Backflow Testing in San Clemente, CA

Does the City of San Clemente regulate backflow devices?

It has a formal program. The City's water quality report describes a Cross-Connection Control Management Plan carried out with the State Division of Drinking Water, meant to keep contaminated water from being pulled back into the public mains. What isn't recorded here are the details: test intervals, who may test, or how results are filed. If the City sends a notice about a device on your property, that notice is the authority on dates and paperwork. City Water & Sewer Services sits at 380 Avenida Pico, and utility billing answers at (949) 361-8315.

Which provider sets the rules for my address?

It depends on the neighborhood. The City Water Utility covers most of San Clemente. Santa Margarita Water District provides water and wastewater service in Talega, and South Coast Water District handles a small portion of north San Clemente. Each runs its own system, so a Talega homeowner deals with Santa Margarita rather than the City. The City's report tells residents to look at their water bill to confirm the provider.

Why would a coastal house have a backflow device at all?

Usually because of the irrigation system. Sprinkler pipes lie in soil, fertilizer and puddled water, and a sudden pressure drop in the main can draw that water back toward the house supply if nothing stops it. Pools with automatic fill valves, boilers and some fire sprinkler setups are other common reasons. Near the ocean, salt air and marine layer moisture also corrode exposed brass, bolts and test cocks faster than inland, so an outdoor assembly left alone for years may be seized or seeping even if it never formally failed. San Clemente's median home was built in 1982, which means a fair number of original irrigation devices are long past their best years.

A note on water and permits

City water blends imported Metropolitan Water District supply with water from Irvine Ranch Water District's Baker plant, disinfected with chloramines. The City reports hardness of 293 mg/L (17 grains per gallon) for the Baker water and 236 mg/L (14 grains per gallon) for the imported treated water, and that mineral load can stiffen check valves over time. New or relocated assemblies may need a permit from the Community Development Building Division at 910 Calle Negocio, (949) 361-6100.