A backflow preventer is a device that is used to allow water to flow in only one direction from the water distribution main to a residence or a business. This device is very important to public health as it prevents cross connections from occurring. A cross connection is when drinking water comes in contact with non-drinking water. Cross connections are more likely to occur when a backflow or back siphonage event occurs. Backflow events can occur when the water pressure in the water distribution line drops and sucks water from a residential or commercial property, pulling the potentially contaminated water from the building into the drinking water main line. A back siphonage event occurs when the pressure on the customer’s side is greater than the pressure in the distribution main line, pushing potentially contaminated water into the water distribution main line.

A backflow preventor may be required for a home or business depending on the type of potentially hazardous materials water may come in contact with and the likelihood of cross connections. Backflow prevention devices are required to be tested at least once a year in accordance with State and City of Fullerton regulations to ensure that the backflow devices are working properly and protect the water system from contamination.

The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) has notified the City of Fullerton that the first mosquito samples to test positive for West Nile virus in 2021 were collected from two different locations in Fullerton. 

The OCMVCD and the City of Fullerton remind residents to take an active role in mosquito control by regularly inspecting their property for any stagnant water where mosquitoes can lay eggs. Mosquitoes can complete their life cycle from egg to adult in about a week and only need a body of water the size of a bottle cap to develop. Therefore, OCMVCD would like tor remind you to tip, toss, and take action by doing the following:

• TIP: Eliminate breeding sources around your property;
• TOSS: Throw away any unused containers to prevent eggs from hatching; and
• TAKE ACTION: use these tips to help you combat mosquitoes.

Common sources for mosquito breeding include plant saucers, buckets, tires, pet water bowls, trash cans, water-holding plants such as bromeliads, and landscaping with low-lying areas. Any collected water should be emptied or drained, containers should be tightly sealed to prevent mosquito entry, unnecessary containers should be removed from yards, and green unmaintained pools should be cleaned or treated

For more information about OC Mosquito and Vector Control, visit ocvector.org.

On July 8, 2021, Governor Newsom declared an additional 9 Counties to be in a drought state of emergency. This brings the total to 50 out of the 58 counties in California that are under drought conservation conditions. The governor has also requested that Californians voluntarily reduce water usage by 15% when compared to last year’s consumption. For the City of Fullerton, this means for the months of August and September, water consumption would need to be reduced by about 120 million gallons each month.

While the 15% reduction is currently voluntary, there is a strong likelihood that mandatory reductions will be required in the near future. In coordination with neighboring water agencies, we are asking residents to continue efforts to conserve water. As we are finishing out the high-water consumption months of summer, we encourage residents to check their irrigation systems for overwatering, misaligned sprinklers, or broken sprinkler heads. Outdoor water use can account for about 60% of the water residents use, and up to half of that water is wasted due to inefficient watering methods. Rebates for smart irrigation timers and water efficient sprinkler heads can be found on our partner website at https://socalwatersmart.com/en/residential/.

If you see a neighbor or someone in the community wasting water, please submit a Water Waster report at (714) 738-6744 or submit a report on the myFullerton App. As always, the following uses of water are prohibited at all times:

1. Washing down sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking areas or other paved surfaces is prohibited, except as when required to alleviate safety or sanitary hazards and then only by use of a hand-held bucket or a pressure washer or hand- held hose equipped with a positive self -closing water shut-off device.
2. Watering or irrigating of any lawn, landscape or other vegetated area in a manner that causes or allows excessive water flow or runoff from the property onto an adjoining sidewalk, driveway, street, alley gutter or ditch is prohibited.
3. Using water to wash or clean a vehicle, including but not limited to any automobile, truck, van, bus, motorcycle, boat or trailer is prohibited, except by use of a hand- held bucket or hand-held hose equipped with a positive self -closing device or water shut-off nozzle. This subsection does not apply to any commercial car washing facility.
4. It is prohibited to irrigate outdoor landscapes during or within forty-eight hours after measurable rainfall of one-fourth of one inch or more of rain.