« Back to News & Notices

Cross-Connection Control Program

November 20, 2025

***Attention Shasta CSD Rate Payers***

Please read and complete the questionnaire and return it to the Shasta CSD Office regarding Cross-Connection Hazards

The State of California's Cross-Connection Control Program, mandated by the State Water Resources Control Board under California's Safe Drinking Water Act, has established enforceable standards applicable to California's public water systems.  The Cross-Connection Control Program is a set of regulations and guidelines designed to protect public drinking water from contamination through cross-connections.  The program is guided by the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH), which replaced older regulations and expanded the requirements for the water systems.  The complete CCCPH can be found at https://www.waterboards.ca.gov.

Cross-Connections:  A cross-connection is an interconnection between a potable water supply and a non-potable source through any actual or potential connection or structural arrangement between a public water system and any source or distribution system containing liquid, gas, or other substances not from an approved water supply.  Such connections can allow harmful substances, such as chemicals or dirty water, to flow back into the public water system.

Backflow:  Backflow is the undesired or unintended reversal of flow of water and/or other liquids, gases, or other substances into a public water system's distribution system, such as a sprinkler system, pressure boosting system, or unapproved water supply, into the potable water system.  A drop in system pressure caused by incidents such as water main breaks or high demands, such as firefighting, can cause back-siphonage.  

Public water suppliers (Shasta CSD) are responsible for implementing and enforcing the Cross-Connection Control Program, which includes:

  • Hazard assessment:  Shasta CSD is required to conduct surveys of all its customers' properties to identify potential cross-connection hazards.
  • Program requirements:  Public water suppliers must have a Cross-Connection Control Plan that complies with the requirements of the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH).
  • Backflow prevention:  The program requires the use of backflow prevention assemblies to protect the water supply from backflow, to be purchased and installed by the customer if a backflow hazard exists during the assessment. 
  • Certified testers:  Backflow prevention assemblies must be inspected and tested annually from the date of installation or whenever the device has been repaired, replaced, or relocated by Shasta CSD staff who are certified by the CA-NV-AWWA.  If it is determined that a backflow device is required, $3.75 will be added to the customer's monthly bill to cover the annual test cost.  

Shasta Community Services District is committed to delivering safe, high-quality water to our customers and ensuring that the water delivered to our customers is kept free from harmful contaminants. For frequently asked questions, please visit https://www.waterboards.ca.gov