Water

Water Service Request

The City of Madera retains outside consultants to conduct regular comprehensive water rate studies for evaluating the financial and operational performance of the City's water system. The objective is to establish equitable rates that balance the costs of providing sustainable water service with the need to ensure affordability for customers. Please visit Sewer, Water and Solid Waste Rate Information to view the latest rate studies.

This Division is divided into three sub-divisions:  Water Maintenance Division, Water Quality Division, and Sewer Maintenance Division, which provide for the maintenance and operation of the City's water system and sanitary sewer collection system.

Their goal is to provide a safe, efficient, and continuous supply of fresh water, ensuring the potability of the City's water supply and making sure that the City sewer infrastructure can effectively collect and deliver wastewater to the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

They are responsible for 19 groundwater wells, with another new well under construction, the Loy E. Cook 1-million gallon water storage tower, and over 200 miles of water distribution pipelines.  They are mandated by State and Federal regulations to keep a variety of records regarding water production and consumption, testing for biological and mineral contaminants, system performance, and frequency and type of water treatment.  They administer the Water Waste Patrol program and oversee a city-wide cross-connection control and backflow prevention program as well as testing, repairing, and certifying City owned backflow devices.  They maintain approximately 140 miles of sanitary sewer mains in a system that includes five sewer lift pump stations and main pipelines ranging in size from 6" to 48".

They frequently interact with the public, providing assistance when emergency repairs are needed as well as responding to questions from the public regarding water and sewer concerns.

View the latest Consumer Confidence Report

City of Madera Lead Service Line Inventory Report – 2024

What is backflow?

Backflow is the undesirable reversal of water, or mixtures of water and other liquids, gases, or other substances into the distribution pipes of the potable water source. This can occur when there is a drop in water pressure in the supply system or when there is a cross-connection between the potable water system and a non-potable source.

What are Backflow Prevention Assemblies and who needs one?

Backflow assemblies are an integral part of the City’s Cross Connection Control Program. They help to ensure that no contaminants of any kind (chemicals, debris, reclaimed water, etc.) enter the potable water system. The City’s cross-connection control program regularly assesses the need for backflow protection at all properties in the City through cooperation with other City departments in permitting, plan approval, and other processes.

Why does my Backflow Prevention Assembly need to be tested?

California Administrative Code, California Plumbing Code, and Madera Municipal Code all require testing when a Backflow Preventer is installed, repaired, or relocated and not less than annually. Testing ensures that the assembly is functioning properly and preventing backflow.

Who can test my Backflow Prevention Assembly?

Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers are trained and certified by the American Water Works Association or the American Backflow Prevention Association. It is important to use a certified tester to ensure that the assembly is tested correctly and complies with regulations.

On January 17, 2014, Governor Brown declared a state of emergency and directed officials to take all necessary actions to prepare for drought conditions in California. In September of 2010, the City of Madera adopted the Urban Water Management Plan to address such water emergencies should they occur. The plan is composed of four different stages that establish unique protocols relevant to current water conditions.

Water Conservation Resources

Save Our Water	CA Dept. of Water Resources	USGS California Drought
100 Ways to Conserve	HCD - Greywater Code	Alliance for Water Efficiency
GreywaterAction.org	Greywater Information	EPA Water Sense

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Water Restriction FAQs (English)

Water Restriction FAQs (Spanish)

Sewer FAQs

Click here to view the 2020 City of Madera Urban Water Management Plan.

To protect our waterways, the City is regulated by and complies with the Phase II Small MS4 General Permit that was adopted by the State Water Resources Control Board effective July 1, 2013. The Permit requires the City to have a stormwater program that controls the discharge of pollutants into the City’s storm drainage system and our waterways. The City’s Stormwater Program is multi-faceted and includes the following components:

More information about the City's stormwater program can be viewed on the City's stormwater page.

During periods of heavy rain, the City of Madera provides sandbags and sand free of charge for city residents. Sandbags are an effective way to deflect water and protect structures during periods of heavy rainfall, and they offer a simple yet effective way to prevent or reduce flood damage. Sandbags are only available when moderate to heavy amounts of rain are forecasted. Residents must bring their own shovels to fill bags.

Sandbag Station Location:

Sandbags:

Public Works Corporation Yard • 1030 S. Gateway Dr.

Sand:

East side of the lot at E and 14th St.
(across the railroad tracks from the Public Works Corporation Yard)

Click here to view Sandbag & Sand Location Map.

Sandbag & Sand Disposal

After the storm sandbags may be kept in a covered area and used for future storm events.  When the woven material begins to break down, bags should be discarded.  Sand may be used in gardens or other outdoor applications.

Filling & Placing Sandbags