Water and Sewers

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.

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.

Water Conservation Program staff are responsible for enforcement of water conservation regulations as outlined in the Madera Municipal Code. Staff responds in some way to each of the reports received related to customers not following water use regulations. Customers may report incidents of water waste or leaks that are observed within the City of Madera. Reports may be submitted online to the City's Water Conservation Supervisor (please be as detailed as possible), or by phone at 1 (559) 661-5466.

Information to include when reporting water waste:

• Address of water waste, along with major cross streets. If you do not have an exact address, provide as much location information as possible.
• Date and time that you observed the water waste.
• What you actually observed. For example:
  • Was the water running into the gutter?
  • Approximately how long had the water been running?
  • Was the water waste from irrigation? An open hose? A broken sprinkler?
• Whether you have observed water waste at this location in the past.

After-hour water emergencies: 1 (559) 675-4200

Water Restriction FAQs (English)

Water Restriction FAQs (Spanish)

Sewer FAQs

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.