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1. Does everyone have to comply with backflow regulations?

Yes, because of the federal and state mandate regarding backflow prevention and because it serves as a way of protecting the water supply, it is imperative that all customers have backflow prevention devices.

2. Why is the City responsible for enforcing the rules on backflow since they are State of California’s rules?

The EPA enforces the backflow regulations by delegating the responsibility to the State of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).  The CEQA enforces the backflow regulations by requiring the City to administer the backflow program locally.  The City is inspected annually by the CEQA to determine if the City is administering the program according to regulations.

3. We have been here all these years and never had to do anything about backflow before. Why do I have to do this now?

 As state and federal regulations protecting drinking water grow more stringent, it is imperative that water systems keep up. Because the end-users, which are the customers, can individually impact the drinking water system, they must be a part of the solution in preventing backflow.

4. Can my home or business be “grandfathered” in for the backflow devices?

There is no “grandfathering” of backflow devices which are out of compliance with current regulations.  The State considers backflow regulations to be a health and safety issue.  These issues must be addressed in a timely matter for the safety of the public water supply and the health of our customers.

5. Must my home or business have backflow prevention?

Many businesses must install and maintain backflow prevention devices. Common examples are manufacturing facilities, process plants, medical facilities, restaurants, laboratories including school chemistry and biology labs), and buildings with boilers, fire sprinkler systems and irrigation systems. Usually residential facilities are exempt from the rule unless a specific cross-connection is identified. For example, single-family residences with a lawn irrigation system require backflow prevention. Multi-family residences with a boiler or fire sprinkler system require backflow prevention.

6. How would a backflow issue occur with a lawn irrigation system?

A backflow issue exists if a lawn irrigation sprinkler malfunctions and a city water main breaks at the same time. When the water pressure drops, it creates a vacuum that sucks some water, which may be contaminated, into the city water supply. An example of this situation would be if a homeowner found worms, along with rust, and other debris in his bathtub when he filled the tub. These contaminants came into the water system after a contractor installed a sprinkler system and used an unapproved atmospheric vacuum breaker. When the sprinkler system malfunctioned and the city water main broke, it created the suction that pushed the contaminated water into the bathtub.

7. Who do I call to report sidewalk problems, potholes or damaged roadways?

Call the Public Works Department at 559-665-8615, extension 789 to report these problems or Email Public Works.

8. Why doesn't the City do more complete road repairs rather than simply patching the potholes?

Due to budget restrictions, the City of Chowchilla cannot always do complete street reconstruction. The City has been maintaining City streets using a chip seal procedure. In most cases, reconstruction costs approximately five times more than chip sealing. Filling potholes can prevent further deterioration of a street until such time reconstruction can be accomplished.

9. Who do I contact if a street light needs repair?

Call the Public Works Department at 559-665-8615, ext. 789. When you call, please provide the number posted on the street lighting pole. If you do not have the pole number, please provide the location and closest address available when you report it. Public Works will then refer it to the responsible agency.

10. Who is responsible for routine maintenance of sidewalk, curb, gutter and street trees?

Routine maintenance is the property owner's responsibility. For sidewalk and curb repairs or problems with street trees, please contact the Public Works Department at 559-665-8615, extension 789 or Email Public Works.

11. Where do I call to report water leaks or a broken hydrant?

Call the Public Works Department at 559-665-8615, extension 789 or Email Public Works. If problem occurs on a weekend or an emergency situation exists, please call 559-647-9138.

12. Who do I call if I have a sewer blockage in the line that is not on my property?

The Chowchilla Municipal Code Number 13.12.065 Section E states in part that "House branch sewer, including their connection to sewer mains, shall not be considered as City property or become a part of the City sewer system, and their maintenance and repair shall not be provided by the City." If you experience a problem that you feel is the City's responsibility, please call the Public Works Department at 559-665-8615, extension 789 or Email Public Works. If problem occurs on a weekend or an emergency situation exists, please call the 559-647-9138.

13. Where do I report an abandoned vehicle?

If the vehicle is on the street or in an alley, call the Police Department at 559-665-8600. If the vehicle is on private property, contact the Code and Zone Enforcement Division of the Community and Economic Development Department in the Chowchilla Civic Center by calling 559-665-8615, extension 787 or Email Code Enforcement.

14. Who do I call about graffiti problems?

Please call the Chowchilla Police Department at 559-665-8600. If you observe someone actually in the act of "tagging," please call the Police Department immediately.

15. Where do I report illegal trash dumping or fire hazards?

Contact Code Enforcement at 559-665-8615, extension 787 or Email Code Enforcement. To report someone in the act of illegal dumping, please call the Police Department at 559-665-8600. If an emergency situation exists, call 911 immediately.