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Is Azusa Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Yes! Generally Safe to Drink*

LAST UPDATED: 7:47 pm, August 4, 2022
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Table of Contents

Can You Drink Tap Water in Azusa?

Yes, Azusa's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Azusa 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 or the city's water provider website.

According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Azusa's water utility, Azusa Light and Water, 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 Azusa Light and Water 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 Azusa Tap Water

The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Azusa 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 Azusa's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.

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

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

Is there Lead in Azusa Water?

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

While Azusa 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 Azusa 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 - AZUSA CA NCCOSC MORRIS DA - near Azusa 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 Azusa 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.

Azusa Water - Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DO I CONTACT AZUSA CUSTOMER SERVICE?
To contact customer service for the Azusa water provider, Azusa Light and Water, please use the information below.
By Phone: 626-812-5209
By Email: jmacias@azusaca.gov
By Mail: 729 N. AZUSA AVENUE
AZUSA, CA, 91702
HOW TO PAY BILL FOR AZUSA LIGHT AND WATER
Already have an account?

Existing customers can login to their Azusa Light and Water account to pay their Azusa water bill by clicking here.

Want to create a new account?

If you want to pay your Azusa Light and Water 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 Azusa 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 Azusa 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 AZUSA WATER SERVICE
Starting Your Service

Moving to a new house or apartment in Azusa means you will often need to put the water in your name with Azusa Light and Water. 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 Azusa means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with Azusa Light and Water. 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

Azusa 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 Azusa, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).

Related FAQS

Azusa 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 Azusa's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.

2020 Drinking Water

Consumer Confidence

Report

Para obtener una version en español de este informe, visite www.azusalw.com o llame

al (626) 812-5225 para pedir una copia.

2020 Drinking

Water Consumer

Confidence Report

Azusa Light & Water is pleased to submit this report to you, our valued customer. This report is designed to inform you about the quality of water and services we deliver every day. Our commitment is to provide our customers with a safe and dependable supply of drinking water. Your water not only meets, but also surpasses, both State and Federal standards for quality and safety. To maintain this high quality, Water Treatment Plant Operators certified by the State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water (DDW) are operating Azusa’s Joseph F. Hsu Water Filtration Plant on a regular basis, treating and monitoring the quality of the drinking water we serve.

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the State Water Resources Control Board - Division of Drinking Water (DDW) prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. U.S Food and Drug Admini- stration regulations and California law also establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that must provide the same protection for public health.

For further information, please contact Azusa Light & Water at (626) 812-5225 or visit our website at www.azusalw.com.

For City of Azusa information,

visit www.azusaca.gov.

@cityofazusa

The Azusa Water System

The City of Azusa, a municipality incorporated December 29, 1898, maintains ownership and operation of the municipal utility referred to as Azusa Light & Water (ALW). ALW is entrusted with the responsibility for providing water utility service within its municipal boundaries, and, since acquiring the Azusa Valley Water Company in 1993, providing water utility service to portions of the communities surrounding the City of Azusa. Serving approximately 24,077 active service connections with an estimated customer population of 106,400, the combined and integrated water systems of the City of Azusa and the Azusa Valley Water Company comprise Azusa Light & Water, the largest municipal water utility in the San Gabriel Valley.

2020 Azusa Water Supply Sources

 

San Gabriel River Watershed

 

11 Groundwater Wells

 

SGVMWD

35%

65%

  • Surface Water from the San Gabriel Canyon watershed treated at Joseph F. Hsu Water Filtration Plant
  • Groundwater pumped from 8 wells in the Canyon Basin
  • Groundwater pumped from 2 wells in the Intermediate Basin
  • Groundwater pumped from 1 well in the Main San Gabriel Basin
  • San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District Raw Water Connection

In general, typical sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. Water supplied to ALW's distribution system is a blend of treated surface water and groundwater.

All water provided to ALW customers continues to be much cleaner than that required by State and Federal regulations and of superior quality. Through proper planning and reliable operations and maintenance, ALW expects our precious water resources to be clean, safe, and sustainable well into the future.

2

Azusa produces its water from the upper reaches of the San Gabriel River, near the mouth of San Gabriel Canyon, far upstream of the contaminated groundwater zones found elsewhere in the San Gabriel Valley.

Contamination Limits

Drinking water may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of contaminants. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activities. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that drinking water poses a health risk.

More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the USEPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1- 800-426-4791).

Nitrates

Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 mg/L, measured in Nitrate as Nitrogen, is considered a health risk for infants of less than six months of age. High Nitrate levels in drinking water can interfere with the capacity of the infant’s blood to carry oxygen, resulting in serious illness; symptoms include shortness of breath and blueness of the skin. High Nitrate levels may also affect the ability of the blood to carry oxygen in other individuals, such as pregnant women and those with specific enzyme deficiencies.

Well Nitrate levels may rise for short periods of time due to rainfall or agricultural activity. Where higher Nitrate levels are present, you should seek advice from your healthcare provider or choose to use bottled water for mixing formula and juice for your baby; if you are pregnant, you should drink bottled water. Water purveyors are required by DDW regulations to issue warnings to customers when drinking water nitrate levels exceed 10 mg/L. Average Nitrate levels

Immuno-

Compromised

People

Some people may be more vulnerable to constituents in the water than the general population.

Immuno-compromised people, such as those with cancer undergoing

chemotherapy, persons with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly persons, and infants, can be particularly at risk from infections.

These people should seek advice about drinking water from their healthcare providers. USEPA/Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropri- ate means to lessen the risk of infection from microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

Definitions

Notification Level & Action Level

The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.

Cryptosporidium — A microscopic organism which, when ingested, can cause diarrhea, fever and other gastrointestinal symptoms. The organism comes from animal waste and may occur in surface watersheds. If detected, cryptosporidium is eliminated by an effective treatment combination including sedimentation, filtration and disinfection.

3

Definitions (cont.)

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal

(MCLG) — The level of contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. Maximum contaminant level goals are set by the EPA.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant

Level (MRDL) — The level of a disinfectant added for water treatment that may not be exceeded at the consumer’s tap.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant

Level Goal (MRDLG) — The level of a disinfectant added for water treatment below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs are set by the U.S. EPA.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)

  • The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the public health goals and maximum contaminant level goals as is economically and technologically practicable.

Primary Drinking Water Standard

Primary maximum contaminant levels, specific treatment techniques adopted in lieu of primary MCLs, and

monitoring and reporting requirements for MCLs that are specified in regulation.

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

Radon — A radioactive gas found throughout the United States that can’t be seen, tasted or smelled. It can move up into a building through the ground through cracks and holes in the foundation and can build up to high levels. Radon can get into indoor air when released from tap water from

4

The Joseph F. Hsu Filtration Plant uses latest filtration technology to filter up to 12 million gallons per day.

sampled in the Azusa distribution system range from, ND to 6.0 mg/L Nitrate as Nitrogen for groundwater and ND (nondetectable) for surface water.

Trihalomethanes

Trihalomethanes (THM’s) are a family of disinfection byproduct chemicals formed when a disinfectant such as chlorine is added to the water supply and mixes with naturally occurring organic material found primarily in Surface Water. Disinfection is an important and necessary step in the water treatment process that protects against harmful bacteria and other potential contamination. Chlorine is the most widely used and approved water system disinfectant in the United States.

The amount of Total THM’s allowed in drinking water is regulated by the EPA, which has set a Total THM (TTHM) annual average safe limit of 80 μg/L in drinking water. Results of a health study released in early 1998 suggest that women who drink five glasses of water daily and are in the first three months of pregnancy may have an increased risk of miscarriage from TTHM levels in drinking water above 80 μg/L. State officials have cautioned that the study is not definitive and have stated that more study on the issue is needed. Average TTHM levels sampled in the Azusa distribution system for all four quarters in 2020 are 41.3 μg/L for the groundwater and surface water blend.

This Consumer Confidence Report reflects changes in drinking water regulatory requirements during 2016. All water systems are required to comply with the state Total Coliform Rule. Beginning April 1, 2016, all water systems are also required to comply with the federal Revised Total Coliform Rule. The new federal rule maintains the purpose to protect public health by ensuring the integrity of the drinking water distribution system and monitoring for the presence of microbials (i.e. total coliform and E. coli bacteria). The USEPA anticipates greater public health protection as the new rule requires water systems that are vulnerable to microbial contamination to identify and fix problems. Water systems that exceed a specified frequency of total coliform occurrences are required to conduct an assessment to determine if any sanitary defects exists. If found, these must be corrected by the water system.

To maintain high quality water, Water Treatment Plant Operators certified by the State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water (DDW) are operating Azusa’s Joseph F. Hsu Water Filtration Plant on a regular basis, treating and monitoring the quality of the drinking water we serve.

Drinking Water Contaminants

Inorganic contaminants — Salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.

Microbial contaminants — Viruses and bacteria which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.

Organic chemical contaminants — Synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems.

Pesticides and herbicides — Can come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban or stormwater runoff, and residential uses.

Radon — Can be naturally occurring or the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

Perchlorate — Some people who drink water containing perchlorate in excess of the notification level may experience effects associated with hypothyroidism. Perchlorate interferes with the production of thyroid hormones, which are required for normal pre- and postnatal development in humans, as well as normal body metabolism.

Arsenic — While your drinking water meets the federal and state standard for arsenic, it does contain low levels of arsenic. The arsenic standard balances the current understanding of arsenic’s possible health effects against the costs of removing arsenic from drinking water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency continues to research the health effects of the low levels of arsenic, which is a mineral known to cause cancer in humans at high concentrations and is linked to other health effects such as skin damage and circulatory problems.

Definitions (cont.)

showering, washing dishes, and other household activities. Radon entering the home through tap water will, in most cases, be a small source in indoor air as compared to radon entering the home through soil. Radon is a known carcinogen and breathing air containing radon can lead to lung cancer. Drinking water containing radon may cause increased risk of stomach cancer. If you are concerned about radon, testing the air in your home is inexpensive and easy. For information call EPA’s Radon Hotline (1-800-SOS-RADON).

Treatment Technique — A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

Turbidity — A measure of the cloudiness of the water. Turbidity is monitored because it is a good indicator of water quality. High turbidity can hinder the effectiveness of disinfection.

Variance — State or EPA may give permission not to meet an MCL or a treatment technique under certain conditions.ADON).

Unregulated

Contaminants

Boron — Some men who drink water containing boron in excess of the notification level over many years may experience reproductive effects, based on studies in laboratory animals.

Manganese — Manganese exposures resulted in neurological effects. High levels of manganese in people have been shown to result in adverse effects to the nervous system.

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2020 WATER QUALITY TABLE

PRIMARY STANDARDS—Mandatory, Health-Related Standards Established by the State of California Water Resources Control Board

 

VIOLA-

 

STATE

PHG

AZUSA

AZUSA

MAJOR SOURCES IN

PARAMETER

UNIT

MAXIMUM

 

 

 

 

(MCLG)

GROUNDWATER

SURFACE WATER

 

TION

 

CONTAMINANT

[MRDLG]

DRINKING WATER

 

 

 

LEVEL (MRDL)

RANGE

AVERAGE

RANGE

AVERAGE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FILTRATION PERFORMANCE &

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MICROBIOLOGICAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turbidity (a)

No

Units

0.10 (a)

N/A

N/A

N/A

0.01-0.08

0.03

Soil Runoff

Cryptosporidium

No

Oocysts/L

TT

N/A

N/A

<.10

<.10

Naturally present in the environment >99% of crypto is

removed during treatment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MICROBIOLOGICAL

No

% Positive

5%

(0)

0%-1.79%

1.79%

0%

0%

Naturally present in the environment Human and

Coliform Bacteria P/A (b)

(maximum)

Animal waste

DISINFECTANT, DISINFECTION BY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRODUCTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chlorine Residual

No

mg/L

(4)

(4)

0.28-1.41

0.93

0.28-1.41

0.93

Drinking water disinfectant added for treatment

Total Trihalomethanes (b)

No

µg/L

80

N/A

7.5-55.0

41.3(c)

7.5-55.0

41.3(c)

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

Haloacetic Acids (b)

No

µg/L

60

N/A

1.20-16.0

10.88(c)

1.20-16.0

10.88(c)

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

ORGANIC CONTAMINANTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)

No

µg/L

5

0.06

ND-0.88

0.52

ND

ND

Discharge from factories and dry cleaners

INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arsenic

No

µg/L

10

0.004

2.2-4.6

3.0

2.2-4.6

3.0

Erosion of natural deposits

Barium**

No

µg/L

1000

2

ND-110

28

ND

ND

Erosion of natural deposits

Fluoride

No

mg/L

2

1

0.15-0.27

0.20

0.4

0.4

Erosion of natural deposits

Nitrate (as N)

No

mg/L

10

10

ND-6.0

2.37(b)

ND

ND

Leaching from fertilizer use

Perchlorate

No

µg/L

6

6

ND-ND

ND (d)

ND

ND

Abnormal production of Thyroid Hormones

RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINANTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Alpha Activity**

No

pCi/L

15

(0)

1.9

1.9

ND

ND

Erosion of natural deposits

UNREGULATED CONTAMINANTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boron

No

µg/L

NL-1000

N/A

82

82

ND

ND

Runoff/leaching from natural deposits

Manganese

No

µg/L

N/A

N/A

ND-4.5

1.08

ND

ND

Leaching from natural deposits

(a) Standard applies to surface water only. A separate standard applies to the distribution system. See secondary standards.

(b) Based on distribution system monitoring. (c) Four quarter average. (d) Blended value. (MRDL) The level of a disinfectant added for water treatment that may not be exceeded at the consumer’s tap.

**Samples collected in 2018. The State allows us to monitor for some contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Some of our data, though representative, are more than one year old.

CONTAMINANTS WITH SECONDARY STANDARDS—Aesthetic Standards Established by the State of California Water Resources Control Board

 

 

STATE

AZUSA

 

AZUSA

 

 

 

 

 

 

MAJOR SOURCES IN

PARAMETER

UNIT

MAXIMUM

GROUNDWATER

SURFACE WATER

 

 

CONTAMINANT

RANGE AVERAGE

RANGE

AVERAGE

DRINKING WATER

 

 

LEVEL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turbidity

Units

5

0.02-0.47

0.08

. 0.02-0.47

0.08

Soil Runoff

Color

Units

15

ND

ND

ND

ND

Naturally occurring organic materials

Odor Threshold

Units

3

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

Naturally occurring organic materials

Chloride

mg/L

500

10.8

10.8

5.5

5.5

Runoff/leaching from natural deposits

Sulfate

mg/L

500

24.4

24.4

22

22

Runoff/leaching from natural deposits

Total Dissolved Solids

mg/L

1000

220

220

220

220

Runoff/leaching from natural deposits

Specific Conductance

µmho/Cm

1600

389

389

390

390

Substances that form ions in the water

 

 

ADDITIONAL CONSTITUENTS ANALYZED

 

 

pH

Units

No Standard

7.10-8.40

7.75

7.50-8.55

8.02

 

Hardness (CaCo3)

mg/L

No Standard

156

156

200

200

Runoff/leaching from natural deposits

Sodium

mg/L

No Standard

24.7

24.7

15

15

Runoff/leaching from natural deposits

Calcium

mg/L

No Standard

42

42

58

58

Runoff/leaching from natural deposits

Potassium

mg/L

No Standard

3.08

3.08

4.3

4.3

Runoff/leaching from natural deposits

Magnesium

mg/L

No Standard

12

12

13

13

Runoff/leaching from natural deposits

ABBREVIATIONS

 

 

When you read about water quality, you might ask yourself:

<

Less than

mg/L

milligrams per Liter (parts per million)

How much is one part per billion (1ppb)?

ND

None Detected

pCi/L

pico Curies per Liter

Answer: 1ppb equal to 1 drop of water in 14,000 gallons, 1 second

NTU

Nephelometric Turbidity Unit(s)

NL

Notification Level

in 32 years, 1 inch in 16,000 miles or 1 cent in $10 million.

µmho/Cm

micromhos per Centimeter

N/A

Not Applicable

How much is one part per million (1ppm)?

µg/L

micrograms per Liter (parts per billion)

TT

Treatment Technique

Answer: 1ppm is equal to 1 drop of water in 14 gallons, 1 second in

 

 

 

 

12 days, 1 inch in 16 miles or 1 cent in $10,000.

In addition to the above constituents, we have conducted monitoring for 32 additional organic chemicals for which the State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water and U.S. EPA have not yet set a standard and all results were below detection levels unless otherwise noted.

6

 

 

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL DATA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CITY OF AZUSA LIGHT & WATER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LEAD & COPPER TRIANNUAL (2020)

 

 

 

PARAMETER

 

PHG

 

 

 

MCL

AZUSA DRINKING

UNITS OF

MAJOR SOURCES

 

 

WATER CONCENTRATION

 

 

 

 

or

 

HEALTH EFFECTS LANGUAGE

or

 

 

INORGANIC

MEASUREMENT

IN DRINKING WATER

90th Percentile Value

RANGE

MCLG

 

AL

CONTAMINANTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution System

 

Copper

µg/L

170

Internal corrosion of household

Copper is an essential nutrient, but some people

1300 (AL)

680

58-940

 

 

 

plumbing systems; erosion of natural

who drink water containing copper in excess of the

 

 

 

 

 

 

deposits; leaching from wood

 

action level over a relatively short amount of time

 

 

 

 

 

 

preservatives

 

may experience gastrointestinal distress. Some

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

people who drink water containing copper in excess

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of the action level over many years may suffer liver

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

or kidney damage. People with Wilson’s Disease

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

should consult their personal doctor.

 

 

 

Lead

µg/L

2

Internal corrosion of household water

Infants and children who drink water containing

15 (AL)

0

0

 

 

 

plumbing systems; discharges from

lead in excess of the action level may experience

 

 

 

 

 

 

industrial manufacturers, erosion of

delays in their physical or mental development.

 

 

 

 

 

 

natural deposits

 

Children may show slight deficits in attention span

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and learning abilities. Adults who drink this water

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

over many years may develop kidney problems or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

high blood pressure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

50 Copper & Lead Samples Collected August 2020

No Copper Samples exceeded the Action Level

 

No Lead Samples exceeded the Action Level

If present, 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. Azusa Light & Water 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 at http://www.epa.gov/lead.

LEAD TESTING IN SCHOOLS

The State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water (DDW), in collaboration with the California Department of Education, have taken the initiative to test for Lead in drinking water at all public schools serving kindergarten or any of grades 1-12, inclusive, and preschools and child day care facilities located on public school property. In early 2017, DDW and Local Primacy Agencies issued amendments to the domestic water supply permits of approximately 1,200 community water systems, including Azusa Light & Water (ALW), so that applicable facilities served by a community water system could request water sampling for Lead and receive technical assistance if an elevated Lead sample is found. To further safeguard water quality in California’s K-12 public schools, California Assembly Bill 746, approved on October 13, 2017, required community water systems to test lead levels by July 1, 2019, in drinking water at all California public, K-12 school sites constructed before January 1, 2020. ALW has satisfied this requirement by completing Lead testing of drinking water in all 26 schools served by the utility. For more information, go to https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/drinking_water/certlic/drinkingwater/leadsamplinginschools.html.

SAMPLING RESULTS SHOWING TREATMENT OF AZUSA’S SURFACE WATER SOURCES

Treatment Technique*

Low-pressure membrane filtration system.

Turbidity Performance Standards**

Turbidity of the combined filtered water must:

1. Be less than or equal to 0.10 NTU in 95% of measurements in a month.

(that must be met through the water treatment process)

2. Not exceed 0.5 NTU at any time.

 

Lowest monthly percentage of samples that met Turbidity Performance Standard No. 1

100%

 

 

Highest single turbidity measurement during the year

0.08

The number of violations of any surface water treatment requirements

0

  • A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
  • Turbidity (measured in NTU) is a measurement of the cloudiness of water and is a good indicator of water quality and filtration performance. Turbidity results which meet performance standards are considered to be in compliance with filtration requirements.

Drinking Water Source Assessment and Protection (DWSAP) Program

A copy of the complete assessment may be viewed at Azusa Light & Water. To request a viewing of the DWSAP assessment, contact the utility's Water Production Supervisor (626) 812-5080.

Azusa Light & Water submitted DWSAP package on December 19, 2002, using an electronic format approved by Department of Public Health. The assessments are summarized in the table below.

 

 

DRINKING WATER SOURCE ASSESSMENT AND PROTECTION (DWSAP) PROGRAM

 

SOURCE NUMBER

SOURCE ID

MOST VULNERABLE ACTIVITIES (PCA)

CHEMICAL DETECTED

001

Well 1

Mining Operations-Historic

None

002

Well 2

Mining Operations-Historic

None

003

Well 3

Mining Operations-Historic

None

004

Well 4

Mining Operations-Historic

None

 

 

 

 

033

Well 11

Mining Operations-Historic

None

034

Well 12

Mining Operations-Historic

None

005

Well 5

Animal Feeding Operations as defined in federal regulation 2

None

006

Well 6

Automobile-Gas Stations

None

 

 

Dry Cleaners

 

007

Well 7

None

Historic Gas Stations

008

Well 8

None

Metal Plating/Finishing/Fabricating

010

Well 10

Mining Operations-Historic

Perchlorate, Nitrate, PCE

 

 

Plastics/Synthetics Producers

 

 

 

Underground Storage Tanks-Confirmed Leaking Tanks

 

 

 

Known Contaminant Plumes

 

 

 

Sewer Collection Systems

 

(PCA) Possible Contamination Activities

 

 

Azusa Light & Water encourages customers to stay informed by attending regularly scheduled Utility Board meetings held on the 4th Monday of each month at 6:30 P. M. Utility Board meetings are held at the Azusa Light & Water office located at 729 N. Azusa Avenue,

Azusa, CA 91702. Visit us online at www.azusalw.com.

7

Conservation is a Way of Life

Even the smallest changes can have a big impact. Californians use an average of 196 gallons of water per day. From taking shorter showers or turning off faucet while brushing teeth, making wise water use as a daily habit can all add up to water savings. Every drop counts. Please be water-wise!

Here are some ways to reduce water use:

  • FIX LEAKS – Save 110 gallons each month
  • INSTALL A HIGH-EFFICIENCY TOILET – Save 19 gallons per person/day
  • WASH FULL LOADS OF CLOTHES AND DISHES
    Washer: Save 15-45 gallons/load
    Dishwasher: Save 5-15 gallons/load
  • INSTALL DRIP IRRIGATION & ADD A SMART CONTROLLER – Save 15 gallons each time you water and 24 gallons per day
  • PLANT DROUGHT RESISTANT TREES & PLANTS
    Save 30-60 gallons per 1000 sq. ft.

Azusa Light & Water watering schedule is 3 days per week in summer (April-October) and 2 days per week in winter (November-March). Mandatory water restrictions remain in effect (see Water Rule 21). Please visit www.azusalw.com for details. Drought Hotline: (626) 812-5119

Contaminants


Azusa Light and Water

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: 110000
  • Data available: 2012-2017
  • Data Source: Surface water
  • Total: 22

Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines

  • Arsenic
  • Bromodichloromethane
  • Bromoform
  • Chloroform
  • Chromium (hexavalent)
  • Dibromochloromethane
  • Dichloroacetic acid
  • Nitrate
  • Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene)
  • Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
  • Trichloroacetic acid

Other Detected Contaminants

  • 1%2C4-Dioxane
  • Barium
  • Chlorate
  • Dibromoacetic acid
  • Fluoride
  • Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
  • Molybdenum
  • Monobromoacetic acid
  • Perchlorate
  • Strontium
  • 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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