Table of Contents
Can You Drink Tap Water in Downey?
Yes, Downey's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Downey 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, Downey's water utility, Downey - City, Water Dept, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. The last violation for Downey was resolved on Sept. 30, 2013. This assessment is based on the Downey - City, Water Dept 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 Downey Tap Water
The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Downey 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 Downey's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.
Downey Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years
Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named Downey - City, Water Dept for Downey in California. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.
For the compliance period beginning Feb. 1, 2018, Downey had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Treatment Technique Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Treatment Technique, Level 2 Assessment (RTCR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Total Coliform Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
From Sept. 1, 2013 to Sept. 30, 2013, Downey had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Repeat Major (TCR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Total Coliform Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Coliform (TCR).
For the compliance period beginning May 24, 2012, Downey had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Source Water (GWR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Groundwater Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: E. COLI.
Is there Lead in Downey Water?
Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Downey water system, Downey - City, Water Dept, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.0 mg/L of lead in Downey water. This is 0% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Downey contained more lead.
While Downey 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 Downey 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 Downey 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 Downey 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.
Downey SDWA Violation History Table - Prior 10 Years
| Compliance Period | Status | Health-Based? | Category Code | Code | Rule Code | Contaminant Code | Rule Group Code | Rule Family Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02/01/2018 - | Resolved | Yes | Treatment Technique Violation (TT) | Treatment Technique, Level 2 Assessment (RTCR) (2B) | Revised Total Coliform Rule (111) | Revised Total Coliform Rule (8000) | Microbials (100) | Total Coliform Rules (110) |
| 09/01/2013 - 09/30/2013 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring, Repeat Major (TCR) (25) | Total Coliform Rule (110) | Coliform (TCR) (3100) | Microbials (100) | Total Coliform Rules (110) |
| 05/24/2012 - | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring, Source Water (GWR) (34) | Ground Water Rule (140) | E. COLI (3014) | Microbials (100) | Groundwater Rule (140) |
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
- Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
- Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
- Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.
Non-Health Based Violations
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
|
| Health-Based? | Whether the violation is health based. |
| Category Code |
The category of violation that is reported.
|
| 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.
|
| Rule Group Code |
Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
|
| Rule Family Code |
Code for rule family.
|
For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.
Downey Water - Frequently Asked Questions
| By Phone: | 562-904-7110 |
| By Email: | dmueller@downeyca.org |
| By Mail: | 11111 Brookshire Ave. DOWNEY, CA, 90241 |
Existing customers can login to their Downey - City, Water Dept account to pay their Downey water bill by clicking here.
If you want to pay your Downey - City, Water Dept 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 Downey water bill.
If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Downey 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.
Moving to a new house or apartment in Downey means you will often need to put the water in your name with Downey - City, Water Dept. 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.
Leaving your house or apartment in Downey means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with Downey - City, Water Dept. 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.
The estimated price of bottled water
$2 in USD (1.5-liter)
USER SUBMITTED RATINGS
- Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility
- Water Pollution
- Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility
- Water Quality
The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Downey, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).
Related FAQS
Downey 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 Downey's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.
2020 Annual
Water Quality
Report
This report is available for electronic viewing at http://www.downeygis.org/wqr/2020.pdf
To request a paper copy of the 2020 report be mailed to your home, please call (562)
A Message from the Downey Utilities Division
We are once again proud to present our annual water quality report covering all testing performed between January 1 and December 31, 2020. Over the years, we have dedicated ourselves to producing drinking water that meets all state and federal standards. As new challenges to drinking water quality emerge, we remain vigilant in meeting the goals of source water protection, water conservation, and community education while continuing to serve the needs of all our water users. This report summarizes information regarding water sources used, any detected contaminants, compliance, and educational information. We are always available to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have about your water by calling us at
In 2020 the City of Downey water system delivered 4.4 billion gallons of potable (i.e. drinking) water for domestic use and fire protection to approximately 112,200 residential, commercial, and industrial customers via 23,000 metered connections. In an effort to conserve water, the City utilizes recycled water to offset potable water needs by as much as 4.9% of the City’s overall water demand through the application of recycled water for landscaping irrigation,
Committed to Providing Quality Water
The City’s water supply and distribution system is operated by the City of Downey Department of Public Works Utilities Division. Our water supply and distribution system is composed of 20 groundwater wells located throughout the City and approximately 276 miles of distribution pipeline with diameters ranging from 4 to 24 inches. Our groundwater wells provide one hundred percent of our domestic water supply. As a result, City of Downey residents are able to enjoy one of the least expensive water rates in Southern California.
Prevent Pollution
Polluted runoff flows to storm drains directly into our rivers, bays, beaches, and the ocean. Contaminated runoff can pollute our beaches, and also harm fish and wildlife. As a community it is important to prevent chemicals, automobile fluid, and trash from entering our storm drains.
Source Water Assessment
An assessment of the City’s drinking water sources was completed in 2003 by the State Department of Drinking Water. The sources are considered most vulnerable to the following activities: automobile gas stations, dry cleaners, injection wells, dry wells, sumps, finishing, fabricating, metal plating, fleet truck, bus terminals, furniture repair, manufacturing, machine shops, and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)/ Waste Discharge Requirement permitted discharges. A copy of the complete assessment is available by contacting the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Drinking Water (DDW) at (818)
Contaminants That May Be Present in Source Water Include
The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and groundwater wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves
Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, that may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, wildlife, and agricultural livestock operations.
Pesticides and herbicides, that may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, that can be
Radioactive contaminants, that can be
Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, that are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, agricultural application, and septic systems.
YOUR WATER SUPPLY
Spreading Grounds
Spreading grounds located at the major inflows from the Rio Hondo and San Gabriel Rivers of the Montebello Forebay, allow water from various sources to artificially seep down into the Central Basin aquifers. The ground acts as a natural filter to clean the water as it percolates through the aquifers.
Downey’s groundwater is pumped from the Central Groundwater Basin. The Central Basin is a series of large natural aquifers below the ground that stretch from Los Angeles to Orange County.
The City of Downey conveniently overlies the Central Basin. Groundwater from the Central Basin is pumped from 20 wells located within the City’s boundaries and provides the City with its principal source of potable water. The City’s service area is shown on the map to the left.
The Central Basin receives natural inflows from the conservation of rainfall and snow melt, artificial inflows from imported and recycled water, as well as groundwater underflow from adjacent basins. Surface water slowly percolates through the ground to the aquifers and the ground acts as a natural filter to clean the water.
Trained water distribution system operators operate, inspect, repair, and replace critical components of our drinking water infrastructure.
276
Miles of Potable
Water Main
23,000
Water Meters
5,500
Isolation Valves
1,800
Fire Hydrants
Federal and State Water
Quality Regulations
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. EPA and the SWRCB prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The SWRCB regulations also establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that provide the same protection for public health.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations and California law also establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that provide the same protection for public health. Additional information on bottled water is available on the California Department of Public Health website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DFDCS/Pages/FDBPrograms/FoodSafetyProgram/ Water.aspx
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling U.S. EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at
Lead
Lead can cause serious health problems if present at elevated levels, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. Lead can be released when your tap water comes in contact with pipes and plumbing fixtures containing lead. The City of Downey 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 do so, you may wish to collect the flushed water and reuse it for another beneficial purpose, such as watering plants. 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
Important Health Information
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population.
Protecting Our
Water from
Cross Connections:
Protect Your Home With Air Vacuum Breakers
Over half of the Nation’s
Did you know
Common hazards in and around your house can contaminate your drinking water? The City’s Public Works Department Utilities Division, through its Backflow Prevention Program, goes to great lengths to protect the water entering your home. However, we need your help to protect the water on your home’s property.
Avoid putting the garden hose into swimming pools or buckets to fill. Water can flow back into the hose and into your home.
Avoid connecting your garden hose to a plant fertilizer or bug spray unit. This can cause harmful chemicals to flow back into your home.
Avoid putting the garden hose down the drain to flush debris when it’s backed up. This can cause a serious health hazard. Contaminated water can be drawn back into your home’s water supply.
Water Conservation Tips
The City of Downey is committed to supporting conservation efforts as part of our plan to provide a reliable water supply for today and tomorrow. The City encourages everyone to look closely at their water usage habits and for ways to use less water. Whether we are in a dry or wet year, there are always actions we can take to increase
Benefits of Adding Mulch in Gardens
Applying mulch to the top of the soil around plants will increase water retention and reduce the amount of water lost to evaporation by blocking the sun which evaporates water from your soil. This keeps your soil cooler. Organic mulches may also fertilize the soil, provide visual appeal, and help cut down on weeds. The best water savings advantages are gained by applying between 2 to 4 inches of mulch around plant beds.
Making
During the most recent drought, many residents living in the City of Downey instituted
Quick Method to Detect Toilet Leaks
Toilet leaks may be easy to repair, but detecting them can be a challenge. Here is a very quick and easy method to help you detect a toilet leak.
- Take off the tank lid.
- Add 10 drops of food coloring liquid or a commercially available blue leak detector tablet into tank.
- Wait 15 to 20 minutes (do not flush the toilet)
- Check toilet bowl. If there is colored water in the toilet bowl, you have a leak!
How to Check Your Water Meter
A water meter is a device that measures the volume of water delivered to a property.
Checking the water meter can help you determine if there is a water leak.
(Note: Make sure no water is being used inside or outside your home while performing this test).
- Locate your water meter box and carefully remove the lid. (Be cautious of insects or other small animals).
- Check your water meter to see if the flow indicator or sweep hand is moving.
- A moving leak indicator or sweep hand shows that water is either being used or wasted.
- Be sure to securely reattach the meter lid to prevent trip hazards.
- If leak is detected, repair leak within 48 hours.
City of Downey Outdoor Water Schedule
FALL/WINTER: October 1 - April 30 |
SPRING/SUMMER: May 1 - September 30 |
No more than 2 days per week |
No more than 3 days per week |
ODD Numbered Addresses: (Ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9)
Mondays, Wednesdays and/or Fridays
EVEN Numbered Addresses: (Ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, 8)
Tuesday, Thursday, and/or Saturdays
NO WATERING BETWEEN 8AM AND 7PM
*Penalties up to $500 per day for noncompliance may be enforced
Water Quality Sample Testing Results
During 2020, we tested our water for over 100 regulated contaminants in order to determine the presence of any biological, inorganic, volatile organic or synthetic organic, and radioactive contaminants. The following table includes those contaminants that were detected in the water. Both federal and state regulations require us to monitor for certain substances less than once per year because the concentrations of these substances do not change frequently. In these cases, the most recent sample data are included.
City of Downey 2020 Groundwater Data1
|
MCL |
PHG |
|
Range |
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Substance (Unit) |
(SMCL) |
(MCLG) |
Average |
Violation |
Typical Source of Contaminant |
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Primary Standards (Monitored for Health Concerns) |
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Radiologicals |
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Gross Alpha Particle Activity (pCi/L) |
15 |
(0) |
3.31 |
3 - 6.01 |
NO |
Erosion of natural deposits |
|
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Uranium (pCi/L) |
20 |
0.43 |
0.3 |
0 - 3.6 |
NO |
Erosion of natural deposits |
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Volatile Organic Compounds |
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Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) (ppb) |
5 |
0.06 |
0.69 |
ND - 3.6 |
NO |
Discharge from factories, dry cleaners, and auto shops |
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(metal degreaser) |
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Trichloroethylene (TCE) (ppb) |
5 |
1.7 |
0.54 |
ND - 1.3 |
NO |
Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other |
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factories |
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Inorganic Compounds |
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Arsenic (ppb) |
10 |
0.004 |
0.002 |
.0017 |
NO |
Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards; glass |
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and electronics production wastes |
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Barium (ppm) |
1 |
2 |
0.09 |
ND - 0.11 |
NO |
Discharge of oil drilling wastes and from metal refineries; |
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erosion of natural deposits |
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Erosion of natural deposits; water additive which |
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Fluoride (ppm) |
2 |
1 |
0.32 |
0.25 - 0.41 |
NO |
promotes strong teeth; discharge from fertilizer and |
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aluminum factories |
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Nitrate as N (ppm) |
10 |
10 |
3.33 |
1.4 - 5.4 |
NO |
Runoff and leaching from fertilizer use; leaching from |
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septic tanks and sewage; erosion of natural deposits |
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Secondary Standards (Monitored for aesthetic qualities) 2
Chloride (ppm) |
(500) |
n/a |
85 |
58 - 100 |
NO |
Runoff and leaching of natural deposits |
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Odor (Units) |
(3) |
n/a |
1 |
ND - 1.0 |
NO |
Naturally occurring organic materials |
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Specific Conductance (μS/cm) |
(1600) |
n/a |
777 |
580 - 900 |
NO |
Substances that form ions when in water; seawater |
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influence |
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Sulfate (ppm) |
(500) |
n/a |
115 |
70 |
NO |
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; industrial wastes |
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Total Dissolved Solids (ppm) |
(1000) |
n/a |
485 |
300 - 580 |
NO |
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits |
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Turbidity (NTU) |
(5) |
n/a |
0.1 |
ND - 0.16 |
NO |
Soil runoff |
Water Characteristics (No MCL or MRDL but state or federal monitoring required)
Alkalinity (ppm) |
n/a |
n/a |
208.5 |
150 - 320 |
NO |
Naturally occurring soluble mineral |
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Calcium (ppm) |
n/a |
n/a |
82 |
51.1 - 100 |
NO |
Abundant naturally occurring element |
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Magnesium (ppm) |
n/a |
n/a |
16 |
9.8 - 19.6 |
NO |
Abundant naturally occurring element |
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pH (units) |
(6.5 - 8.5) |
n/a |
7.5 |
7.19 - 7.9 |
NO |
Hydrogen ion concentration |
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Potassium (ppm) |
n/a |
n/a |
4.3 |
2.8 - 5.5 |
NO |
Runoff or leaching from natural deposits |
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Sodium (ppm) |
n/a |
n/a |
57..9 |
42 - 687 |
NO |
Erosion of natural deposits |
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“Hardness” is the sum of polyvalent cations present |
Total Hardness (grains per gallon) |
n/a |
n/a |
19 |
11.78 - 32.3 |
NO |
in the water, generally magnesium and calcium. The |
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cations are usually naturally occurring |
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City of Downey 2020 Distribution System Water Data
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Highest |
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MCL |
PHG |
Monthly |
Range |
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Substance (Unit) |
(SMCL) |
(MCLG) |
Average |
Violation |
Typical Source of Contaminant |
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Microbiological |
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Total Coliform Bacteria (%) |
5 |
(0) |
1.9 |
0 - 1.9 |
NO |
Naturally present in the environment |
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(State Total Coliform Rule) |
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Lead and Copper Levels at Residential Taps 3
Lead and Copper analyses are based on triennial monitoring within residential taps throughout the community. Results are based on 2020 monitoring.
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Action |
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90th |
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Substance (Unit) |
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Level (AL) |
PHG |
Percentile |
Above AL |
Violation |
Typical Source of Contaminant |
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Internal corrosion of household water plumbing systems; |
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Lead (ppb) |
|
15 |
0.2 |
3.9 |
0 out of 52 |
NO |
discharges from industrial manufacturers; erosion of |
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natural deposits |
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Internal corrosion of household water plumbing |
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Copper (ppm) |
|
1.3 |
0.3 |
0.29 |
0 out of 52 |
NO |
systems; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood |
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preservatives |
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Federal Unregulated Contaminants Rule 4 (UCMR 4) 4 |
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MCL |
PHG |
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Range |
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Substance (Unit) |
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(SMCL) |
(MCLG) |
Average |
Violation |
Typical Source of Contaminant |
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Manganese (ppb) |
|
(50) |
n/a |
1.4 |
ND - 1.4 |
NA |
Leaching from natural deposits |
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Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances 5 |
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MCL |
PHG |
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Range |
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|
Substance (Unit) |
(SMCL) |
(MCLG) |
Average |
Typical Source of Contaminant |
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PFOA can be found in air, water and soil, as well as products such as: stain |
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Perfluorooctanoic Acid |
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|
|
|
|
resitant coatings on carpet, clothing, furniture, paper packaging for food, |
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n/a |
n/a |
14.47 |
6 - 20 |
NA |
personal care and beauty products, firefighting foam, |
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(PFOA) (ppt) |
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|
|
|
|
|
cookware; and surface water, runoff and soil that have been in contact with |
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|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
firefighting foam. |
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||
|
|
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|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
PFOS can be found in air, water and soil, as well as products such as: stain |
|||
Perfluorooctanesulfonic |
|
|
|
|
|
resitant coatings on carpet, clothing, furniture, paper packaging for food, |
|||
n/a |
n/a |
37.08 |
22 - 63 |
NA |
personal care and beauty products, firefighting foam, |
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Acid (PFOS) (ppt) |
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|
|
|
|
|
cookware; and surface water, runoff and soil that have been in contact with |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
firefighting foam.
Glossary of Terms/Abbreviations
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 (SMCLs) are set to protect 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. EPA.
Detection Limits for Purposes of Reporting (DLR): The DLR is a parameter that is set by regulation by each reportable analyte. It is not laboratory specific and it is independent of the analytical method used (in cases where several methods are approved). It is expected that a laboratory can achieve a Reporting Limit that is lower than or equal to the DLR set by the State. This is also known as the Minimum Reporting Level (MRL).
Primary Drinking Water Standard (PDWS): MCLs and MRDLs for contaminants that affect health along with their monitoring and reporting requirements, and water treatment requirements.
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.
Level 1 Assessment: A Level 1 Assessment is a study of a water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in the water system.
Level 2 Assessment: A Level 2 Assessment is a detailed study of a water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an (Escherichia coli) (E. coli) MCL violation has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria have been found in the water system on multiple occasions.
NA: Contaminant or property was not analyzed.
ND: Contaminant was not detected. The contaminant is less than the DLR.
NTU: Nephelometric Turbidity Units
Units of Measurement:
ppm: parts per million
ppb: parts per billion
pCi/L: picocuries per liter
μS/cm: micro Siemens per centimeter
%: percent
Footnotes:
- The State allows us to monitor for some contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. In these cases the most recent data available is used.
- There are no PHGs, MCLGs, or mandatory health effects language for these constituents because secondary MCLs are set on the basis of aesthetics.
- Lead and Copper testing results are based on triennial monitoring within residential taps. Results are based on 2020 monitoring.
- Data from City of Downey Wells were collected in 2019 and 2020 for Unregulated Chemical Monitoring Rule 4. Unregulated contaminant monitoring helps USEPA and the State Water Resources Control Board to determine where certain contaminants occur and whether the contaminants need to be regulated.
- Data from City of Downey Wells were collected in 2019 and 2020 for PFOS/PFOA. PFOS/PFOA monitoring helps USEPA and the State Water Resources Control Board to determine where certain contaminants occur and whether the contaminants need to be regulated.
For additional questions about
your water quality please contact: (562)
Questions? We are Available to Assist You!
Water Quality
(562)
9252 Stewart & Gray Rd, Downey, CA 90241
Rebates & Conservation Tips: bewaterwise.com (888)
Report Water Waste
Public Works Utilities Division (562)
USEPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline
(800)
Public Health Related Issues www.publichealth.lacounty.gov
State Water Resources Control Board http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/drinking_water/ (818)
City of Downey Water Conservation & Restrictions
Important Information
This report contains important information about your drinking water. Please contact the City of Downey Public Water System at
Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua para beber. Favor de comunicarse con City of Downey Water System al numero 562-
Ang
이 보고서는 당신의 식수에 관한 중요 한 정보를 포함하고 있습니다한국어 로 된 도움을 원하시면 City of Downey
Public Involvement
You are welcome to attend the following public meetings at City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Ave.
City Council Meetings
Held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
Public Works Committee Meetings Held on the third Thursday of each month at 4:00pm.
City of Downey | Department of Public Works
Utilities Division
Important Information Inside
11111 Brookshire Ave | Downey, CA 90241
Contaminants
Downey Water Department
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: 111930
- Data available: 2012-2017
- Data Source: Groundwater
- Total: 22
Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines
- 1%2C4-Dioxane
- Arsenic
- Chromium (hexavalent)
- Nitrate
- Nitrate and nitrite
- Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)
- Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene)
- Uranium
Other Detected Contaminants
- 1%2C1-Dichloroethane
- Barium
- Chlorate
- Chlorodifluoromethane
- Chloroform
- Chromium (total)
- cis-1%2C2-Dichloroethylene
- Fluoride
- Manganese
- Molybdenum
- Strontium
- Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
- 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.