WELLS
The Otay Water District has no regulatory authority or control over groundwater pumping. We do, however, require the installation of a District-approved backflow preventer on the service line for properties that have both a well and a connection to the public water system (see Cross-connection prevention below). Customers who wish to drill and/or operate a well on their property should contact their local land use agency for information on the necessary permits.
CROSS-CONNECTION PREVENTION
The term cross-connection refers to a condition where the public water system is exposed to contamination through a service connection to a private plumbing system or other source. Such contamination could occur if a private pump were to force water back into the public water system. This example is called back-pressure.
Another condition, called back-siphonage, may occur when a water main breaks, or even under fire-fighting demands. In these situations, normal water pressure in the mains may turn to suction that can draw water from a private system into the public system. In this event, even a simple garden hose that may be filling a swimming pool or in a backyard pond can become a source of potential contamination.
As a precaution against potential cross-connections, the District requires a certified back-flow prevention assembly be installed on all non-residential water service connections and any residential service where an on-site well or booster pumping system is in place. For more information about this program, please contact Shannon Coffin, Lead Meter Maint/Cross Connection Worker, at 619-670-2788, shannon.coffin@otaywater.gov.
FIRE SERVICE
Water service is provided by the District solely for use in fire hydrants or fire sprinkler systems from lines or laterals connected to the District's water mains. The monthly system charge is $28.55 per month for each connection for fire protection service.
CONTROL AND OPERATION OF THE PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS
Water service to your home or business has been made possible by a complex system of pipelines, pump stations, reservoirs and a multitude of various valves, sensors, controllers and other equipment. Operation and maintenance of these facilities, up to and including the customer's meter, are the responsibility of the District. If you witness any acts of tampering and/or vandalism of District facilities, immediately call your local law enforcement agency and the Otay Water District at (619) 670-2207.
CHECK YOUR WATER PRESSURE
If you frequently experience leaking faucets or constantly running toilets, a faulty water pressure regulator may be the cause. Even in new homes, pressure regulators wear out and can fail. The quality of your pressure regulator dictates the years of service to expect.
Devices needed to regulate the pressure at a home or businesses are considered part of the private plumbing system and are the responsibility of the customer to install, adjust, operate and maintain. Pressure regulators may last as little as one year or twenty years or more. The pressure regulator is designed to reduce higher service pressures. Very low service pressures, however, may necessitate the installation of a private booster pump system, which is also the customer's responsibility to install, adjust, operate and maintain.
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OTAY WATER DISTRICT CODE OF ORDINANCES
SECTION 23.03 WATER PRESSURE REGULATION
A. Customer Responsibility. The District shall assume no responsibility for water pressure regulation within a customer's service area. The customer shall be responsible for providing adequate safeguard measures for the customer's water system wherever pressure regulation is necessary.
B. Requirement for Installation in New Construction. Customers making application for water service for new construction for residential, commercial or industrial use shall be required to install an appropriate pressure regulation device for such service.
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