Cross Connections FAQ's

In cooperation with the State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water, City’s major goal is to ensure the distribution of a safe and potable water supply to all domestic water users. In order for the City/District to achieve this goal, a Cross-Connection Control Management Plan (CCCMP) is being developed with an effective date of July 1, 2025. The City’s CCCMP was developed pursuant to the requirements set forth in the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH) which replaced State of California Administrative Code Title 17, Sections §7583 through §7605 and applies to all State of California Public Water Systems, as defined in California’s Health and Safety Cost (CHSC, section 116275(h)).

Point of service connection protection is required at all existing service connections that have been surveyed and found to have existing actual and/or potential hazards to the City’s water system. The City of Garden Grove does not recognize internal cross-connection protection programs and/or internal backflow protection assemblies in lieu of point of service connection protection as described herein. All new non-residential connections shall install City of Garden Grove approved backflow protection at the service connection.

There is no grandfathering of this requirement. This is a health and safety issue and If it is determined that a backflow prevention assembly is required, the installation of such an assembly shall be a condition of continued water service. The Customer shall be notified in writing and given no more than 60 calendar days from the date of the initial notice to comply. If a Customer fails to comply, then the City of Garden Groves shall proceed with enforcement up to and including termination of water service to the parcel being served.

The type of protection that shall be provided to prevent backflow into the City’s water supply system shall be a minimum of a Reduced Pressure Principal Backflow Prevention Device (RP) for all non-residential connections and Double Check Detector Assembly (DCDA) for all non-residential fire suppression system connections, upgrades, and new installations. The Customer may install a higher level of protection than specified by the City (e.g., air gap in lieu of RP) following prior written City approval.