The City of Manhattan Beach is committed to providing clean, safe drinking water to our residents and businesses. A critical aspect of this commitment is our Cross-Connection Control program. 

Quick Facts
Protect Your Water Supply Ensure there are no cross-connections and regularly check for conditions that could cause backflow to keep your water safe and clean.

What is Backflow?
Backflow is the unwanted reversal of water flow, which can lead to the contamination of a public water system. This issue arises when water, liquids, gases, or other substances flow backward into the water supply, potentially impairing its quality or posing health risks.

What is a Cross-Connection?
A cross-connection is any link or arrangement between the public water system and a non-approved source, such as other liquids or gases. This can occur within your premises or through any system connected to the public water supply.

Why is it Important?
Both backflow and cross-connections can compromise the safety of your water supply, leading to potential health hazards or aesthetic issues.

Working Together
We understand that navigating new regulations can be challenging. Our goal is to ensure a smooth and successful transition for everyone. By working together, the City of Manhattan Beach and our business community can continue to keep our drinking water safe and reliable.

The City is committed to supporting our business community throughout this transition.

The City will provide detailed ordinance information:

CHANGES IN STATE LAW
California adopted the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH) in 2023.
Purpose: provides stricter regulations for public water systems.
Responsibility: The City of Manhattan Beach must establish an ordinance that reflects these requirements.

THE NEW ORDINANCE AND COMPLIANCE
The ordinance will provide a clear framework for cross-connection control, benefiting the community by further strengthening the safety of our drinking water.

How do the new State regulations impact me?
Commercial, industrial and residential customers with specific conditions will have to comply. Although, the majority of customers who already comply with our cross-connection control program are in compliance and will not be impacted.

What are examples of typical conditions that could require residential service connections to install backflow prevention assembly?
Include, but are not limited to, the presence of a fire sprinkler system, the presence of a pool or spa, and the presence of an inaccurately installed irrigation system that does not comply with the plumbing code.

What are examples of typical conditions that could require non-residential service connections to install backflow prevention assembly?
Examples of typical conditions that could require non-residential service connections to install backflow prevention assemblies include, but are not limited to, facilities that handle hazardous materials or use water in industrial processes, facilities that maintain connections to an irrigation or fire protection systems, and commercial food establishments.

FISCAL IMPACT

What is the cost for installing a backflow device for residential properties?
The cost for residential properties is projected to range from $7,000 to $12,000 per property. This cost estimate includes the cost of the device plus labor associated with the installations.

What is the cost for installing a backflow device for non-residential properties?
The cost for non-residential properties is projected to range from $10,000 to $40,000 per property. This cost estimate includes the cost of the device plus labor associated with the installations.

TIMELINE

COMPLIANCE

How long will I have to comply with the new state law?
Property owners will be provided 60 to 180 days to make the proper installation based on evaluations that will be conducted by staff. In addition, extensions will be considered by staff on a case-by-case basis.

What happens if I do not comply?
If property owners don’t comply within this timeline, they will be provided a reminder that gives them 30 to 90 additional days to comply. The timeframe will be determined based on risk assessments at the property.

How will I know if I am in compliance?
Customers will be notified of the need to install an appropriate backflow in order to comply with these regulations.

For more information, call our Environmental Compliance Section at (310) 802-5344.