April 30, 2025

Subject: Important Notice to Customers with Backflow Devices – Program Transition Effective July 1, 2025

We are writing to inform you of an important change regarding the management of the backflow prevention program associated with your water service.

Effective July 1, 2025, Casitas Municipal Water District (CMWD) will assume full responsibility for the cross-connection/backflow prevention program, a role previously managed by the Ventura County Environmental Health Division (VCEHD). This transition is being made in response to updated requirements outlined in the California State Water Resources Control Board’s Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook.

Under CMWD's management, the backflow prevention program will continue to monitor and enforce compliance with all relevant regulations to protect the public water supply. As part of the program, you will still be required to have an annual backflow test to ensure continued compliance and protection of the water system. You will receive future notifications directly from Casitas Municipal Water District regarding notices to test, compliance requirements, and any updates to the program.

As part of this transition, Casitas is compiling a list of certified backflow testers who have submitted the required certifications to meet the new regulatory standards. This list will be made available on www.casitaswater.org/backflow. If the tester you typically use is not on this list, they have yet to submit certifying documentation and are not currently approved to submit test results.

Existing VCEHD “BD Numbers” will be maintained to identify customer’s backflow devices for submission, while new and replaced devices may be assigned a separate naming convention. Due dates for submitting a passing test will be within the same timeframe of the prior VCEHD due dates, however, some due dates may be modified to allow for beta testing of the new test submission system after the transition. Your due date will be provided on future correspondence from CMWD.

We are committed to making this transition as seamless as possible. If you have any questions about your backflow device, testing requirements, or this change in program management, please contact us at 805-649-2251 ext. 122 or via email at backflow@casitaswater.com.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and support in helping us maintain a safe and reliable water system.