City of Escondido

The City of Escondido utilizes two primary sources for municipal water. The first source is water purchased from the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA), which obtains most of its supply from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). MWD imports water via the Colorado River Aqueduct and from Northern California through the State Water Project.

Large water utilities must conduct initial source water assessments as required by the State Water Board, with updates through watershed sanitary surveys every five years. The most recent assessments for Metropolitan's sources are the Colorado River Watershed Sanitary Survey: 2015 Update and the State Water Project Watershed Sanitary Survey: 2016 Update.

The second source is regional water from watershed and well fields near Lake Henshaw, transported to Lake Wohlford through an open canal. The City completed a Watershed Sanitary Survey Update in 2016, available for review on the Utilities Department website at www.escondido.org.

While the Watershed Sanitary Survey identifies potential contamination risks from residential septic systems, urban runoff, and agricultural activities, no contaminants from these sources have been detected in local water supplies. All water, regardless of origin, undergoes treatment at the Escondido-Vista Water Treatment District (VID) Water Treatment Plant, including filtration and disinfection to eliminate harmful organisms. After chemical treatment to remove organic materials and suspended particles, the water is further filtered before distribution throughout Escondido via a network of pipelines and reservoirs.

1. Does the Michigan Plumbing Code require a backwater valve? Yes. Section 175 of the Michigan Plumbing Code addresses backwater valves on sanitary sewage drainage systems. If your property was built before this requirement was implemented, you are not obligated to retrofit your home with one.
2. What should I check to determine if a backwater valve is necessary? Examine whether plumbing fixtures are positioned lower than the street level in front of your home and/or if there's a steep uphill road outside your residence.
3. Who bears responsibility for installing and maintaining backwater valves? Property owners are fully responsible for installation and maintenance.
4. How frequently should I inspect the backwater valve and what does maintenance involve? Inspect and maintain the valve at least annually. During maintenance, flush the mechanism and surrounding pipe with a hose to remove any accumulated debris.
5. Can backwater valves serve as cleanouts? No! Passing a sewer snake through a backwater valve can damage the valve flapper or the finished seating surface against which the flapper seals.
6. Is a permit required for installing a backwater valve? Yes. A plumbing permit is necessary.
7. Where can I purchase a backwater valve? Valves are available at plumbing supply warehouses and sometimes at home improvement stores.