# CCCPH Explained: California Cross-Connection Guide > A complete guide to California's CCCPH: effective date, April 2026 changes, plan rules, hazard assessments, testing, records, certification, and deadlines. Source: https://www.exoduswater.com/post/cccph-explained Cross-connection & backflow October 30, 2026Exodus Water Services # The CCCPH Explained: California's Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook A complete guide to California's CCCPH: effective date, April 2026 changes, plan rules, hazard assessments, testing, records, certification, and deadlines. **Short answer:** The Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH) is the State Water Resources Control Board’s set of enforceable standards for backflow protection and cross-connection control at every California public water system. It was adopted December 19, 2023, took effect July 1, 2024, replaced the old Title 17 cross-connection regulations, and was most recently amended on April 21, 2026\. It requires each public water system to run a cross-connection control program, submit a written plan, assess hazards, require the right backflow protection, test assemblies at least annually, use certified testers and specialists, keep records, and report backflow incidents within 24 hours. _Last reviewed October 30, 2026, against the April 21, 2026 revision of the CCCPH and the State Water Board’s change log. Sources are listed at the end._ ## What is the CCCPH? The CCCPH sets “standards intended to ensure a public water system’s drinking water distribution system will not be subject to the backflow of liquids, gases, or other substances” (Section 1.1). It applies to all California public water systems as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 116275(h), and compliance is mandatory (Section 1.2). Failure to comply can lead to compliance, enforcement, or other corrective action against the water system (Section 1.3). It does **not** regulate California Plumbing Code requirements unrelated to public water systems, programs that protect a recycled water supply, or systems that are not public water systems, such as State Small Water Systems (Chapter 2.3). ## Where did the CCCPH come from? | Date | Event | Source | | ----------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------- | | 1987 (revised 2000) | Title 17 cross-connection regulations adopted | CCCPH 1.3.1 | | October 6, 2017 | AB 1671 requires the State Water Board to adopt cross-connection standards, allows a policy handbook, and requires every PWS to implement a compliant program (Health and Safety Code 116407, 116555.5) | CCCPH 1.3.1, Appendix A | | October 2, 2019 | AB 1180 requires the handbook to include swivel-ell provisions | CCCPH 1.3.1 | | April 27, 2021 and December 5, 2022 | Public hearings | CCCPH 1.3.1 | | December 19, 2023 | CCCPH adopted | CCCPH cover | | July 1, 2024 | CCCPH effective; Title 17 cross-connection articles become inoperative and are repealed 90 days later unless retained | CCCPH 1.3.1 | | March 2025 | Amendment: deadlines tied to “effective date” instead of “adoption date” | Change log | | June 2025 | Amendment: certification articles moved to July 1, 2026; noncommunity assessment deadline extended to three years; other corrections | Change log | | April 21, 2026 | Amendment: accreditation wording; auxiliary water supply items in Appendix D | CCCPH cover, change log | Because AB 1671 lets the State Water Board adopt the standards as a policy handbook, the CCCPH is not subject to the Administrative Procedure Act. Substantive revisions require consultation with experts and at least one public hearing (Section 1.3.1). ## What changed in the April 21, 2026 revision? The State Water Board says the revision corrected references to accrediting entities and allows some existing protections for auxiliary water supplies. We compared the April 2026 text line by line with the December 2023 text and the change log: | Section | Before | After April 21, 2026 | | -------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | 3.4.1(d), testers | Certifying organizations accredited by ANSI to ISO/IEC 17024 | Accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) or an organization in a mutual recognition arrangement (MRA) with ANAB | | 3.4.2(d), specialists | Same ANSI wording | Same ANAB or MRA wording | | Appendix D, item 8 | Sites with an auxiliary water supply interconnected with PWS (air gap only) | Sites with an auxiliary water supply (+-+) | | Appendix D, item 9 | Sites with an auxiliary water supply not interconnected with PWS | “Deleted” (number kept so plan references stay valid) | | Appendix D, new (+-+) note | None | An existing DC installed before July 1, 2024 may stay in service if four conditions are met; new or replacement installations must be AG, RP, or both | The change log says the State Water Board never meant to exclude accrediting bodies like the International Accreditation Service (IAS) that are in an MRA with ANAB. It also says many auxiliary supply premises installed DCs under Title 17 and could struggle to keep adequate pressure if forced to replace them at once. The change does not allow DCs at premises newly found to have an auxiliary supply, or a DC replaced with another DC. Earlier 2025 amendments, already in the text before April 2026, also matter: - **3.2.1(e)(6):** “and” became “or,” so **any** one of the seven reassessment triggers requires a new hazard assessment. - **3.2.1(f):** noncommunity initial assessments moved to three years after the effective date. - **3.1.3(a)(2):** coordinator threshold became “3,000 service connections or more.” - **3.1.1:** the air gap definition now uses the “effective opening” as defined in California Plumbing Code Section 207.0. - **3.3.2(b):** the water system’s approved alternative applies only to the 36-inch maximum RP height, not the 12-inch minimum. - **3.4.1(g), 3.4.2(g):** certification articles effective July 1, 2026. ## What must a cross-connection control program include? Section 3.1.3(a) lists ten minimum elements. A PWS may run the program itself or by contract, but it is not responsible for abating cross connections inside a user’s premises. | # | Element | What it requires | | -- | --------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | 1 | Operating rules or ordinances | Legal authority to act when a user fails to comply, including at least one of: deny or discontinue service; install, inspect, test, or maintain the assembly; or otherwise address the failure in a timely way | | 2 | Program coordinator | At least one designated individual; a certified specialist if the PWS has 3,000 or more connections | | 3 | Hazard assessments | Survey the service area per Article 2 | | 4 | Backflow prevention | Eliminate cross connections when possible, or control them with approved assemblies or air gaps | | 5 | Certified testers and specialists | Per Article 4 | | 6 | Assembly testing | A procedure to test, inspect, and maintain assemblies and inspect air gaps per 3.3.3 | | 7 | Recordkeeping | Per 3.5.1 | | 8 | Incident response | Investigate and respond per Article 5 | | 9 | Public outreach and education | For staff, customers, and the community, for example bill inserts, pamphlets, new customer documents, email, and Consumer Confidence Reports | | 10 | Local entity coordination | With plumbing, permitting, health, law enforcement, fire, and other entities | Specialist staffing depends on size: systems with **1,000 or more** connections must develop the program in consultation with a specialist (3.1.3(b)); systems with **3,000 or more** must have at least one specialist on staff or under contract, reachable within one hour directly or through a designee (3.1.3(c)). ## What must the Cross-Connection Control Plan contain? Every PWS submits a written plan for State Water Board review (Section 3.1.4). Existing systems had to submit it no later than 12 months after the effective date, July 1, 2025; new systems need plan approval before a domestic water supply permit is issued; extensions are at the State Water Board’s sole discretion. The plan must reflect current operations at all times, and substantive revisions must be submitted (3.1.4(d)). Sections 3.1.4(b) (community) and 3.1.4(c) (noncommunity) each list 13 elements, from how the system will comply with each requirement to tester verification, incident response, tracking, corrective actions, outreach, and local coordination. Our [cross-connection control plan checklist](https://www.exoduswater.com/post/cross-connection-control-plan-checklist-california) maps every element, plus the plan content required by other sections, such as periodic reassessment intervals and repair extensions. ## How do hazard assessments work? Community water systems must assess the **user premises in their service area** ; noncommunity systems must assess **their distribution system** (3.2.1(a)). Each assessment considers eight factors, including the existence of cross connections, materials on site, piping complexity, auxiliary supplies and pumps, distribution system conditions, accessibility, prior incidents, and the CCCPH itself. Each assessment must: - classify the premises as **high hazard, low hazard, or no hazard** (3.2.1(b)); - decide whether any existing assembly is adequate (3.2.1(c)); and - be reviewed or conducted by a **certified cross-connection control specialist** , who makes a written finding that hazards, degree of hazard, and protection were properly identified (3.2.1(h)). Older assessments can count if they are consistent with the CCCPH and the plan describes how they were reviewed (3.2.1(d)). Community systems must reassess when an account holder changes (excluding single-family homes), a premises is newly connected or reconnected, activities or materials change, backflow occurs, the periodic interval in the plan comes due, the State Water Board asks, or the system concludes the assessment may be outdated (3.2.1(e)). The State Water Board FAQ says community systems have no statewide deadline for initial assessments and must propose and justify one in their plan, and that residential connections can be assessed with alternative methods such as GIS, building records, and customer surveys. Noncommunity systems must complete initial or follow-up assessments within three years of the effective date, which the FAQ gives as **July 1, 2027** (3.2.1(f)). Full detail: [CCCPH hazard assessments: what water systems must do](https://www.exoduswater.com/post/cccph-hazard-assessments-what-water-systems-must-do) . ## What backflow protection is required? The installed assembly must be no less protective than the degree of hazard requires (3.2.2(b)). The main rules: | Situation | Requirement | Section | | ---------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ----------- | | High hazard | Premises containment with AG or RP at all times, unless the CCCPH provides otherwise | 3.2.2(c) | | Alternative to a required AG | Allowed with State Water Board approval if no added risk | 3.2.2(c)(1) | | Internal protection instead of containment | Allowed with State Water Board approval when containment is not feasible | 3.2.2(c)(2) | | Recycled water use area temporarily on potable water | Swivel-ell instead of AG, if six conditions are met | 3.2.2(d) | | Any premises with a fire protection system | At least DC within ten years of the effective date | 3.2.2(e) | | High hazard fire system (chemical additives or auxiliary supply) | At least RP | 3.2.2(e)(1) | | Low hazard residential fire system meeting five criteria | No assembly needed | 3.2.2(e)(3) | | Complex multi-piping premises | PWS may require a trained user supervisor | 3.2.2(f) | | Drinking water and water recycling facilities | Proper internal protection | 3.2.2(g) | Appendix D lists the premises considered high hazard by default, from sewage facilities and chemical plants to car washes, hotels, agricultural premises, and sites where assessment access is denied. Read the full list and the assembly rules in [high hazard vs. low hazard cross connections](https://www.exoduswater.com/post/high-hazard-vs-low-hazard-cross-connections) , and the difference between protecting at the meter and at the hazard in [containment vs. isolation backflow protection](https://www.exoduswater.com/post/containment-vs-isolation-backflow-protection) . If you are new to the topic, start with [what is a cross connection](https://www.exoduswater.com/post/what-is-a-cross-connection) . ## What are the assembly and installation standards? | Item | Standard | Section | | -------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------- | | Air gaps | ASME A112.1.2-2012(R2017) Table 1; new air gaps at a service connection need State Water Board approval first | 3.3.1(a), 3.3.2(a)(4) | | New or replaced PVB, SVB, DC, RP | Approved under USC Manual of Cross-Connection Control (10th ed.) Chapter 10, or listed ASSE standards with the 1YT mark; no modification after approval | 3.3.1(b), (c) | | RP height | Lowest point at least 12 inches above grade; no more than 36 inches unless the PWS approves an alternative | 3.3.2(b) | | DC height | Same as RP; below ground only with PWS approval when no alternative exists | 3.3.2(c) | | PVB and SVB | At least 12 inches above downstream piping; SVB never for containment; PVB containment only on right-of-way irrigation | 3.3.2(d), (e) | | Clearance | 12 inches on the sides, 24 inches on the test-cock side, unless the PWS approves otherwise | 3.3.2(f) | ## How often must assemblies be tested? | Requirement | Section | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | -------- | | Field test after installation, repair, depressurization for winterizing, or permanent relocation, by a certified tester | 3.3.3(a) | | Field test at least annually; more frequent testing may be required for high hazard premises or assemblies at higher risk of failure | 3.3.3(b) | | Air gaps visually inspected at least annually by a certified tester or specialist | 3.3.3(c) | | Passing test required before continuous service to a newly installed assembly | 3.3.3(d) | | Failed assemblies repaired or replaced within 30 days of notice; extensions only if in the plan | 3.3.3(e) | | Testers notify the PWS within 24 hours of an observed backflow incident or unprotected cross connection; confirmed incidents mean service is discontinued until a passing test | 3.3.3(f) | Property owners can find the practical side in our [backflow testing guide for California property owners](https://www.exoduswater.com/post/backflow-testing-california-property-owner-guide) . ## What are the tester and specialist certification rules? **Backflow prevention assembly testers (3.4.1).** A recognized certifying organization must require a proctored written exam (at least 100 questions initially, 50 for recertification), a hands-on performance exam on RP, DC, PVB, and SVB assemblies, recertification at least every three years with both exams, revocation provisions, a public list of valid and revoked testers, and a training course of at least 30 hours over at least four days for initial certification (or two years of prior testing experience instead). **Cross-connection control specialists (3.4.2).** Certification requires a proctored written exam of at least 100 questions on the Appendix E knowledge areas, recertification at least every three years by exam or 12 contact hours of continuing education, a valid tester certification (or alternatives, including five years of documented specialist experience), and a training course of at least 30 hours over at least five days. **Timing.** Both articles are effective **July 1, 2026** (3.4.1(g), 3.4.2(g)). Beginning three years after the effective date, **July 1, 2027** , only certifications from organizations accredited by ANAB, or by an organization in an MRA with ANAB, satisfy the requirement, and certifications from organizations recognized only through the application process become invalid (3.4.1(d), 3.4.2(d)). The FAQ confirms the July 1, 2027 date. Local health agencies may keep their own programs, but that does not relieve the PWS of these requirements (3.4.1(e), 3.4.2(e)). A PWS may refuse a certified tester or specialist it believes is not proficient, and must report evidence of falsified reports to the certifying organization (3.4.1(f), 3.4.2(f)). The State Water Board posts lists of recognized tester and specialist certifying organizations on its CCCPH page. ## What records must be kept? Section 3.5.1 requires each PWS to keep: the two most recent hazard assessments per premises; a full description of each assembly and air gap; three calendar years of test, inspection, and swivel-ell results with the tester’s name and certification number; three years of repairs, replacements, and relocations; the most current cross-connection tests; user supervisor details; all backflow incident records; any program contracts; the current plan; and three years of outreach materials. Everything must be available to the State Water Board on request. [Exodus Water Compliance](https://www.exoduswater.com/exodus-water-compliance) , our cross-connection record system, is built around these fields. ## What happens after a backflow incident? The plan must describe incident response procedures, including treating water quality complaints as possible backflow, water quality sampling and pressure recording, and documentation (3.5.2). The PWS must notify the State Water Board and local health agencies of any known or suspected backflow incident **within 24 hours** of the determination, issue a Tier 1 public notice if the State Water Board requires it, and submit a written incident report with at least the Appendix F information if requested (3.5.3). ## Key CCCPH deadlines | Date | Deadline | Section | | ---------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------- | | July 1, 2024 | CCCPH effective | 1.3.1 | | July 1, 2025 | Cross-Connection Control Plans due from existing systems | 3.1.4(a)(1) | | July 1, 2026 | Tester and specialist certification articles effective | 3.4.1(g), 3.4.2(g) | | July 1, 2027 | Noncommunity initial hazard assessments due; ANAB or MRA accreditation required for certifying bodies | 3.2.1(f), 3.4.1(d), 3.4.2(d) | | July 1, 2034 | At least DC protection for premises with fire protection systems (ten years after the effective date) | 3.2.2(e) | | Set in your plan | Community initial hazard assessments; periodic reassessment interval | 3.1.4(b)(2), 3.2.1(e)(5) | | Ongoing | Annual testing; 30-day repairs; 24-hour incident notice | 3.3.3, 3.5.3 | The free [Compliance Deadline Checker](https://www.exoduswater.com/tools#deadline-checker) shows these dates next to your other compliance deadlines. ## How Exodus helps Exodus Water Services, based in Thousand Oaks, runs [cross-connection control programs](https://www.exoduswater.com/cross-connection-control) for public water systems [across California](https://www.exoduswater.com/california-coverage) . Our certified Cross-Connection Control Specialists write and revise plans, review and conduct hazard assessments, coordinate testing, and keep the record in [Exodus Water Compliance](https://www.exoduswater.com/exodus-water-compliance) . Our completed plans, hazard assessment programs, and testing work for agencies including the City of Norwalk, San Bernardino County, the City of Fillmore, and Donner Summit Public Utility District are listed under [proven work](https://www.exoduswater.com/services#proven-work) . ## Frequently asked questions **What is the CCCPH?**The Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook is the State Water Board’s set of enforceable standards for backflow protection and cross-connection control at California public water systems, adopted under Health and Safety Code Section 116407. **When did the CCCPH take effect?**July 1, 2024\. It was adopted December 19, 2023, and amended in March 2025, June 2025, and on April 21, 2026. **Does the CCCPH replace Title 17?**Yes. On the CCCPH effective date, the Title 17 cross-connection regulations (Section 7583 and following) became inoperative and were set to be repealed 90 days later unless the State Water Board chose to retain a specific regulation. **What changed in the April 2026 CCCPH revision?**Certifying organizations for testers and specialists may now be accredited by ANAB or an organization in a mutual recognition arrangement with ANAB, and Appendix D merged the two auxiliary water supply items into item 8, with a new note allowing some existing double check valve assemblies to stay in service. **Who has to comply with the CCCPH?**Every California public water system, community and noncommunity, including transient and nontransient noncommunity systems (Sections 1.2 and 2.3). State Small Water Systems are not covered. **When are noncommunity hazard assessments due?**Within three years of the effective date, which the State Water Board FAQ states as no later than July 1, 2027 (Section 3.2.1(f)). **When do testers need certification from an accredited organization?**Beginning July 1, 2027, only certifications from an organization accredited by ANAB, or by one in an MRA with ANAB, satisfy the CCCPH (Sections 3.4.1(d) and 3.4.2(d)). **Is there a template for the CCCPH plan?**The State Water Board posts a template for small community systems with 201 to 999 connections. The CCCPH sets content requirements, not a format. Last reviewed: October 30, 2026. ## Sources - State Water Board, [Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook page](https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/drinking%5Fwater/certlic/drinkingwater/cccph.html) - State Water Board, [Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook, April 2026 revision (PDF)](https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/drinking%5Fwater/certlic/drinkingwater/docs/2026/cross-connection-control-policy-handbook-apr-2026.pdf) : Chapters 1 through 3 and Appendix D - State Water Board, [Changes to the CCCPH, April 2026 change log (PDF)](https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/drinking%5Fwater/certlic/drinkingwater/docs/2026/april-2026-change-log.pdf) : April 2026, June 2025, and March 2025 changes - State Water Board, [Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook as adopted December 19, 2023 (PDF)](https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/drinking%5Fwater/certlic/drinkingwater/docs/2023/cccph-adopt.pdf) - State Water Board, [Water System FAQ for the CCCPH, updated June 27, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/drinking%5Fwater/certlic/drinkingwater/docs/faq-cccph.pdf) - State Water Board, [Small Community Water System CCC Plan template, v3 (PDF)](https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/drinking%5Fwater/certlic/drinkingwater/docs/2025/cccp-template-med-v3.pdf) Want to know where your program stands against the April 2026 handbook? [Request a CCCPH review](https://www.exoduswater.com/contact-us?service=ccc) or call (805) 991-7333. ## How Exodus can help - Related service [Cross-connection control services ](https://www.exoduswater.com/cross-connection-control) - Free tool [CCCP Readiness Assessment ](https://www.exoduswater.com/tools#cccp-assessment) [Request a Compliance Review](https://www.exoduswater.com/contact-us?service=ccc) [(805) 991-7333](tel:+18059917333) [Browse all articles](https://www.exoduswater.com/blog) Related service [Cross-connection control services](https://www.exoduswater.com/cross-connection-control)