Drinking Water Program

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The purpose of this program is to protect public health and prevent disease by assuring that Small Public Water Systems supply water that is potable, available in adequate quantity, and protected against contaminating backflow. This is accomplished through, but not limited to; inspections, bacteriological and chemical sampling, plan reviews, permitting, enforcement, evaluations, and public education.

The State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water (SWRCB-DDW) has delegated our Division as the Local Primacy Agency for enforcement of the state's drinking water requirements with respect to Small Public Water Systems.

Small Public Water Systems are regulated drinking water systems that supply water for human consumption and have 15 to 199 service connections or serve 25 individuals at least 60 days out of the year. Regulation of State Small Public Water systems (having between 5 and 14 service connections and does not serve more than an average of 25 people for more than 60 days of the year) is also performed by this Division as required by State law. Human consumption includes activities such as drinking, bathing, hand washing, cooking, dishwashing, and other similar uses. There are over 200 Small Water Systems in the County of Madera. These water systems include housing developments, apartments, mobile home parks, schools, businesses, camps, restaurants and mini marts.

*Public Water Systems serving 200 and more service connection are regulated through the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water.

In addition to Small Public Water Systems, we also serve as a resource of information for owners of private domestic wells.

New Requirements of Senate Bill 1263

January 2017, the State Water Resources Control Board - Division of Drinking Water (SWRCB-DDW) sent out a summary of Senate Bill 1263 (SB 1263), effective January 1, 2017, to planning departments, environmental health departments and local area formation commissions in each California County. SB 1263 amended section 116540 and added section 116527 to the California Health and Safety Code (CHSC) and added section 106.4 to the Water Code.

For additional information on SB 1263

Also as of January 1, 2017, SB 1263 requires new public water system applicants to prepare a Preliminary Technical Report for review and acceptance by the State Water Resource Board at least 6 months prior to any water related construction.

SB 1263 Frequently Asked Questions

SB 1263 Preliminary Guidance Document

SB 1263 - Notice To PWS Applicants For New/Existing Water Wells

Ground Water and Private Water Wells

Frequently, private water wells tapping ground water resources can provide the highest quality water available to homeowners and businesses. Improperly constructed, altered, maintained or destroyed wells are a potential pathway for introducing poor quality water, pollutants and contamination to good-quality ground water. A permit is required from this Division to drill wells and must be constructed by licensed C-57 well drillers. Our Division ensures that construction, installation and destruction of ground water wells are in compliance with Madera County Code and the Water Well Bulletin 74-81 and 74-90.

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