Existing Customers | Self-Inspections & Monitoring
ANNUAL SELF-INSPECTIONS AND REPORTS
Standard On-site (Land) Observation Report
The CRWQCB requires that the recycled water Customers in the Program conduct a standard observation inspection at least once a year at a time when the recycled water system is in use. In general, the standard observations correlate with the preventative maintenance self-inspections. The Customer must submit the results of the observations along with a description of any corrective actions taken in a written report to the District (see Sample Forms). The schedule and deadlines for submittal of this report is indicated in the Recycled Water Use Permit. The seven items for inspection are as follows:
1. Is there evidence of runoff of recycled water from the site? Show affected area on a sketch and estimate volume.
2. Is there an odor of wastewater origin at the irrigation site? If yes, indicate apparent source, characterization, direction of travel, and any public use areas or off-site facilities affected by the odors.
3. Is there evidence of ponding of recycled water, and/or evidence of mosquitoes breeding within the irrigation area due to ponded water?
4. Are warning signs, tags, stickers, and above ground pipe markings properly posted to inform the public that irrigation water is recycled water, which is not suitable for-drinking?
5. Is there evidence of leaks or breaks in the irrigation system piping, or tubing?
6. Is there evidence of broken or otherwise faulty drip irrigation system emitters or spray irrigation sprinklers?
7. What corrective actions are being taken to correct any problems noted above?
Off Season Inspection Report
The CRWQCB also requires that the Program Customers conduct a thorough inspection of all irrigation lines, sprinklers, and drip system emitters at least once a year during the dormant season. The findings of this inspection, along with any significant repairs or modifications must be submitted in a report to the District (see Sample Forms). The schedule and deadlines for submittal of this report are indicated in the Recycled Water Use Pen-nit. Periodic Program Inspections The CRWQCB also requires that the District conduct periodic inspections of Customer recycled water use sites. These inspections shall include, at a minimum, the visual inspection of all back-flow prevention devices, pump rooms, exposed piping, valves, pressure reducing stations, points of connection, sprinklers, drip system emitters, controllers, lakes, storage facilities, signs, labeling, tags, etc. The Customer On-Site Supervisor's maintenance records shall be inspected to review all maintenance since the last inspection. The District and CRWQCB reserve the right to make unannounced inspections of the facility during reasonable hours of operation.
Upon completion of the inspection, a report form will be signed and dated by both the Customer’s OnSite Supervisor and the District’s inspector. The original shall be maintained by the District with copies to the On-Site Supervisor, and any required regulatory agency.
Should a cross-connection be discovered during any inspection by the Customer or an outside inspector, the Emergency Cross-Connection Response Plan shall be immediately invoked by the Customer’s OnSite Supervisor.
Modifications
No modifications shall be made by the Customer to any recycled water system without the prior approval of the District. This includes modifications to the approved plans, or to an operational system. Detailed plans of any modifications must be submitted to the District and the modifications inspected by the District before being completed.
Emergency modifications or repairs can be made by the Customer to the system without the prior approval of the District to prevent contamination, damage or a public health hazard. As soon as possible after the modification but not to exceed three days, the Customer must notify the District of the emergency modifications and file a written report.
Periodic Cross-Connection Testing
At dual-plumbed use sites (sites where the recycled water is used within a building in conjunction with a potable water system, or outdoor landscape irrigation at individual residences), the Customer shall be responsible for conducting a periodic cross-connection test as required in the Recycled Water Use Permit unless visual inspections reveal a requirement for more frequent testing. Generally the periodic cross-connection test for a dual plumbed use site is required once every four years. This test shall be done by an AWWA-certified cross-connection specialist. The District must be notified at least 48 hours in advance of the test so that a District representative can be present. The Customer On-Site Supervisor must be present at the test. A sample Test Notification Form is located in Sample Forms. The following are general guidelines for periodic cross-connection testing and may be modified with the prior approval of the District.
Periodic Cross-Connection Test Procedures
Cross-connection tests shall be performed as specified in the UPC Appendix J 8 (2) and J 8 (3), with the exception that intermittent piping will not be activated and pressurized as specified in Appendix J 8 (2) (vi), and that the required pressurization time will be one (1) hour or as otherwise specified by the crossconnection specialist.
System Not in Compliance
If at any time the recycled water system is found to be out of compliance, the District shall issue an Order specifying the corrections required to bring the system into compliance. A site inspection shall be scheduled after a reasonable period of time to ensure compliance with the Order.
If it is known or suspected that a backflow incident or contamination has occurred, then the Emergency Cross-connection Response Plan shall be invoked.
Notification
It is the responsibility of the Customer’s On-Site Supervisor to notify the District of any failure or cross connection in said recycled water or potable water system, whether or not he/she believes a violation has occurred. It is also the responsibility of the On-Site Supervisor to notify the District of any violation that might occur because of any action the Customer personnel might take during the operation of said recycled water or potable water systems. If there are any doubts whether a violation has occurred, it is the responsibility of the On-Site Supervisor to report each occurrence to the District so a decision can be made.
Emergency Procedure
In case of a major earthquake, flood, fire, tornado, structural failure, or other incident that could likely damage the recycled or potable water systems, the Customer’s On-Site Supervisor should inspect the domestic and recycled water systems for damage as soon as it is safe to do so. If either system appears damaged, both the domestic and recycled water systems should be shut off at their points of connection. If the On-Site Supervisor cannot inspect the site and damage is expected, then both water systems should be shut off at their points of connection. The On-Site Supervisor should immediately contact the District for further instruction.
Emergency Modifications
Emergency modifications or repairs can be made by the Customer to said system without the prior approval of the District to prevent contamination, damage or a public health hazard. As soon as possible after the modification but no more than three days after the modification, the Customer shall notify the District of the emergency modifications and file a written description of action taken. Unauthorized Discharge It is the responsibility of the Customer to report to the District all system failures that result in an unauthorized discharge of recycled water. An immediate oral report is required at which time the District will specify if a written report is required. The Customer must make every effort to contain the unauthorized discharge prior to discharge to the storm drains. Contact the District for field review and disposal instructions.
Contamination of Drinking Water
In case of contamination of the potable water system due to a cross-connection on the Customer's premises, the District and the CDHS shall be immediately notified by the Customer. The Customer is to immediately invoke the Emergency Cross-connection Response Plan. | 
