New Cross-Connection Control Program Web Portal

About the Program

Category: County Administration and Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2013

The Sacramento County Environmental Management Department (EMD) launched a new electronic cross connection control program web portal (portal) that dramatically reduces program costs while improving protection of public health and the environment. By using technology, the portal streamlines the time consuming data entry and paper intensive mail-out processes formerly used to track and manage nearly 15,000 backflow protection devices. These devices protect Sacramento County’s public drinking water supply from contamination when water lines break or other conditions cause a drop in pressure.Now, business owners and property managers can have their backflow device tester electronically submit the facility’s annual backflow devices test data directly to EMD via the portal. Backflow device testers can also track and submit their certification records and pay for related program fees online 24 hours a day. Extensive outreach during development and multiple training sessions held prior to “going live” in September 2012, helped ensure the portal roll out was successful. To date, 97% of all devices test results are being electronically transmitted. The transition to electronic reporting along with consolidation of annual reminder notices has resulted in substantial cost savings to both EMD and the regulated community.