Understanding the role of various organizations in the management and protection of Los Angeles County's water supply for its nearly 10 million residents is crucial to navigating your responsibilities relating to backflow prevention testing, repair.
Though these organizations have distinct responsibilities in the management of water quality, cross-connection control, and backflow prevention, the colaboration of state, county and municipal level organizations and local agencies in Los Angeles County, California, is crucial in managing our water resource and protecting public health by ensuring the key water resources management priorities:
Complying with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act
Complying with California Title 22 regulations
Protecting quality of the groundwater basin
Creating and maintaining confidence of potable water reuse
Identify sources of contamination and limit release of contaminants
Compling with government-approved cleanup processes
Los Angeles County is served by a number of water districts and authorities that oversee water distribution and management in different areas. Each city and unincorporated community typically falls under one or more water districts or agencies responsible for providing potable water, wastewater treatment, and stormwater management.
Here’s a breakdown of the major water districts and authorities in Los Angeles County, grouped by the cities and communities they oversee:
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) is the governmental agency responsible for safeguarding and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County.
Established in 1900, LACDPH plays a critical role in public health promotion, disease prevention, and health equity across a diverse population. The department provides a wide range of services, including epidemiology, environmental health, mental health, substance use prevention, and emergency preparedness. It also oversees public health education, outreach programs, and community health initiatives to address issues such as chronic disease, environmental health hazards, and health disparities.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) plays a key role in maintaining and ensuring the safety of the water supply in the county. Under its Environmental Health Division, it oversees water quality standards and enforces regulations related to backflow prevention and cross-connection control. Backflow refers to the undesirable reverse flow of water or other substances into the clean water supply, typically due to pressure changes in the system. Cross-connections are the points where non-potable water or other contaminants could potentially mix with the potable water system.
By working on both preventative and responsive measures, LACDPH is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Angelenos and ensuring that the county remains resilient in the face of public health challenges.
Key responsibilities of LACDPH in cross-connection and backflow control include:
Regulation: Ensuring compliance with state and local regulations, such as the California Code of Regulations Title 17 and the Los Angeles County Code (specifically, Chapter 12.50 - Backflow Prevention).
Inspection and Enforcement: Conducting inspections, assessments, and audits to identify cross-connections and to ensure backflow prevention devices are installed, maintained, and functioning properly.
Public Education and Outreach: Educating the public, businesses, and water system operators about the importance of backflow prevention.
Certification of Backflow Prevention Devices: Certifying backflow prevention devices and testers who are qualified to install and maintain them.
Municipalities within Los Angeles County and their Responsibilities:
Los Angeles County is a large region made up of various municipalities, and each city or water district typically manages its own cross-connection control and backflow prevention programs.
However, these municipalities are required to adhere to the overarching guidelines and regulations set by the state and county to ensure consistency and public safety.Some of the municipalities in Los Angeles County that manage their own cross-connection control programs include:
City of Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) manages the cross-connection control program in the city. LADWP enforces regulations regarding backflow prevention devices, including annual testing, installation, and maintenance.
City of Long Beach: The Long Beach Water Department is responsible for cross-connection control and backflow prevention within the city. The department ensures that all water customers install appropriate backflow prevention devices and conducts regular inspections.
City of Pasadena: The Pasadena Water and Power oversees backflow prevention in the city and requires that backflow devices be tested and maintained regularly.
City of Santa Monica: The Santa Monica Water Division enforces backflow prevention policies and ensures all commercial and residential buildings comply with the regulations.
City of Burbank: The Burbank Water and Power department manages cross-connection control programs, requiring backflow prevention devices to be installed at potential cross-connection points.
City of Glendale: The Glendale Water and Power also manages its own backflow prevention program, ensuring that devices are properly tested and maintained according to the standards.
Other Municipalities: Numerous other smaller cities and water districts within Los Angeles County have their own backflow prevention programs, such as Culver City, Inglewood, Monterey Park, West Covina, and others. These municipalities typically follow the guidelines established by the California Department of Public Health and LACDPH but manage local enforcement independently.
General Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Requirements:
Testing: Backflow prevention devices must be tested annually by a certified backflow tester.
Installation: Devices are required to be installed at any point where there is a potential for contamination from non-potable sources, such as irrigation systems, swimming pools, or fire sprinkler systems.
Maintenance: Backflow devices must be maintained and repaired if necessary to ensure they continue functioning effectively.
Compliance with Standards: The program follows specific standards set by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and local county codes.
For more detailed information about Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) , please visit their official website:
Website: Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH)
Main Office Address:
313 N. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone:
(213) 240-8117
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is the largest municipal utility in the United States, providing water and electricity to more than 4 million residents in Los Angeles.
Established in 1902, LADWP manages a vast and complex system, sourcing its water from both local and imported supplies. The utility oversees a comprehensive water infrastructure, which includes the Los Angeles Aqueduct, the Owens Valley, the Colorado River, and the State Water Project, among other sources. LADWP is responsible for the treatment, distribution, and conservation of water within the city, while also addressing challenges such as drought, climate change, and water quality.
In addition to its role in water management, LADWP is heavily involved in water conservation and sustainability programs aimed at reducing consumption and promoting efficient water use. The utility also works on infrastructure projects, including the expansion of recycled water programs and groundwater replenishment efforts, to ensure long-term water security for the city's growing population. Through its broad range of initiatives,
LADWP strives to maintain a reliable and sustainable water supply for the city while balancing environmental and economic considerations.
Los Angeles Dept. Of Water And Power (LADWP) primarily serves the City of Los Angeles and several adjacent communities.
Cities Served by Los Angeles Dept. Of Water And Power (LADWP):
- City of Los Angeles
- Bishop (partial)
- Culver City (partial)
- South Pasadena (partial)
- West Hollywood (partial)
Unincorporated Communities Served by Los Angeles Dept. of Water And Power (LADWP):
While LADWP's primary jurisdiction is within the City of Los Angeles, certain adjacent communities and unincorporated areas may also receive services.
For more detailed information about Los Angeles Dept. Of Water And Power (LADWP), please visit their official website:
Website: Los Angeles Dept. Of Water And Power (LADWP)
Main Office Address:
111 N. Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone:
(213) 367-1934
LADWP operates multiple customer service centers across Los Angeles. Here are a few locations:
Central Customer Service Center
4619 S. Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011
West Los Angeles Customer Service Center
1394 S. Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Hollywood Customer Service Center
6547-B Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
For specific questions regarding your LADWP account, call the Customer Contact Center at 1-800-342-5397
The Los Angeles County Waterworks Districts (LACWD) is a network of water service agencies that provide water to residents in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, as well as certain cities within the county.
Established in 1916, LACWD operates multiple districts, serving communities such as Acton, Altadena, and Malibu, among others. The district sources its water from a mix of local groundwater supplies, imported water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), and surface water. LACWD is responsible for the treatment, storage, and distribution of water to thousands of residents while ensuring water quality and reliability.
The district is also focused on promoting water conservation and efficiency programs, encouraging residents to reduce consumption and adopt sustainable practices.
Additionally, LACWD works to maintain and upgrade its infrastructure to meet growing demand and address challenges such as drought, climate change, and aging infrastructure. Through its efforts, the district plays a critical role in managing water resources and ensuring a reliable supply for the diverse and expanding communities of Los Angeles County.
The Los Angeles County Waterworks Districts (LACWD) are operated by the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works and serve various cities and unincorporated communities across the county through five water districts and additional water systems.
Cities Served by Los Angeles County Waterworks Districts (LACWD):
- Lancaster (District 40 – Antelope Valley)
- Palmdale (District 40 – Antelope Valley)
- Malibu (District 29 – Malibu)
Unincorporated Communities Served by Los Angeles County Waterworks Districts (LACWD):
District 21 – Kagel
- CanyonKagel
CanyonDistrict 29 – MalibuTopanga
- Malibu Vista
- Encinal Canyon
Fernwood District 36 – Val Verde
- Val Verde
District 37 – Acton
- Acton
District 40 – Antelope Valley
- Antelope Acres
- Del Sur
- Lake Los Angeles
- Littlerock
- Neenach
- Pearblossom
- Quartz Hill
- Roosevelt
- Sun Village
Other Water Systems Operated by LACWD:
- Marina del Rey Water SystemMarina del Rey (unincorporated coastal community)
- Rancho Los Amigos Water System
- Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center area (in unincorporated Downey)
For more detailed information about Los Angeles County Waterworks Districts (LACWD), please visit their official website:
Website: Los Angeles County Waterworks Districts (LACWD)
Main Office Address:
1000 South Fremont Avenue, Building A9-E, 4th Floor
Alhambra, CA 91803
Phone:
(877) 637-3661
Malibu Office:
23533 West Civic Center Way, Malibu, CA 90265
Phone: (877) 637-3661
Antelope Valley Office:
260 East Avenue K-8, Lancaster, CA 93535
Phone: (877) 637-3661
The Calleguas Municipal Water District (Calleguas) is a regional water agency that serves parts of Ventura County, including cities like Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, and Camarillo. Established in 1953, Calleguas is responsible for importing and distributing water to over 600,000 people in its service area, primarily relying on water imported from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD).
In addition to managing imported water, Calleguas also oversees groundwater recharge programs and the operation of a large network of pipelines, reservoirs, and treatment facilities to ensure a reliable water supply for its customers. The district is committed to sustainability and works to improve water conservation, efficiency, and infrastructure resilience. With a focus on long-term water security,
Calleguas plays a vital role in addressing challenges like drought, population growth, and climate change. Its efforts to diversify water sources, including advancing recycled water programs, help reduce dependence on imported supplies and enhance the overall reliability of water resources in the region.
Calleguas Municipal Water District (Calleguas) is a wholesale water supplier serving approximately 75% of Ventura County's population. Calleguas provides water to 19 retail water purveyors, including cities, local water agencies, county waterworks districts, investor-owned utilities, and mutual water companies.
Cities Served by Calleguas Municipal Water District:
- Camarillo
- Moorpark
- Oxnard
- Port Hueneme
- Simi Valley
- Water Efficiency Alliance
- Thousand Oaks
Unincorporated Communities Served by Calleguas Municipal Water District:
- Bell Canyon
- Lake Sherwood
- Las Posas Valley
- Oak Park
- Santa Rosa Valley
- Somis
For more detailed information about Calleguas Municipal Water District and its services, please visit their official website:
Website: Calleguas Municipal Water District
Main Office Address:
2100 Olsen Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360-6800
Phone:
(805) 526-9323
The Central Basin Municipal Water District (CBMWD) is a public water agency that serves approximately 2 million people in the southeastern Los Angeles County region, across 24 cities and several unincorporated communities in southeast Los Angeles County like Downey, Bellflower, and Paramount.
Established in 1959, CBMWD primarily imports water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) to meet the needs of its service area, which relies heavily on both imported and local groundwater supplies.
The district plays a critical role in ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply through water conservation efforts, infrastructure maintenance, and the promotion of water-use efficiency.
CBMWD also provides programs aimed at reducing water consumption, offering rebates, education, and resources to local residents and businesses. In addition to managing water distribution, the district works to address challenges related to drought, water quality, and population growth, striving to enhance the long-term water security and sustainability of its communities.
Cities Served by Central Basin Municipal Water District (CBMWD):
- Artesia
- Bell
- Bell Gardens
- Bellflower
- Carson
- Cerritos
- Commerce
- Compton
- Cudahy
- Downey
- Hawaiian Gardens
- Huntington Park
- La Habra Heights
- La Mirada- Lakewood
- Lynwood
- Maywood
- Montebello
- Monterey Park
- Norwalk
- Paramount
- Pico Rivera
- Central Basin
- Santa Fe Springs
- Signal Hill
- South Gate
- Vernon
Unincorporated Communities Served by Central Basin Municipal Water District (CBMWD):
- East Los Angeles
- Florence-Graham
- South Whittier
- West Whittier
- Los Nietos
- Willowbrook
- Walnut Park
For more detailed information about Central Basin Municipal Water District (CBMWD), please visit their official website:
Website: Central Basin Municipal Water District (CBMWD)
Main Office Address:
6252 Telegraph Road
Commerce, CA 90040
Phone:
(323) 201-5500
The Foothill Municipal Water District (FMWD) is a public water agency that serves communities in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County, including areas like La Cañada Flintridge, Montrose, and parts of Altadena. Established in 1954, FMWD provides high-quality, reliable water to over 200,000 residents through a network of local water agencies.
The district imports water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) and also works to ensure the sustainability of local groundwater supplies. FMWD is actively involved in water conservation, offering programs that encourage efficient water use and educate the public on sustainable practices.
The district also plays a key role in managing water quality and developing infrastructure to meet the region's growing demand while addressing challenges like drought and climate change. Through its initiatives, FMWD aims to safeguard the water resources of the San Gabriel Valley and promote long-term water reliability for its communities.
Foothill Municipal Water District (FMWD) is a wholesale water supplier serving several communities in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains in Los Angeles County.
FMWD delivers imported water to its member agencies, which then provide retail water services to residents and businesses within their respective service areas.
Cities Served by Foothill Municipal Water District (FMWD):
- La Cañada Flintridge
Unincorporated Communities Served by Foothill Municipal Water District (FMWD):
- Altadena
- LA Crescenta-Montrose
The district provides imported water to its member agencies, which include:
- Crescenta Valley Water District
- La Cañada Irrigation District
- Liberty Utilities
- Valley Water Company
- Lincoln Avenue Water Company
- Las Flores Water Company
- Rubio Cañon Land & Water Association
- Kinneloa Irrigation District
- Valley Water Company
Each of these agencies serves specific portions of the communities within FMWD's service area.
For more detailed information about Foothill Municipal Water District (FMWD) and its member agencies, please visit their official website:
Website: Foothill Municipal Water District
Main Office Address:
4536 Hampton Road
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Phone:
(818) 790-4036
The Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD) is a public water agency that serves several communities in the western San Fernando Valley, including Calabasas, Agoura Hills, and Malibu. Established in 1958, LVMWD provides water to more than 65,000 residents and businesses, managing both imported water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) and local groundwater resources.
The district is committed to ensuring a reliable and high-quality water supply through sustainable practices, such as water conservation programs, advanced water treatment, and infrastructure improvements.
LVMWD also operates a highly successful recycled water program that helps meet the region’s irrigation needs while reducing reliance on imported water. In addition to its focus on resource management, LVMWD is active in educating the community about water conservation and environmental responsibility, helping to promote long-term sustainability for the region’s water supply.
Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD) provides potable water, wastewater treatment, recycled water, and biosolids composting services to more than 75,000 residents in western Los Angeles County.
Cities Served by Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD):
- Agoura Hills
- Calabasas
- Hidden Hills
- Westlake Village
Unincorporated Communities Served by Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD):
- Chatsworth
- Santa Monica Mountains
For more detailed information about Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD), please visit their official website:
Website: Las Virgenes Municipal Water District
Main Office Address:
4232 Las Virgenes Road
Calabasas, CA 91302
Phone:
(818) 251-2100
The Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (Upper District) is a regional water agency that serves communities in the northern part of Los Angeles County, including cities like Azusa, Duarte, and San Gabriel. Established in 1959, Upper District provides water to more than 1 million people, focusing primarily on managing and distributing imported water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) and local groundwater resources.
The district is dedicated to ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply through water conservation, efficient water management practices, and the protection and replenishment of groundwater resources. Upper District also plays an active role in promoting water efficiency and public education, helping residents and businesses reduce water consumption while maintaining environmental stewardship.
Through its programs, Upper District works to enhance water reliability and sustainability for the region's communities, even in the face of challenges like drought and population growth.
The Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (Upper District) is a wholesale water provider serving nearly one million residents across a 144-square-mile area in the San Gabriel Valley. The district encompasses 18 cities and various unincorporated communities.
Cities Served by The Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (Upper District):
- Alhambra
- Arcadia
- Azusa
- Baldwin Park
- Bradbury
- Covina
- Duarte
- El Monte
- Industry
- Irwindale
- La Puente
- Monrovia
- Monterey Park
- Rosemead
- San Gabriel
- San Marino
- South El Monte
- Temple City
Unincorporated Communities Served by The Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (Upper District):
- Bassett
- Charter Oak
- East Pasadena
- Hacienda Heights
- North El Monte
- South San Gabriel
- Valinda
- West Puente Valley
For more detailed information about Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (Upper District), please visit their official website:
Website: Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District
Main Office Address:
248 E. Foothill Blvd., Suite 200
Monrovia, CA 91016
Phone:
(626) 443-2297
The West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin) is a regional water agency that provides water to over 1 million people in southwestern Los Angeles County, including cities like Torrance, Culver City, and Gardena. Established in 1947, West Basin primarily focuses on importing water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) but is also a leader in water conservation, recycling, and sustainability initiatives. West Basin operates one of the largest water recycling programs in the U.S., treating wastewater to produce high-quality recycled water for industrial, irrigation, and potable uses.
The district is dedicated to ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply through innovative projects that address the challenges posed by drought, climate change, and population growth.
Additionally, West Basin promotes water conservation and education to empower residents and businesses in the region to reduce water usage and protect local resources.
The West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin) is a wholesale water agency serving nearly one million residents across 17 cities and several unincorporated areas in Los Angeles County.
Cities Served by West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin):
- Carson
- Culver City
- El Segundo
- Gardena
- Hawthorne
- Hermosa Beach
- Inglewood
- Lawndale
- Lomita
- Malibu
- Manhattan Beach
- Palos Verdes Estates
- Rancho Palos Verdes
- Redondo Beach
- Rolling Hills
- Rolling Hills Estates
- West Hollywood
Unincorporated Communities Served by West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin):
West Basin also provides water to several unincorporated areas in Los Angeles County.
For more detailed information about West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin), please visit their official website:
Website: West Basin Municipal Water District
Main Office Address:
17140 S. Avalon Blvd., Suite 210
Carson, CA 90746
Phone:
(310) 217-2411
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