To: Board of Directors, Sonoma County Water Agency
Department or Agency Name(s): Sonoma County Water Agency
Staff Name and Phone Number: Grant Davis 707 547-1900, Cesar Galvan 707 521-1839
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Cross-Connection Backflow Inspections
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Authorize Sonoma County Water Agency’s General Manager to execute an agreement with PJC & Associates, Inc., in substantially the form presented to this Board, for cross-connection backflow inspections through December 31, 2026, in the not-to-exceed amount of $171,000.
end
Executive Summary:
Pursuant to State Water Resources Control Board’s (SWRCB) Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH), Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) is required to conduct hazard assessments of its 183 cross-connection backflow devices across its water transmission system. Under the proposed agreement, PJC & Associates, Inc. (Consultant) will assist Sonoma Water in completing the required hazard assessments.
Discussion:
HISTORY OF ITEM/BACKGROUND
Sonoma Water manages and maintains a water transmission system that provides naturally filtered Russian River water to City of Cotati, Marin Municipal Water District, North Marin Water District, City of Petaluma, City of Rohnert Park, City of Santa Rosa, City of Sonoma, Valley of the Moon Water District, and Town of Windsor (Water Contractors). These entities in turn deliver drinking water to more than 600,000 residents in portions of Sonoma and Marin counties.
On December 19, 2023, the SWRCB adopted Resolution No. 2023-0045 approving the CCCPH, which includes standards for backflow protection and cross-connection control, and establishes requirements for Public Water Systems to implement a cross-connection control program, including a written Cross-Connection Control Plan (Control Plan). Sonoma Water completed its Control Plan in June 2025.
The Control Plan outlines requirements for an inspection of cross-connection backflow devices that connect Sonoma Water’s water supply to its water contractors. The inspection includes an assessment of the device and a classification of the hazard level for the device into high, low, or no hazard designations. The CCCPH requires inspections be completed by a specialist certified with an approved American Water Works Association testing procedure that complies with Article 4 of the CCCPH.
SELECTION PROCESS
Consultant was selected from a list of qualified consultants developed from a competitive selection process under the name Tall Tree Engineering. Attached is a memo that explains the competitive selection process. Tall Tree Engineering has since merged with Consultant.
Consultant was selected for the subject work because of its expertise in backflow prevention and cross-connection inspection protocols, as well as its familiarity with the requirements established by SWRCB.
SERVICES TO BE PERFORMED
Under the proposed agreement, Consultant will perform cross-connection backflow inspections and complete the cross-connection control survey form for Sonoma Water’s 183 backflow devices.
The cost of services will not exceed $171,000; the term end date is December 31, 2026.
Through the proposed agreement, the General Manager will be delegated the authority to approve a written amendment to extend the term of the agreement for up to two additional years by providing written notice to the other party thirty days in advance of the term end date and by executing an agreement amendment.
County of Sonoma Strategic Plan Alignment:
N/A
Sonoma Water Strategic Plan Alignment
Goal: Planning and Infrastructure
Strategy: Conduct planning that integrates and balances operational, maintenance, and infrastructure priorities.
Action: Continue to engage in planning efforts and partnerships to protect and enhance our water supply.
This effort will enable Sonoma Water to assess its 183 cross-connection backflow devices throughout the distribution system. These assessments will help staff plan future infrastructure upgrades and protect our water supply.
Racial Equity:
Was this item identified as an opportunity to apply the Racial Equity Toolkit?
No
Prior Board Actions:
N/A
Fiscal Summary
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Expenditures |
FY25-26 Adopted |
FY26-27 Projected |
FY27-28 Projected |
|
Budgeted Expenses |
$171,000 |
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Additional Appropriation Requested |
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Total Expenditures |
$171,000 |
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Funding Sources |
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General Fund/WA GF |
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State/Federal |
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Fees/Other |
$171,000 |
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Use of Fund Balance |
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General Fund Contingencies |
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Total Sources |
$171,000 |
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Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
Budgeted amount of $171,000 is available from FY 2025/2026 appropriations for the Water Transmission O&M fund. No additional appropriation is required.
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Staffing Impacts: |
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Position Title (Payroll Classification) |
Monthly Salary Range (A-I Step) |
Additions (Number) |
Deletions (Number) |
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
N/A
Attachments:
Attachment 1: Draft Agreement with PJC & Associates, Inc.
Attachment 2: Competitive Selection Process Memo
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None.