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Is Alhambra Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Yes! Generally Safe to Drink*

LAST UPDATED: 7:47 pm, July 21, 2022
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Table of Contents

Can You Drink Tap Water in Alhambra?

Yes, Alhambra's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Alhambra has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page, the city's water provider website, or Alhambra's local Twitter account.

According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Alhambra's water utility, City of Alhambra, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. This assessment is based on the City of Alhambra water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.

While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.

The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.

Water Quality Report for Alhambra Tap Water

The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Alhambra tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.

Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.

EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.

There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.

We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Alhambra's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.

Alhambra Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years

Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named City of Alhambra for Alhambra in California. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.

Is there Lead in Alhambra Water?

Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Alhambra water system, City of Alhambra, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.0 mg/L of lead in Alhambra water. This is 0% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Alhambra contained more lead.

While Alhambra water testing may have found 0.0 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.

No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.

Are there PFAS in Alhambra Tap Water?

Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - DFSP Norwalk - near Alhambra with suspected leaks.

With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Alhambra has been evaluated for yet.

Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.

What do these Violations Mean?

Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.

Health Based Violations

  1. Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
  2. Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
  3. Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.

Non-Health Based Violations

  1. Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
  2. Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
  3. Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.

SDWA Table Key

Field Description
Compliance Period Dates of the compliance period.
Status Current status of the violation.
  • Resolved - The violation has at least one resolving enforcement action. In SDWIS, this indicates that either the system has returned to compliance from the violation, the rule that was violated was no longer applicable, or no further action was needed.
  • Archived - The violation is not Resolved, but is more than five years past its compliance period end date. In keeping with the Enforcement Response Policy, the violation no longer contributes to the public water system's overall compliance status. Unresolved violations are also marked as Archived when a system ceases operations (becomes inactive).
  • Addressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and is addressed by one or more formal enforcement actions.
  • Unaddressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and has not been addressed by formal enforcement.
show details
Health-Based? Whether the violation is health based.
Category Code
The category of violation that is reported.
  • TT - Treatment Technique Violation
  • MRDL - Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level
  • Other - Other Violation
  • MCL - Maximum Contaminant Level Violation
  • MR - Monitoring and Reporting
  • MON - Monitoring Violation
  • RPT - Reporting Violation
show details
Code A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table.
Contaminant Code A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation.
Rule Code Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rule
  • 121 - Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 122 - Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 123 - Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Ground Water Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 331 - Nitrates
  • 332 - Arsenic
  • 333 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 111 - Revised Total Coliform Rule
show details
Rule Group Code Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
  • 120 - Surface Water Treatment Rules
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Groundwater Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 330 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rules
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
show details
Rule Family Code Code for rule family.
  • 100 - Microbials
  • 200 - Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 300 - Chemicals
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
show details

For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.

Alhambra Water - Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DO I CONTACT ALHAMBRA CUSTOMER SERVICE?
To contact customer service for the Alhambra water provider, City of Alhambra, please use the information below.
By Phone: 626-570-3274
By Email: dahlen@cityofalhambra.org
By Mail: 111 S. FIRST ST.
ALHAMBRA, CA, 91801
HOW TO PAY BILL FOR CITY OF ALHAMBRA
Already have an account?

Existing customers can login to their City of Alhambra account to pay their Alhambra water bill by clicking here.

Want to create a new account?

If you want to pay your City of Alhambra bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Alhambra water bill.

Want to pay without an account?

If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Alhambra water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.

HOW TO START & STOP ALHAMBRA WATER SERVICE
Starting Your Service

Moving to a new house or apartment in Alhambra means you will often need to put the water in your name with City of Alhambra. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.

Start Service Form

Want to create a new account?

Leaving your house or apartment in Alhambra means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with City of Alhambra. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.

Stop Service Form

USER SUBMITTED RATINGS

Alhambra tap water
  • Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility 30% Low
  • Water Pollution 40% Moderate
  • Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility 70% High
  • Water Quality 60% High

The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Alhambra, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).

Related FAQS

Alhambra Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)

The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Alhambra's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.

City of Alhambra

2020

Water Quality

Report

A Message from Alhambra Utilities Department

Dear Customer:

This report summarizes the results of thousands of analyses conducted on your drinking water during 2020. At the City of Alhambra, a team of professionals work around the clock to make sure your tap water meets or exceeds all U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and State Water Resources Control Board - Department of Drinking Water (SWRCB-DDW) standards. We encourage landlords, business owners, and schools to share this report with “non-billed” water users. In addition, a paper copy of this report is also available at the Alhambra Public Library, Alhambra City Hall and Utilities Department Customer Service Center.

IMPORTANT FOR THE IMMUNO-COMPROMISED

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants may be particularly at risk with infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. The USEPA/Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

NITRATE

Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10mg/L is a health risk for infants of less than six months of age. Such nitrate level in drinking water can interfere with the capacity of the infant’s blood to carry oxygen, resulting in a serious illness; symptoms include shortness of breath and blueness of the skin. Nitrate levels above 10mg/L may also affect the ability of the blood to carry oxygen in other individuals, such as pregnant woman and those with certain specific enzyme deficiencies. If you are caring for an infant, or you are pregnant, you should ask advice from your health care provider.

LEAD

Elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The City of Alhambra is responsible for providing high quality drinking water but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or http://www.epa.gov/lead.

SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT

The City of Alhambra Utilities Department has conducted Drinking Water Sources Assessments for its ground water sources. The latest assessment was completed in April 2009. Sources are considered most vulnerable to the following activities associated with contaminants detected in the water supply: auto repair shops, sewer collection systems, dry cleaners, irrigated crops, leaking underground storage tanks, high density housing and historic dump and landfill sites. A summary of the assessment can be obtained by contacting Michael Thai, Environmental Compliance Specialist, at (626) 570-3259.

ALHAMBRA WATER SUPPLY INFORMATION

The City of Alhambra maintains approximately 18,300 service connections and provides approximatley 83,000 customers with quality drinking water that meets or surpasses all State and Federal drinking waterstandards. The City’s main source of water (70%) comes from local groundwater from Main San Gabriel Water Basin. An additional source of water (30%) comes from a service connection with the Metropolitan Water District (MWD). The MWD water is surface water from Colorado River and State Water Project which is treated at the Weymouth Treatment Plant within the City of La Verne and transported via transmission main to the City of Alhambra.

COMPREHENSIVE WATER QUALITY MONITORING

Alhambra Utilities Department works diligently to ensure that your water complies with all state and federal drinking water standards. This is a comprehensive effort that includes monitoring and testing for many types of contaminants that may be present in source water (i.e., water before treatment), including:

  • Microbials, such as viruses and bacteria, that may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
  • Inorganics, such as salts and metals, that can be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
  • Pesticides and herbicides, that may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
  • Organic chemicals, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals that are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, or that may come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, agricultural application, and septic systems.
  • Radioactive contaminants, that can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

Primary Drinking Water Standards set limits for substances in water that may be harmful to humans if consumed in excess. They include MCLs and MRDLs for contaminants that affect health along with their monitoring, reporting requirements, and water treatment requirements.

Secondary Drinking Water Standards deal with aesthetic qualities such as taste and odor which relate to consumer acceptance rather than health factors.

DEFINITIONS

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. Primary MCLs are set as close to the PHGs (or MCLGs) as is economically and technologically feasible. Secondary MCLs are set to protect the odor, taste, and appearance of drinking water.

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs are set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL): The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG): The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.

Public Health Goal (PHG): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. PHGs are set by the California Environmental Protection Agency.

Regulatory Action Level (AL): The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow.

Treatment Technique (TT): A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

ABBREVIATIONS

CaCO3: Calcium Carbonate

mg/L: Milligrams per liter (which is equal to parts per million).

µg/L: Micrograms per liter (which is equal to parts per billion).

ppm: Parts per million (which is equal to milligrams per liter).

ppb: Parts per billion (which is equal to micrograms per liter).

µmhos/cm: Micromhos/centimeter. pCi/L= Pico Curies per Liter.

NTU: Nephelometric turbidity units.

ND: The substance could not be found at the minimum amount that can be detected.

NR: Not Required (no laboratory testing is required)

NA: Not Applicable.

NL: Notification Level (if the contaminant is detected at this level, then certain requirements and recommendations apply).

MWD: Metropolitan Water District

NA: Not Applicable.

City of Alhambra 2020 - Water Quality Table

 

PHG

MCL

 

 

Groundwater

Surface Water

 

 

 

City of Alhambra Wells

MWD - Weymouth Plant

Typical Source of Contaminants

CONSTITUENT AND (UNIT)

(MCLG) or

or

DLR

 

[MRDLG]

[MRDL]

 

Range

Average

Range

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRIMARY STANDARDS- MANDATORY HEALTH-RELATED STANDARDS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLARITY (COMBINED FILTER EFFLUENT TURBIDITY) {A}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Highest single measurement of the treated surface water (NTU)

N/A

TT

N/A

NR

NR

Highest

0.04

Soil runoff

Lowest percent of all monthly readings less than 0.3 NTU (%)

N/A

TT

N/A

NR

NR

% 0.3

100%

Soil runoff

MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Coliform Bacteria (% positive in a month) {B}

(0)

5%

N/A

 

-

1%

 

-

0.2%

Naturally present in the environment

Fecal Coliform or E. coli (% positive in a month)

(0)

0%

N/A

 

-

0%

 

-

0%

Human and animal fecal waste

DISINFECTION BY-PRODUCTS AND DISINFECTION RESIDUALS {C}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Trihalomethanes [TTHM], ppb

N/A

80

1

4.1 - 34

25.1

10

- 31

24

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

Haloacetic Acids [HAA5], (ppb)

N/A

60

1

0.0

- 9.9

5.8

3.3

- 7.3

6.2

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

Chlorine Residual, (ppm)

4

4

N/A

ND - 3.7

1.5

1.4

- 3.0

2.4

Drinking water disinfectant added for treatment.

ORGANIC CHEMICALS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trichloroethylene [TCE], (ppb)

1.7

5

0.5

ND - 0.5

<0.5

ND

ND

Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories

Tetrachloroethylene (PCE), (ppb)

0.06

5

0.5

ND - 1.3

0.7

ND

ND

Discharge from factories, dry cleaners, and auto shops (metal degreaser)

INORGANIC CHEMICALS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aluminum, (ppb) {D}

600

1000

50

ND

<50

80 - 210

149

Erosion of natural deposits

Fluoride, (ppm)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

2

0.1

0.6

- 0.7

0.7

0.6

- 0.9

0.7

Erosion of natural deposits; Water additive that promotes strong teeth

Nitrate [as Nitrogen-N], (ppm)

10

10

0.4

1.1

- 6.9

4.4

ND

ND

Runoff and leaching from fertilizer use

RADIOLOGICALS {E}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Alpha Activity, (pCi/L)

0

15

3

0 - 7.4

2.0

ND

ND

Erosion of natural deposits

Uranium, (pCi/L)

0.43

20

1

0 - 6.7

3.7

1

- 3

2

Erosion of natural deposits

SECONDARY STANDARDS, AESTHETIC NON HEALTH-RELATED STANDARDS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aluminum, (ppb) {D}

600

200

50

ND

<50

80 - 210

149

Erosion of natural deposits

Turbidity, (NTU)

N/A

5

0.1

ND

ND

ND

ND

Solution of finely divided subsurface clay and silt

Color, (Units)

N/A

15

N/A

ND

ND

ND - 1

1

Naturally-occurring materials

Odor-Threshold Odor Number (TON)

N/A

3

1

 

1

1

ND - 2

2

Naturally-occurring organic materials

Chloride, (ppm)

N/A

500

N/A

16

- 60

34

93

93

Runoff / leaching from natural deposits

Iron, (ppb)

N/A

300

100

ND - 200

<100

ND

ND

Corrosion; leaching from natural deposits; industrial wastes.

Sulfate, (ppm)

N/A

500

0.5

25

- 92

51

211

- 215

213

Runoff / leaching from natural deposits; industrial wastes

Specific Conductance, (µS/cm)

N/A

1600

N/A

380

- 800

569

963

- 968

966

Substances that form ions, when in water

Total Dissolved Solids [TDS], (ppm)

N/A

1000

N/A

220

- 510

359

587

- 593

590

Runoff and leaching from natural deposits

UNREGULATED CONSTITUENTS REQUIRING MONITORING AT ENTRY POINTS INTO THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

 

 

 

 

Boron, (ppb)

N/A

NL= 1000

100

NR

NR

130

130

Runoff / leaching from natural deposits; industrial wastes

Chlorate, (ppb)

N/A

NL= 800

20

ND - 300

140

76

76

By-product of drinking water chlorination; industrial processes

Chromium Hexavalent, (ppb)

0.02

N/A

N/A

3.1

- 8.3

5.9

ND

ND

Industrial discharge or erosion of natural deposits

Perfluorohexanoic Acid, [PFHxA] (ppt)

N/A

N/A

2

NR

NR

ND

ND

Industrial chemical factory discharges, runoff from landfills; used in fire-retarding

1,4-Dioxane, (ppb)

N/A

NL= 1

N/A

ND

ND

NR

NR

Industrial waste discharge

Manganese (ppb)

N/A

SMCL = 50

20

ND - 1.8

1.0

ND

ND

Leaching from natural deposits

Molybdenum, Total (ppb)

N/A

N/A

N/A

2.5 - 9.2

5.0

NR

NR

Runoff / leaching from natural deposits

Strontium, Total (ppb)

N/A

N/A

2

230 - 1100

610

ND

ND

Runoff / leaching from natural deposits

Vanadium, Total (ppb)

N/A

NL= 50

N/A

ND - 9.8

5.0

ND

ND

Runoff / leaching from natural deposits

UNREGULATED CONSTITUENTS REQUIRING MONITORING IN THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Haloacetic Acids - HAA5 (ppb)

N/A

N/A

N/A

3.6 - 9.5

6.6

NR

NR

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

Haloacetic Acids - HAA6Br (ppb)

N/A

N/A

N/A

4.4 - 11.6

7.0

NR

NR

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

Haloacetic Acids - HAA9 (ppb)

N/A

N/A

N/A

6.5 - 16.7

11.7

NR

NR

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

WATER CHARACTERISTICS: NO MCL OR MRDL, BUT STATE OR FEDERAL MONITORING IS REQUIRED

 

 

 

 

 

Calcium, (ppm)

N/A

N/A

0.1

30.1

- 85.2

57.5

65

65

Runoff / leaching from natural deposits

Magnesium, (ppm)

N/A

N/A

0.01

ND - 22.7

2.5

25

- 26

26

Runoff / leaching from natural deposits

pH, (Units)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N/A

N/A

N/A

7.0

- 7.9

7.6

8.1

8.1

N/A

Potassium, (ppm)

N/A

N/A

0.2

1.2

- 3.0

2.0

4.5

- 4.6

4.6

Salt present in the water, naturally-occurring

Sodium, (ppm)

N/A

N/A

1

25

- 50

36

93

- 97

95

Salt present in the water, naturally-occurring

Total Alkalinity [as CaCO3], (ppm)

N/A

N/A

1

140

- 250

171

118

- 119

118

Runoff / leaching from natural deposits; carbonate, bicarbonate and hydroxide

Total Hardness [as CaCO3], (ppm)

N/A

N/A

1

104

- 270

210

256

- 268

262

Runoff / leaching from natural deposits, sun of polyvalent cations, magnesium and calcium

Total Organic Carbon [TOC], (ppm)

N/A

TT

0.3

N/A

N/A

2.1

- 2.6

2.4

Various natural and man-made sources; precursor for formation of disinfection byproducts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LEAD AND COPPER TESTING AT RESIDENTIAL TAPS

 

 

 

LEAD/COPPER

PHG

Action Level (AL)

90th Percentile Result

Lead, (ppb) {F}

0.2

15

1.4

Copper, (ppm) {F}

0.3

1.3

0.50

Typical Source of contaminants

Corrosion of household plumbing system

Corrosion of household plumbing system

Footnotes:

 

{A}

Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of the water and is good indicator of the effectiveness of surface water filtration. To meet the Primary Standard, the turbidity level of the

 

filtered water shall be less than or equal to 0.3 NTU in 95% of the measurements taken each month, and shall not exceed 1 NTU for any single measurement. High turbidity level

 

can hinder the effectiveness of disinfectants.

{B}

The result is the highest percentage of positive samples collected in a month during 2020. Coliforms are bacteria used as an indicator that if present, other potentially harmful

 

organisms may be present. According to the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water (DDW), no more than 5.0% of the monthly samples may be Total

 

Coliform-positive. Total Coliforms were detected in one sample collected in the distribution system in April 2020. However, all follow-up confirmation samples were negative for

 

Total Coliforms and Fecal/E. Coli bacteria. A routine sample and a repeat sample that are Total Coliform positive and where one of these is also Fecal/E. Coli positive constitutes

 

an MCL violation. Therefore, the MCL was not violated in 2020.

{C}

The distribution system is tested quarterly for disinfection byproducts. The “Average” result is the highest locational running annual averages (LRAA) of the four quarters in 2020

 

for TTHMs and HAA5. Twenty-three (23) locations are tested weekly for chlorine residual. The “Range” is the maximum and minimum of the individual results.

{D}

Aluminum has both Primary (health-related) and Secondary (aesthetic) Standards.

{E}

Not all sources were sampled for radioactivity in 2019; sources were sampled between 2011-2019. The most recent results are included.

{F}

The most recent monitoring of Lead and Copper at thirty (30) residences was completed in 2018. None exceed the action level for lead and copper. The next round of monitoring

 

is scheduled for the Summer of 2021.

Water Conservation

Water conservation remains the most responsible way to reduce our demand for water and conserve our water supply. Water supply is greatly affected by regional drought, growth in population, and climate change. The need to conserve water is critical, as we all play a role in water usage. However, there are many effective ways we can help save water in and around our home. With these simple changes in our daily routines, we can reduce our water footprint and protect this valuable resource for future generations. The City of Alhambra is currently under Water Shortage Plan I Voluntary Conservation, Chapter 15.25.080 of the Alhambra Municipal Code. For more information please visit

http://www.cityofalhambra.org/resourses/mandatory-water-restrictions.

Reduce Your Water Bill – Rebates with San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District

As a resident of Alhambra, the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District offers financial incentives to help you purchase water saving appliances and fixtures. Not only will you be able to reduce your water bill, but you will also be conserving more water to reduce the demand to our water supply. The following rebates include:

  • Up to $60 per rain barrel or $350 per cistern
  • Up to $110 for a water efficient washing machine
  • Up to $80 for weather based irrigation controller or soil moisture sensor system
  • Up to $40 for high-efficiency toilet
  • Up to $150 for commercial waterless urinal
  • Up to $2 per nozzle (minimum 30) for rotating sprinkler nozzles

For more information, please call (855) 512-1221 or visit www.sgvmwd.org

Water Saving Tips for Home

  • Install water efficient showerheads, toilets, and faucet aerators.
  • Regularly check and repair water leaks around the home.
  • Use a broom instead of a hose to clean patios, driveways, and sidewalks.
  • Water lawns and gardens in cooler morning or evening hours.
  • Support efforts to expand water conservation and storm water capture.
  • Landscape with CA native plants or drought tolerant plants.
  • Increase engagement with water conservation awareness and rebate programs.

California Water Use Restrictions

  • Potable water may not be used to wash down sidewalks and driveways.
  • Runoff caused by irrigation is prohibited.
  • Vehicles must be washed using a hose with a shutoff nozzle.
  • Outdoor irrigation is prohibited during and within 48 hours following measureable rainfall.
  • Decorative water features must use recirculated water.

Stormwater Capture

The most natural form of replenishing water supply is through stormwater or rainwater. During a storm event, much of the stormwater either soaks into the ground or evaporates. Critically, water that is not taken up by plants can infiltrate below the surface and help contribute, or recharge, underground wells and groundwater aquifers. Many factors influence the amount of stormwater captured including, the permeability of soils, how much permeable surfaces are exposed, the amount moisture that is retained in the soil, slope, as well as many other factors. Stormwater capture is a growing field that can greatly contribute to water supply and water quality. Capturing runoff using these approaches would increase the sustainability of California’s water supplies, while reducing water pollution. For more information on how the City is addressing stormwater, please visit Chapter 16.34: Storm Water and Urban Runoff Pollution Control of the Alhambra Municipal Code.

Safe Clean Water Program

The Safe Clean Water Program, also known as Measure W, creates a comprehensive, regional plan to address how we capture rainwater and reduce reliance on imported water. Cities will receive funding for the program through revenue generated from Measure W; the parcel tax approved by the Los Angeles County voters in November 2018. As the city of Alhambra begins to implement the Safe Clean Water Program, some goals of the plan developed in collaboration with public health, environmental groups, cities, businesses, labor, and community-based organizations include:

  • Implement a new plan for L.A.’s water system to capture the billions of gallons of water we lose each year.
  • Help protect our coastal waters and beaches from the trash and contaminants in stormwater that make people sick and threaten marine life.
  • Modernize our 100 year-old water system infrastructure, using a combination of nature, science, and new technology.
  • Help protect public health, ensuring safer, greener, healthier, and more livable spaces for all.
  • Prepare our region for the effects of a changing climate — including recurring cycles of drought, wildfire, and flooding.
  • Require strict community oversight and independent auditing to ensure local money raised would stay local.

For more information please visit www.safecleanwaterla.org

State-Required Treatment Processes to Remove Viruses, Including COVID-19

The City of Alhambra’s comprehensive and safe drinking water standards require a multi-step treatment process that includes disinfection. This process removes and kills viruses, including coronaviruses such as COVID-19, as well as bacteria and other pathogens.

The State Water Board’s Division of Drinking Water establishes and enforces drinking water standards that ensure the delivery of safe and potable water. Treatment facilities must comply with stringent performance measures to ensure treatment processes are continuously operating at peak performance.

The treatment process must destroy at least 99.99% of viruses. The limited number that possibly might pass through are quickly inactivated in the disinfection process. COVID-19 is transmitted person to person, not through drinking water, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All public water systems in California are routinely monitored for bacteria to ensure that water delivered to customers is free of pathogens. The City of Alhambra works closely with the State Water Board to ensure the safety of water that flows through the city to our customers.

Fats, Oils, and Grease Program (FOG)

Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are by-products that food service establishments must constantly manage. Typically, FOG enters a facility’s plumbing system from dish washing, floor cleaning, and equipment sanitation. FOG poured down kitchen drains accumulates inside sewer pipes. As it builds up, the flow through the pipe is restricted and can cause sanitary sewer overflows (SSO). The end result is sewage backup into homes, streets, and storm drains. These SSO’s can damage property, harm the environment, and create major health hazards. Here are some best management practices that anyone can utilize to minimize the amount of FOG going down the drain.

FOG Dos:

  • Pour (cooled) used cooking oil into a sealable container and place it in the trash, or contact a local recycler for larger amounts of used cooking oil.
  • Clean dishes, pots, and pans with a scraper or squeegee, and empty into a trash can prior to washing.
  • Wipe dishes, pots, and pans with dry paper towels to remove residual FOG (this also includes salad dressings, ice cream, and frozen yogurt), then throw the paper towels away.
  • Use a sink drain to catch food scraps.

FOG Don’ts:

  1. Do not use a garbage disposal or food grinder to dispose of grease.
  1. Do not pour cooking oil or other FOG materials down the sink, toilet, street gutters, or storm drains.
  1. Do not use cloth towels or rags to wipe grease or oil.

111 South First Street

Alhambra, CA 91801

THIS NOTICE CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER.

City of Alhambra 2020 Water Quality Report will be available online on July 1, 2021. Please visit the following URL: http://www.CityofAlhambra.org/resources/utility-department-reports to learn more about your drinking water. If you would like a paper copy of the 2020 CCR mailed to your mailing address or would like to speak with someone about the report, please call (626) 570-3259.

Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua potable. Favor de comunicarse con la Ciudad de Alhambra el Departmento de Utilidades a (626) 570-3259 para asistirlo en español.

本報告包含閣下飲用水嘅重要訊息。如需廣東話垂詢,請聯絡 City of Alhambra, Utilities Department (626) 570-3259

Báo cáo này chứa thông tin quan trọng về nước uống của bạn. Xin vui lòng liên hệ City of Alhambra, Utilities Department tại (626) 570-3259 để được trợ giúp bằng tiếng Việt.

Community Participation, regularly scheduled City Council meeting are held on the second and fourth Monday of each month, at 7:00pm at City Hall, located at 111 South First Street, Alhambra, California and are open to the public participation in decisions that may affect the quality of your water. A City Council agenda is available from the office of the City Clerk or via the website http://www.cityofalhambra.org. We welcome your participation in the meetings.

Water Quality Questions: (626) 570-3259

Stormwater Pollution Question: (626) 570-5036

Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Question: (626) 570-5067

Utilities Customer Service Center: (626) 570-5061

Billing question, trash servies, or any question redarding water or sewer service.

Water Service Emergencies: (626) 570-5124 (Dispatch) Leaks, 24 hours turn off / turn on service.

Illegal Dumping to Storm Drains or Someone Wasting Water? (626) 570-5061 or email us at waterwatcher@cityofalhambra.org

Contaminants


City of Alhambra

EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the California State Water Resources Control Board, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.

Utility details

  • Serves: 84679
  • Data available: 2012-2017
  • Data Source: Purchased surface water
  • Total: 22

Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines

  • Bromodichloromethane
  • Bromoform
  • Chloroform
  • Chromium (hexavalent)
  • Dibromochloromethane
  • Dichloroacetic acid
  • Nitrate
  • Nitrate and nitrite
  • Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
  • Trichloroacetic acid
  • Uranium

Other Detected Contaminants

  • 1%2C4-Dioxane
  • Chlorate
  • Chlorodifluoromethane
  • Dibromoacetic acid
  • Fluoride
  • Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
  • Molybdenum
  • Perchlorate
  • Strontium
  • Trichloroethylene
  • Vanadium

Reminder

Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.

Sources and Resources

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