, putting you and your neighbors at risk. That’s why Soquel Creek Water District requires backflow prevention devices for certain properties—to keep our water safe for everyone.

What You Must Do to Prevent Backflow

Backflow prevention devices must be used to stop such contaminants from potentially entering our public water system. To comply, please follow these steps:

• Install & Maintain Devices: If required, install a certified testable backflow device and maintain it in working condition.
• Replace Non-Testable Devices: By July 1, 2034, all outdated, non-testable devices must be replaced with testable assemblies.
• Test Annually: Schedule annual testing by a licensed certified tester and submit results promptly. Certified testers may visit the Soquel Creek Water District Water Test website to submit test results.
• Cooperate with Assessments: Allow District personnel or authorized agents to perform hazard assessments when scheduled.
• Replace Devices When Notified: Replace non-testable or failed devices within 45 days, or sooner if a public health risk is identified.

Examples of Where Backflow Protection is Required:

See Appendix B of the Policy for a complete list of high-hazard premises.

What the District Does

• Conducts hazard assessments and site inspections
• Sends test reminders annually and enforces deadlines
• Responds to backflow incidents
• Maintains clean, safe drinking water for all customers

Enforcement & Service Disconnection

To protect public health, the District may:

• Shut off service if backflow devices are missing, defective, or not tested.
• Issue non-compliance notices with deadlines (15–90 days).
• Requires immediate action in the event of imminent contamination.

Backflow Prevention Regulations

• California State Water Resources Control Board Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (PDF)
• Soquel Creek Water District Cross Connection Control Policy (POL-400-003) (PDF)