The City of Ojai has a well-established and robust backflow prevention program that helps ensure the safety of its public water supply.
Ojai property owners are responsible for installing, testing, and maintaining backflow prevention devices and must comply with the city's requirements to avoid penalties. Ensuring timely testing, maintenance, and repair of backflow devices is crucial for protecting both individual properties and the public water system. Non-compliance can result in fines, civil liabilities and the disruption of water service.
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1. Scope & Authority
The City of Ojai enforces backflow prevention measures to protect the public water system from potential contamination due to cross-connections. These measures are implemented under the authority of the California Code of Regulations, Title 17, the California State Water Resources Control Board Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH), and applicable Ojai Municipal Codes.
Oversight has historically been provided by Ventura County Environmental Health Division (EHD), but beginning July 1, 2025, responsibility for cross-connection control and backflow compliance will be transferred to the local water purveyors operating in the Ojai area.
2. Responsibilities of Property Owners
Installation & Maintenance: Property owners are responsible for the installation and ongoing maintenance of approved Backflow Prevention Assemblies (BPAs) where potential cross-connection hazards are present. These include irrigation systems, wells, auxiliary water sources, or any system that may pose a contamination risk.
Annual Testing: All BPAs must be tested at least once per year by a certified backflow prevention tester, in accordance with CCCPH standards. Property owners must ensure test results are submitted to the appropriate water purveyor (not the County) using the designated electronic reporting system.
Repairs & Replacements: If a BPA fails testing, the device must be repaired or replaced immediately by a certified tester. Functional retesting is required after repairs are made.
3. Scenarios Requiring Backflow Prevention Assemblies (BPAs)
The City of Ojai, in accordance with state and local regulations, requires backflow prevention assemblies in the following situations:
Irrigation Systems: Especially where fertilizers or chemicals are injected, or where systems are connected to both potable and non-potable supplies.
Swimming Pools & Spas: To prevent pool water or chemicals from back-siphoning into the potable water supply.
Fire Suppression Systems: Systems with chemical additives or booster pumps require BPAs to prevent contamination.
Wells & Auxiliary Water Sources: Properties with private wells, cisterns, rainwater harvesting systems, or greywater systems must have backflow protection where cross-connections are possible.
Commercial or Industrial Facilities: Businesses that use hazardous materials or operate equipment connected to the water supply must install and maintain proper BPAs.
4. Testing & Maintenance Requirements
Annual Testing: All BPAs must be tested annually to verify proper operation and compliance with CCCPH and local water agency requirements.
Certified Testers: Only certified backflow testers may perform inspections. Testers must hold current certification from a recognized certifying body and meet the ANSI/ISO accreditation standards required by the state (effective July 1, 2027).
Test Report Submission: As of July 1, 2025, test results must be submitted directly to the water purveyor—not the County of Ventura—through their designated digital submission portal or reporting system.
Repair & Retesting: Devices that fail must be repaired or replaced immediately and retested for compliance. Repaired devices must pass inspection before being considered compliant.
5. Approved Devices & Certified Testers
Approved Devices: Only BPAs approved by recognized testing agencies—such as the USC Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research—may be installed. Devices used on potable systems must also comply with California Health and Safety Code Section 116875 (“lead-free” requirements).
Certified Testers: Backflow testing and repairs must be performed by certified professionals. Certification must come from an accredited agency compliant with ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 standards, which will be mandatory statewide by July 1, 2027.
6. Enforcement & Penalties
Non-Compliance: Failure to install, maintain, and test BPAs as required can result in enforcement actions, including notice of violation and disconnection of water service by the water purveyor.
Service Restoration: Water service will not be restored until the required backflow prevention device is installed, tested, and found compliant to the satisfaction of the water purveyor.
Penalties: Failure to submit timely test reports, or continued non-compliance, may result in late fees, fines, or other administrative penalties as outlined by the local water purveyor or applicable municipal codes.
Ojai Water Authority Contact Info:
Ventura River Water District — Cross‑Connection
409 Old Baldwin Road
Ojai, CA 93023
Tel: 805-646‑3403
