California is known for its unique regulatory landscape—and the world of cross-connection control, backflow prevention, and safe drinking water isn’t exempt. With the release of the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH) in 2024, a major change has occurred: A cross-connection control plan and program is no longer just a “nice to have”—it’s required by the law.
In a recent webinar, “Cross-Connection Control Compliance in California: 5 Tactics to Apply the New Policy Handbook,” HydroCorp experts Gary McLaren, Cooper Nicholas, and Karla Garcia discussed the changing regulations and how California water systems can meet the upcoming July 1, 2025 deadline to submit a written cross-connection control plan.
Elements of a Compliant Cross-Connection Control Plan
“The cross-connection control plan creates a system for notifying water customers and identifying and eradicating cross-connections,” McLaren explains. “If you’re not finding unprotected cross-connections as part of your program, there’s a problem.” These hazards lurk at service connections and within interior potable water plumbing, ranging from missing backflow preventers to incorrectly installed assemblies.
The CCCPH requires all California water systems to submit a cross-connection control plan to the State Water Resource Control Board for review and approval by July 1. In this plan, you should outline all key elements of your program, including:
- Hazard assessment process
- Backflow preventer test tracking
- Enforcement and corrective actions
- Public awareness campaigns
Plan development is proactive: You’re creating a policy and point of reference throughout the implementation and cycle of your program. Determine how you will handle various elements, including logistics, scheduling, hazard assessments, and protecting hazardous connections, within your water system. Conducting tens of thousands of residential surveys within a compressed timeline may not be feasible for your water system. How do you prioritize those surveys with high-hazard connections—such as residential buildings with irrigation systems—to help your city meet budgetary and labor limitations while remaining compliant?
Records Beyond Backflow Preventer Tests
Data and good record keeping play a central role in any cross-connection control program—and proper documentation is mandated by the Policy Handbook. According to the CCCPH, California water systems must maintain and make available records that go far beyond backflow preventer test tracking. While you need to maintain the results of all backflow prevention assembly field testing for a minimum of three years, your program records must also include:
- The two most recent hazard assessments conducted at each premise
- Details on each backflow prevention assembly in your system, including the hazard or application, location, owner, type, manufacturer and model, size, installation date, and serial number
- Replacements, relocations, or repairs of backflow prevention assemblies
- The most current cross-connection tests (e.g., shutdown test, dye test)
- Descriptions of and follow-up actions related to all backflow incidents
- Documentation of public outreach and education materials
While not exhaustive, this list provides a clearer picture of what your cross-connection control plan and program need to account for. Beyond testing backflow prevention assemblies, consider how your water system will tackle hazard assessments, other tests, and record keeping.
Public Outreach & Education
Labor is a significant concern in public water systems, and the need for public awareness and education requires time and expertise internal staff may not have. From developing educational materials that explain the nature of backflow, the risks of unprotected cross-connections, and the purpose of the program, to online resource development and dissemination, creating these resources can be overwhelming.
“Getting the public to actually be aware of the program, the hazard assessments, and having someone on-site” requires consistent outreach and dedication, Garcia explains. People have a lot of questions when an inspector shows up to survey their water connections. Providing resources ahead of time can eliminate stress for both the water customer and the surveyor.
Elements of effective public outreach can include:
- Program overview and FAQ on the water system website
- Printable and downloadable materials on backflow prevention, backflow preventers, and common cross-connections
- Press release and news media outreach to share program details
- Program information in water system and/or city newsletters and social media
California Compliance
The State Water Board has released resources to help smaller water systems develop and implement their cross-connection control plans. As of early March 2025, there is no news on whether a similar template will be released for water systems with 1,000 or more service connections.
- State Water Board Plan Template for 200 or Fewer Connections
- State Water Board Plan Template for 201-999 Connections
Water systems are not required to use these templates, but they do provide insight into what the State Water Board will look for at the July 1 deadline. HydroCorp’s team of experts is supporting myriad water systems in California as they adapt or create new cross-connection control plans to comply with the CCCPH. Our comprehensive services address the needs of your water system, from the timely development of the cross-connection control plan to on-site hazard assessments and data management.
Learn how HydroCorp can help you meet the July 1, 2025 deadline to submit a cross-connection control plan in compliance with the Policy Handbook.
