Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook

Policy Handbook Updates

The Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH) took effect July 1, 2024. A FAQ dated June 27, 2025 is posted on the Guidance Documents.

The State Water Board adopted a revised version of the CCCPH on June 17, 2025, which extended some deadlines and changed some language to align with other pre-existing regulations. The following are an updated CCCPH and log of all changes made

The Division of Drinking Water, Cross-Connection Control Committee (Committee) is proposing modifications to the CCCPH regarding accreditation of certifying organizations and backflow prevention at existing auxiliary water supplies, and intends to bring the changes to the State Water Board for adoption in an April board hearing. The following are a draft CCCPH and list of proposed changes:

  • Proposed Draft Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (pdf)
  • Proposed list of changes (pdf)

The Committee is accepting comments regarding the proposed changes at backflow@waterboards.ca.gov. Comments unrelated to the proposed changes will be received but not addressed in the proposed update. The final date for written comments to be submitted to the State Water Board is February 19, 2026. An opportunity to provide verbal comments will be made available on February 19, 2026, starting at 2:00 PM via a Microsoft Teams meeting.

The Cross-Connection Control Committee has released the following guidance document on the fire sprinkler requirements in the CCCPH.

  • Guidance Memorandum on Fire Protection Systems, dated September 5, 2025 (pdf)

The Committee has released four Cross-Connection Control Plan (CCC Plan) templates, one for transient noncommunity water systems, one for nontransient noncommunity water systems, and two for small community water systems with less than 1,000 connections. The Committee has also prepared a training video on the CCCPH for water systems and stakeholders, linked below under Other Guidance Documents.

All Cross-Connection Control Plans, requests for extensions, or questions on Plans from public water systems must be submitted to their assigned DDW District Office or LPA. Comments and inquiries regarding the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook may be directed to: backflow@waterboards.ca.gov

Guidance Documents

Cross-connection Control Plan (CCCP) Templates

  • Community Water Systems (CWS) serving ≤200 connections (pdf) (Word)
  • Community Water Systems (CWS) serving 201–999 connections (pdf) (Word)
  • Nontransient Noncommunity (NTNC) Water Systems (pdf) (Word)
  • Transient Noncommunity (TNC) Water Systems (pdf) (Word)

Other Guidance Documents

View Rulemaking History.