Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on an Ordinance Amending Chapter 110, Utilities, of the Code of Ordinances by Adopting a New Article XI, Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention, and Amending Related Utility Provisions
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Operational Excellence
(2:1: Balance available resources to accommodate the growth and maintenance of the City);
(2:3: Performance management tools and new technologies, identify opportunities for internal efficiencies and continuous improvement to foster and reinforce a high performing organizational culture)
MEETING DATE: October 20, 2026
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
CONTACT: Ryan Gillingham, PE - Director of Public Works
Michael George - Assistant Director of Public Works
Tracey Cottrell - Water Utilities Supervisor
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Approval of the Ordinance.
ITEM SUMMARY:
• The proposed Ordinance establishes a comprehensive Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention program in Chapter 110 of the Code of Ordinances. The program is intended to protect the City's public water supply and public water system from contamination or pollution caused by actual or potential cross connections and backflow incidents.
• The Ordinance adopts requirements for hazard evaluation, approved backflow prevention assemblies, installation, testing, maintenance, reporting, tester registration, customer service inspections, access, fees, and enforcement. It also amends related utility provisions in Chapter 110, so the requirements are applied consistently to customers in the City's water system.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• The City currently enforces minimum cross connection control and backflow prevention requirements established by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Related requirements also appear in the City's utility, fire, construction, plumbing, and engineering standards. The proposed Ordinance consolidates and strengthens these protections by creating a dedicated Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention article in Chapter 110.
• The Ordinance applies within the City and to customers outside the corporate limits who receive City water or sanitary sewer service by permit, contract, agreement, or other authorization. The Director of Public Works, or designee, will oversee as the Regulatory Authority responsible for administration and enforcement.
• Key provisions establish requirements for the selection and installation of approved backflow prevention assemblies based on the degree of hazard; protection for fire systems, fire hydrants, landscape irrigation systems, mobile units, and other potential cross connections; initial and recurring assembly testing; timely submission of testing and repair records; maintenance and repair of assemblies; annual registration of certified backflow prevention assembly testers; and customer service inspections where required.
• The Ordinance authorizes inspections and access needed to evaluate compliance and for the City to suspend water service when necessary to prevent or stop an actual or threatened cross connection or backflow that presents an imminent and substantial danger.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• The Ordinance provides the City with the authority to establish fees associated with administration of the Cross Connection Control Program in the future; however, no new fees are being established as part of this Ordinance at this time. Prior to implementing any fees, the City would evaluate the costs associated with program administration, including any third party vendor fees resulting from future contracts. Any proposed fees would be brought back to the City Council for consideration and approval at a future date.
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
• N/A