Second Reading and Adoption of the Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control Ordinance

Waive final reading, read by title only, and adopt an Ordinance adding Chapter 13.08 to Title 13 of the American Canyon Municipal Code relating to Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control; amending Chapter 13.04 relating to water service systems; amending Chapter 13.06 relating to water rates and connection fees; amending Section 16.14.080 relating to water efficient landscaping; amending Section 19.51.060 relating to standard conditions of approval; amending Title 14 relating to sewer and sanitation services; and amending Title 1 relating to general provisions.

Erica Ahmann Smithies, P.E., Public Works Director
Norman Woods, Assistant Public Works Director 

On August 18, 2026, the City Council approved the first reading of an Ordinance establishing a comprehensive Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control Program for the City of American Canyon.

The Ordinance adds Chapter 13.08 to Title 13 of the American Canyon Municipal Code and establishes requirements for the administration of the City's Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control Program. The program provides requirements related to backflow prevention assemblies, installation, testing, reporting, maintenance, recordkeeping, compliance, fees, and enforcement to protect the City's potable water system from actual and potential cross-connection hazards.

The Ordinance also amends related provisions of the American Canyon Municipal Code concerning water service systems, water rates and connection fees, water efficient landscaping, standard conditions of approval, applicable Public Works requirements, and general enforcement provisions.

Changes since first reading:

Following the August 18, 2026 first reading, staff conducted an additional review of the Ordinance to clarify the regulatory framework, correct internal references and duplicative language, and ensure consistency with current State requirements.

The following minor corrections have been incorporated into the Ordinance presented for second reading:

1. State Regulatory References Corrected. Recital references to the former California Code of Regulations, Title 17 cross-connection control provisions were corrected to reference the State Water Resources Control Board's Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH) and applicable State requirements.
2. CEQA Finding Added to the Recitals. The same CEQA findings as was in the ordinance's operative language is added to the recitals.
3. Municipal Code Reference Correction. The reference relating to water rates and connection fees was corrected to Chapter 13.06.
4. Duplicate Provision Deleted. The duplicate Section 13.08.020, “Applicability,” was removed.
5. Enforcement Cross-Reference Corrected. The incorrect reference to Section 13.08.090 regarding water-service termination was removed because Section 13.08.090 addresses program fees, and was replaced with a citation to the correct City law.
6. Ordinance Formatting. Duplicate adoption and certification language was removed, and the Ordinance was formatted to document the August 18, 2026, introduction and first reading and the September 1, 2026, second reading and adoption.

These minor corrections do not change the substance of the Ordinance considered by the City Council at first reading, which is to establish a comprehensive Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control Program to protect the City's potable water system.

The Ordinance presented as Attachment 1 is now before the City Council for second reading and adoption. If adopted, the Ordinance will become effective October 1, 2026 following adoption and will be published or posted as required by law.

Implementation of the Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control Program will require staff resources for program administration, recordkeeping, customer notification, inspection coordination, compliance tracking, reporting, and enforcement.

Program-related fees may be established by separate City Council resolution to recover the reasonable costs associated with administering and implementing the program

Clarifying revisions were made following the first reading to improve consistency, implementation, and administration of the ordinance. The revisions do not change the overall purpose or intent of the ordinance.