Small Public Water Systems Program

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Program Overview

The small Public Water System program is established to prevent waterborne disease in water wells through permitting and inspecting small Public Water Systems, State Small Water Systems and Cal Code Water Systems to insure that only potable water is provided to water system users.

Services & Responsibilities

Provide assistance to Small Public Water System operators to operate their water systems.
Regulate domestic water systems that serve water to at least 25 people for at least 60 days a year or serve 5-199 service connections.
Review plans and issue Domestic Water Supply Permit.
Conduct sanitary surveys and inspections and take necessary enforcement activities.
Conduct complain investigation against Small Public water Systems.
Maintain system records.
Provide water sampling service for a fee.

This program does not regulate bottled water or vended water. These are regulated by the CDPH's Food and Drug Branch.

Contact Information

Program News - SB 1263

The SB 1263 became effective on January 1, 2017. The bill was promulgated to address an increasing State-wide issue of existing Public Water Systems (PWSs) becoming unsustainable because of the lack of the capacity in the areas of Technical, Managerial and Financial (TMF).The intent of the bill is to encourage the consolidation of the PWSs, and to discourage or prohibit the creation of the PWSs that will become unsustainable.

As a result of the bill, the application process to own a PWS has changed significantly. Specifically, the bill requires a submittal of a Preliminary Water System Technical Report to the State Water Resources Control Board for review and approval at least 6 months before initiating construction of any water related improvement. By definition, a water related improvement includes, but not limited to, a water pipe, a water pump, or drinking water infrastructure. A well for a PWS is considered a drinking water infrastructure.

The following information is provided to assist you to understand the requirements of SB1263.

For SB1263
For SB1263 FAQ
For SB 1263 Preliminary Technical Report Guide
For a handout on "What is a Public Water System"
For a Notice to potential Public Water System Applicant

Small Public Water System Permit or Permit Amendment Application

Domestic Water Supply permit is required in order to operate a new Public Water System.

Domestic Water Supply permit amendment is required if changes or modifications are going to be made to the existing permitted system. Changes and modifications include, but not limited to the following:

Adding of a new storage tank
Adding a new source
Changing the status of an existing source (e.g., from standby to active)
Adding or changing the treatment plan
Changing in classification of the Public Water System

For forms used for permit or permit amendment application, please visit Forms and Applications.

Water Quality Monitoring Schedule

Cross Connection Control Program

Cross Connections are unprotected connections between a potable water system and any source or system containing unapproved water or a substance, which is not safe. Section 7584 of California Code of Regulations states that "the water supplier shall protect the public water supply from contamination by implementation of a cross-connection control program". Each Public Water System is required to conduct a Cross Connection Control survey prior to the Domestic Water Supply permit can be issued. This survey shall be updated periodically to reflect any changes made to the system. The survey forms can be found in Form and Applications for small Public Water Systems Program.

Cross Connection Control devices must be tested annually by a certified tester. You can use any certified tester with a valid certification. The list of certified testers maintained by City of Davis, and for the list of certified testers maintained by City of Woodland.

For a Cross-Connection Control Manual published by Federal EPA.

Useful Links

Non-profit organizations