Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, because of the federal and state mandate regarding backflow prevention and because it serves as a way of protecting the water supply, it is imperative that all customers have backflow prevention devices.

The EPA enforces the backflow regulations by delegating the responsibility to the State of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).  The CEQA enforces the backflow regulations by requiring the City to administer the backflow program locally.  The City is inspected annually by the CEQA to determine if the City is administering the program according to regulations.

 As state and federal regulations protecting drinking water grow more stringent, it is imperative that water systems keep up. Because the end-users, which are the customers, can individually impact the drinking water system, they must be a part of the solution in preventing backflow.

There is no “grandfathering” of backflow devices which are out of compliance with current regulations.  The State considers backflow regulations to be a health and safety issue.  These issues must be addressed in a timely matter for the safety of the public water supply and the health of our customers.

Many businesses must install and maintain backflow prevention devices. Common examples are manufacturing facilities, process plants, medical facilities, restaurants, laboratories including school chemistry and biology labs), and buildings with boilers, fire sprinkler systems and irrigation systems. Usually residential facilities are exempt from the rule unless a specific cross-connection is identified. For example, single-family residences with a lawn irrigation system require backflow prevention. Multi-family residences with a boiler or fire sprinkler system require backflow prevention.

A backflow issue exists if a lawn irrigation sprinkler malfunctions and a city water main breaks at the same time. When the water pressure drops, it creates a vacuum that sucks some water, which may be contaminated, into the city water supply. An example of this situation would be if a homeowner found worms, along with rust, and other debris in his bathtub when he filled the tub. These contaminants came into the water system after a contractor installed a sprinkler system and used an unapproved atmospheric vacuum breaker. When the sprinkler system malfunctioned and the city water main broke, it created the suction that pushed the contaminated water into the bathtub.

Call the Public Works Department at 559-665-8615, extension 789 to report these problems or Email Public Works.

Due to budget restrictions, the City of Chowchilla cannot always do complete street reconstruction. The City has been maintaining City streets using a chip seal procedure. In most cases, reconstruction costs approximately five times more than chip sealing. Filling potholes can prevent further deterioration of a street until such time reconstruction can be accomplished.

Call the Public Works Department at 559-665-8615, ext. 789. When you call, please provide the number posted on the street lighting pole. If you do not have the pole number, please provide the location and closest address available when you report it. Public Works will then refer it to the responsible agency.

Routine maintenance is the property owner's responsibility. For sidewalk and curb repairs or problems with street trees, please contact the Public Works Department at 559-665-8615, extension 789 or Email Public Works.

Call the Public Works Department at 559-665-8615, extension 789 or Email Public Works. If problem occurs on a weekend or an emergency situation exists, please call 559-647-9138.

The Chowchilla Municipal Code Number 13.12.065 Section E states in part that "House branch sewer, including their connection to sewer mains, shall not be considered as City property or become a part of the City sewer system, and their maintenance and repair shall not be provided by the City." If you experience a problem that you feel is the City's responsibility, please call the Public Works Department at 559-665-8615, extension 789 or Email Public Works. If problem occurs on a weekend or an emergency situation exists, please call the 559-647-9138.

If the vehicle is on the street or in an alley, call the Police Department at 559-665-8600. If the vehicle is on private property, contact the Code and Zone Enforcement Division of the Community and Economic Development Department in the Chowchilla Civic Center by calling 559-665-8615, extension 787 or Email Code Enforcement.

Please call the Chowchilla Police Department at 559-665-8600. If you observe someone actually in the act of "tagging," please call the Police Department immediately.

Contact Code Enforcement at 559-665-8615, extension 787 or Email Code Enforcement. To report someone in the act of illegal dumping, please call the Police Department at 559-665-8600. If an emergency situation exists, call 911 immediately.