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Is Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana?

Yes, Santa Ana's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Santa Ana 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, Santa Ana's water utility, City of Santa Ana, had 1 non-health-based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. The last violation for Santa Ana was resolved on Sept. 30, 2016. This assessment is based on the City of Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana Tap Water

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

Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana for Santa Ana in California. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.

For the compliance period beginning Oct. 1, 2021, Santa Ana had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Other Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Sample Siting Plan Errors (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, 2016 to Sept. 30, 2016, Santa Ana 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 of Treatment (SWTR-Unfilt/GWR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Groundwater Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: Groundwater Rule.

From Jan. 1, 2013 to March 31, 2013, Santa Ana had 2 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violations with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Routine (IDSE) which falls into the Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code group, and the Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code family for the following contaminant codes: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Is there Lead in Santa Ana Water?

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

While Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana 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 - Marine Corps Air Station Tustin - near Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana 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.

Santa Ana 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
10/01/2021 - Addressed No Other Violation (Other) Sample Siting Plan Errors (RTCR) (5A) Revised Total Coliform Rule (111) Revised Total Coliform Rule (8000) Microbials (100) Total Coliform Rules (110)
09/01/2016 - 09/30/2016 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring of Treatment (SWTR-Unfilt/GWR) (31) Ground Water Rule (140) Groundwater Rule (0700) Microbials (100) Groundwater Rule (140)
01/01/2013 - 03/31/2013 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Routine (IDSE) (30) Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220) TTHM (2950) Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (200) Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220)
01/01/2013 - 03/31/2013 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Routine (IDSE) (30) Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220) Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) (2456) Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (200) Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220)

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.

Santa Ana Water - Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT ARE PFOS AND PFOA?
Dating back to the 1940s, Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) have been commonly used to coat carpets, clothes, furniture, food packaging, cookware and other products. PFOA and PFOS are part of a larger group of man-made chemicals referred to as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Most people have been exposed to these chemicals through consumer products, but drinking water can be an additional source of exposure in communities where these chemicals have entered water supplies. PFOA and PFOS are common in groundwater in urban and industrial areas like Orange County, where remnant traces from consumer products and factories, military bases and other industrial uses are found. PFAS can make their way into rivers, such as the Santa Ana River, which replenishes much of Orange County’s groundwater that may be used for water supplies or for private drinking water wells. Testing of Santa Ana River surface water in Orange County has detected PFAS, indicating the presence of PFAS in upstream treated wastewater discharges from sewage treatment facilities in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. PFAS end up in wastewater by rinsing products containing the chemicals, which go down the drain and into waste treatment plants.
WHERE HAVE PFAS BEEN FOUND?
PFOA and PFOS are common in groundwater in urban and industrial areas like Orange County, where remnant traces from consumer products and factories, military bases and other industrial uses are found. PFAS can make their way into rivers, such as the Santa Ana River, which replenishes much of Orange County’s groundwater that may be used for water supplies or for private drinking water wells. Testing of Santa Ana River surface water in Orange County has detected PFAS, indicating the presence of PFAS in upstream treated wastewater discharges from sewage treatment facilities in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. PFAS end up in wastewater by rinsing products containing the chemicals, which go down the drain and into waste treatment plants.
WHAT ARE THE FEDERAL REGULATIONS GOVERNING PFAS?
In May 2016, the U.S. EPA issued a lifetime health advisory for PFOS and PFOA for drinking water, advising municipalities that they should notify their customers of the presence of levels over 70 parts per trillion in community water supplies. EPA recommended that customer notifications include information on the increased risk to health, especially for susceptible populations. Due to advancement in detection technology, PFAS are now being reliably detected at much lower levels. In August 2019, the Division of Drinking Water (DDW) revised its previous interim Notification Levels surrounding PFOA and PFOS. The current established Notification Levels for PFOA and PFOS are 5.1 parts-per-trillion and 6.5 parts- per-trillion, respectively, and the current established health advisory response level is 10.0 parts-per-trillion for PFOA and 40.0 parts-per-trillion for PFOS. These levels offer a margin of protection for all persons throughout their life from adverse health effects resulting from exposure to PFOA and PFOS in drinking water. Parts per million, billion or trillion are ways to measure tiny amounts of something in water or air. It is a microscopic measurement where a part-per-trillion (ppt) is the equivalent of four grains of sugar dissolved in an Olympic-size swimming pool. Results above the Notification Level require agencies to notify the governing body for the areas where the water has been served within 30 days of receiving the verifying test results. If the Response Level is exceeded in drinking water provided to consumers, DDW recommends that the water agency remove the water source from service or provide treatment.
WHAT IS CALIFORNIA CONTINUING TO DO ABOUT PFAS?
Due to advancement in detection technology, PFAS are now being reliably detected at much lower levels. In August 2019, the Division of Drinking Water (DDW) revised its previous interim Notification Levels surrounding PFOA and PFOS. The current established Notification Levels for PFOA and PFOS are 5.1 parts-per-trillion and 6.5 parts- per-trillion, respectively, and the current established health advisory response level is 10.0 parts-per-trillion for PFOA and 40.0 parts-per-trillion for PFOS. These levels offer a margin of protection for all persons throughout their life from adverse health effects resulting from exposure to PFOA and PFOS in drinking water. Parts per million, billion or trillion are ways to measure tiny amounts of something in water or air. It is a microscopic measurement where a part-per-trillion (ppt) is the equivalent of four grains of sugar dissolved in an Olympic-size swimming pool. Results above the Notification Level require agencies to notify the governing body for the areas where the water has been served within 30 days of receiving the verifying test results. If the Response Level is exceeded in drinking water provided to consumers, DDW recommends that the water agency remove the water source from service or provide treatment.
WHAT ARE NOTIFICATION LEVELS?
Notification Levels are precautionary health-based advisory levels established by the DDW while further research and analysis are conducted by the state to determine the necessity of setting an enforceable drinking water maximum contaminant level (MCL). The state Notification Levels are based on the most sensitive known health endpoints for these compounds: lifetime cancer risk, liver toxicity, and immunotoxicity. In the case of PFOA and PFOS, these standards are also the lowest level detectable through current testing means. Public health has always been a top priority for the City of Santa Ana. Following the DDW’s initial Notification and Response Levels for PFOA and PFOS, Santa Ana proactively tested for the presence of PFOA and PFOS in August 2018. Santa Ana’s Well 38, located near the Santiago Creek Recharge Basin, had detectable results above the Notification Levels but below the Response Level for PFOA and PFOS. Utilizing extreme caution, Santa Ana voluntarily moved Well 38 offline in September 2018 and this well has remained out of service since then. In March 2019, the DDW issued monitoring orders as part of a statewide phased PFAS Investigation Plan to determine the occurrence and extent of PFAS in California. As part of this statewide plan, the City of Santa Ana
DOES SANTA ANA TEST FOR PFAS?
Public health has always been a top priority for the City of Santa Ana. Following the DDW’s initial Notification and Response Levels for PFOA and PFOS, Santa Ana proactively tested for the presence of PFOA and PFOS in August 2018. Santa Ana’s Well 38, located near the Santiago Creek Recharge Basin, had detectable results above the Notification Levels but below the Response Level for PFOA and PFOS. Utilizing extreme caution, Santa Ana voluntarily moved Well 38 offline in September 2018 and this well has remained out of service since then. In March 2019, the DDW issued monitoring orders as part of a statewide phased PFAS Investigation Plan to determine the occurrence and extent of PFAS in California. As part of this statewide plan, the City of Santa Ana
WHAT IS SANTA ANA DOING TO PROTECT OUR DRINKING WATER FROM PFAS?
Santa Ana’s water is thoroughly treated and tested to ensure it meets some of the highest standards in the world. We watch closely for PFOA and PFOS in our water and will ensure that our city’s water meets or exceeds state and federal regulations. The following is part of our action plan related to PFAS:
HOW TO READ THE
You will find three data tables showing a list of chemicals tested in each of the following water sources: For each table, begin with the chemical and read across.
HOW DO I CONTACT SANTA ANA CUSTOMER SERVICE?
To contact customer service for the Santa Ana water provider, City of Santa Ana, please use the information below.
By Phone: 714-647-3387
By Email: cbarrera@santa-ana.org
By Mail: 220 S. DAISY AVENUE BLDG. A
SANTA ANA, CA, 92703
HOW TO PAY BILL FOR CITY OF SANTA ANA
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Existing customers can login to their City of Santa Ana account to pay their Santa Ana water bill by clicking here.

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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 Santa Ana 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 SANTA ANA WATER SERVICE
Starting Your Service

Moving to a new house or apartment in Santa Ana means you will often need to put the water in your name with City of Santa Ana. 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 Santa Ana means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with City of Santa Ana. 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

Is Santa Ana Tap Water Safe to Drink? Tap water & safety quality

The estimated price of bottled water

$2.33 in USD (1.5-liter)

USER SUBMITTED RATINGS

Santa Ana tap water
  • Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility 25% Low
  • Water Pollution 55% Moderate
  • Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility 75% High
  • Water Quality 45% Moderate

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

Related FAQS

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

2020 WATER QUALITY

REPORT

Protecting the Safety and

Reliability of Your Water

Water Quality

Learn about the

sources and quality

of your drinking water, how we monitor it and protect you.

Sustainability

Discover how

we invest in our

infrastructure and community, flowing value to you everyday.

Santa Ana Kids

For kids ... explore

and learn about

your water,

the environment,

contests and more.

Santa Ana News

Read about our rebate programs, latest news, useful telephone numbers and more.

On behalf of the City of Santa Ana Public Works Agency and the men and women of the Water Resources Division, thank you for allowing us to serve you.

1

A Message From

Nabil Saba

The services that the City of Santa Ana Public Works Agency provides our community were never more essential than they were in 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic made supplying safe drinking water even more crucial to the community as we ensured a secure flow to homes and hospitals, food services and first responders. Waste management also demanded both extra care and expedience. Additionally, our maintenance of public infrastructure took on added urgency to keep streets and sidewalks, sewers and storm drains unimpaired.

A key measure of success for a Public Works Agency is that the public rarely needs to think about the work we do. We endeavor to keep our many services operating without incident or interruption. This annual Water Quality Report is that yearly exception when we invite you to review what we do that directly impacts the quality of your daily life.

In this 2020 Report you will read about …

  • How our award-winning Water Resources Division ensures that the quality of Santa Ana’s water surpasses all state and federal safety requirements.
  • The measures we are taking
    to strengthen the reliability and resiliency of our water distribution and wastewater management.
  • The many improvements we have made and propose to make to Santa Ana’s infrastructure, focusing on cleaner streets and well-maintained medians, improving the condition of our sidewalks and the trees that line them, and ensuring timely and efficient trash collection.
  • And, as a special highlight, you’ll meet some of the women who are a driving force behind the efficiencies, processes and direction of our Water Resources Division.

Raising The Bar On Our

Quality of Life

The City has secured $143 million in funding from the federal government for COVID-19 recovery. I’ve been working with the City Manager to make effective use of our allocation of these funds, dubbed “Thrive Santa Ana,” to best improve the services and infrastructure that most benefits quality of life throughout the city.

Furthermore, in keeping Santa Ana a beautiful place to live, work and visit, the Public Works Agency recently sponsored the first annual Neighborhood Block Beautification Contest (NBBC). The contest recognizes and rewards residents whose neighborhood blocks showcase properties that reflect community pride through their aesthetically- pleasing appearance.

I am pleased to share this review of our accomplishments during this historic year, and invite you to contact us directly with any questions you

may have.

On behalf of the City of Santa Ana Public Works Agency and the men and women of the Water Resources Division, thank you for allowing us to serve you.

Sincerely,

Nabil Saba P.E.

Executive Director

Public Works Agency

2020 | WATER QUALITY

REPORT

A Message From

Cesar Barrera

Clean, reliable water is the result of planning, technology and teamwork.

Despite the trials and challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the last year has proven to be one of strength, dedication and resilience for the City of Santa Ana’s Water Resources Division.

As essential workers, our team of water professionals – from field crews to treatment operators – were on the job throughout the crisis to ensure our customers received the clean, safe, high-quality water they have come to expect.

Staff was undeterred in maintaining water quality above regulations set by California and the federal government, delivering millions of gallons of it each day to Santa Ana homes and businesses.

The system’s reliability is dependent on regular maintenance and upgrades to the pipelines, pumps and other equipment in our

27-square-mile delivery system. That’s why we have launched several new infrastructure projects and are preparing for others in the coming years.

Key to our vision is a number of important projects that will

Here are some of the ways we are incorporating technology and maximizing your investment in the utility:

  • Advanced Metering
    Infrastructure (AMI) – This $30 million project will give customers access
    to real-time consumption data that can help them save water and money. The technology will also help staff plan, construct and optimize the water distribution system and meet state drought mandates.
  • Sophisticated mapping software All of our 450 miles of water pipelines, 390 miles of sewer pipelines and 45,000 connections are plotted on GIS. The software reduces down time and improves customer service by helping operators minimize impacts and disruptions from main breaks and other emergencies. The cutting edge instrumentation also helps save the City money by reducing design and construction costs for infrastructure projects.
  • SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System) – Upgrades are planned for the network that serves as the automated “brain” of our facilities 24 hours a day, seven days a week. SCADA is a critical component for operating pumps, filling reservoirs, maintaining pressure, and activating alarms so potential problems can be addressed quickly.

Your Water Resources Division is working hard to safeguard your future services.

advance our goal of being a technology-driven utility powerhouse. Technology is integral

to our Capital Improvement Program to strengthen our resiliency

and efficiency. We have worked for the last 15 years to actively integrate technology throughout the organization.

The Water Resources Division is committed to ensuring that the City’s water and sewer infrastructure and services are state-of-the-art. We are aggressively pursuing grant funding to minimize the financial impact to our customers, while safeguarding future services and protecting public assets.

We are fortunate to have these tools available to help maintain quality water and service and exceed customer expectations. Add these resources to our teams – the men and women who ensure safe, clean water and dependable delivery – and it is a winning combination.

Please read through this Consumer Confidence Report to learn more about your water and what we do to make sure it is always there when you need it.

Sincerely,

2

Cesar Barrera P.E.

Acting Deputy Director of Public Works

Water Resources Manager

REPORT

2020 | WATER QUALITY

About This Report

The Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) is an annual water quality report that informs you where your drinking water comes from and what’s in it.

Read this report to learn more about the water provided by Santa Ana and what the City is doing to ensure the highest quality of water is delivered to you year after year.

The centerpiece of the CCR is a series of tables that list the results of year-round monitoring for more than 120 constituents. Included in these tables is the quantity

of each constituent found in Santa Ana’s water supply, how it compares with the allowable state and federal limits, and the constituent’s likely origin. Only the constituents that are found in Santa Ana’s water are listed in the data tables. Bottled water is not covered in this report. Read this report to learn more about the water provided by Santa Ana and what the City is doing to ensure the highest quality of water is delivered to you year after year.

Your tap water met all Federal and State drinking water health standards in 2020. Santa Ana is meticulous at safeguarding its water supplies and, once again, we are proud to report that our system has never violated a maximum contaminant level or any other water quality standard.

Need-To-Know Information

SUCH AS:

Where your water comes from—such as an aquifer, lake, river, or other source.

A list of regulated contaminants that were detected and their level.

Potential health effects from consuming contaminated water and additional safeguards against water- related illnesses.

Contaminant levels in your drinking water compared

to national standards and any violations of health-based standards.

3

2020 | WATER QUALITY

REPORT

About Your

Drinking Water

Santa Ana’s Sources

Of Water Supply

The City of Santa Ana relies on two sources for the 11 billion gallons of water it supplies to residents and businesses each year: 77 percent is groundwater and 23 percent

is imported water purchased from Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). MWD is a regional wholesaler that provides water to 26 member public agencies like Santa Ana throughout Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and

Ventura counties.

Imported — MWD brings Colorado River water from Lake Havasu through the 242-mile Colorado River Aqueduct to Lake Mathews near Riverside. It also transports water from the Sacramento and San Joaquin River junction in Northern California via the State Water Project’s 444- mile California Aqueduct. The water is then treated at either the Diemer Filtration Plant in Yorba Linda or the Weymouth Water Treatment Plant in the City of La Verne before it is delivered to Santa Ana. There are seven MWD connections located in the city.

Groundwater — Santa Ana sits on the Orange County Groundwater Basin, which contains approximately 500,000 acre-feet (162.9 billion gallons) of usable storage water and covers 270 square miles. The aquifers comprising this underground basin extend over 2,000 feet deep and naturally filter groundwater by forcing it to pass through small pores and between sediments, which helps to remove substances from the water. Santa Ana pumps this groundwater to the surface by 21 city-owned wells.

Most of our customers receive a blending of the two sources: groundwater and imported water.

You can read about the water quality standards for each of these sources in the data tables starting on page 19. We have listed imported water and groundwater in separate tables. An additional table lists the water quality standards for Santa Ana’s

water distribution system.

4

2020 | WATER QUALITY

REPORT

Regulatory Requirements

Your tap water may contain different types of chemicals (organic and inorganic), microscopic organisms (e.g., bacteria, algae, viruses) and radioactive materials (radionuclides), many of which are naturally occurring. Health agencies require monitoring for these constituents or substances, because at certain levels they could make a person sick.

Water Quality Standards

Drinking water standards established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) and the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) set limits on over 90 substances that may affect consumer health or aesthetic qualities of drinking water. EPA rules also set water-testing schedules and methods that water systems must follow. The data tables in this report show the following types of water quality standards:

MCLG

PHG

MRDLG

5

2020 | WATER QUALITY

REPORT

Water Quality Goals

In addition to mandatory water quality standards, the U.S. EPA and California EPA have set voluntary water quality goals for some contaminants. The data tables in this report include three types of water quality goals:

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal. 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.

Public Health Goal. The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. PHGs are set by the U.S. EPA.

Maximum Residual

Disinfectant Level Goal.

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.

Primary Standards

Mandatory health-related standards regarding potable water. For each contaminant, a Primary Standard either specifies a treatment technique or sets a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL).

Secondary Standards Aesthetic standards (non health-related) that could cause odor, taste, or appearance problems

in drinking water.

Unregulated Parameters

Information about contaminants that are monitored, but are not currently regulated by federal and state health agencies.

Maximum Allowed Levels of Constituents

Health agencies have maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for constituents so that drinking water is safe and looks, tastes and smells good. A few constituents have the letters “TT” (Treatment Technique) in the MCL column because they do not have a numerical MCL. Instead, they have certain treatment requirements that have to be met.

One of the constituents, total chlorine residual, has an MRDL (maximum residual disinfection level) instead of an MCL.

The MRDL is the maximum level of a disinfectant added for water treatment that is allowed in water. While disinfectants are necessary to kill harmful microbes, drinking water regulations protect against too much disinfectant being added. Another constituent, turbidity, has a requirement that 95 percent of the measurements taken must be below a certain number. Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of water. We monitor it because it is

a good indicator of the efficiency of the filtration system.

Primary vs. Maximum Allowed Levels of Constituents

Constituents that are grouped in the “Primary Standards” section may be unhealthy at certain levels. Constituents that are grouped under the “Secondary Standards” section can affect the appearance, taste and smell of water, but do not affect the safety of the water unless they also have a primary standard. Some constituents (e.g., aluminum) have two different MCLs, one for health-related impacts, and another for non-health related impacts.

Safe Levels of Constituents

With a few exceptions, if the average amount of a constituent found in tap water over the course of a year is no greater than the MCL, then the regulatory requirements are considered to be satisfied. The highest and lowest levels measured over a year are shown in the range. Requirements for safety, appearance, taste and smell are based on the average levels recorded and

not the range.

Additional Information

Additional information about drinking water safety and standards can be found at:

State Water Resources Control Board Division Of Drinking Water

1001 I Street

Sacramento, CA 95814

  1. 449-5577 www.waterboards.ca.gov/drinking_water/certlic/ drinkingwater/Chemicalcontaminants.html

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office Of Ground Water And Drinking Water

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Mail Code 4606M Washington, DC 20460-0003 www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water

Consumer Information

www.epa.gov/ccr

Information On How Drinking Standards

Are Established

www.epa.gov/dwstandardsregulations

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To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. EPA and the State Water Board prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The 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’s website.

Drinking Water & Your Health

The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. 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 human activity.

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 visiting the U.S. EPA’s website at www.epa.gov/ground-water- and-drinking-water or calling the U.S. EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline

at 800-426-4791.

People with Weakened

Immune Systems

Although Santa Ana meets all drinking water standards, some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised 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 can be particularly at risk from infections.

These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. U.S. EPA/CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines on appropriate means to reduce the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the U.S. EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline

at 800-426-4791.

Contaminants That May

Be Present

Water agencies are required to use the following language to discuss the source of contaminants that may reasonably be expected to be found in drinking water, including tap water and bottled water.

Contaminants that may be present in sources of drinking water include:

  • Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria that may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations and wildlife.
  • Inorganic contaminants, 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 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.
  • Radioactive contaminants, that can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

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Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants.

Protecting Water Quality at the Source

Source water protection is an important issue for all of California. Treatment

to remove specific contaminants can be more expensive than measures to protect water at the source, which is why MWD and the City of Santa Ana invest resources to support improved watershed protection programs that in

turn safeguard our groundwater.

Imported Water Assessment—

Large water utilities, like MWD, are required by the Division of Drinking Water (DDW) to conduct an initial source water assessment, which is then updated through watershed sanitary surveys every five years. Watershed sanitary surveys examine possible sources of drinking water contamination and recommend actions to better protect these source waters. The most recent surveys for MWD’s source waters are the Colorado River Watershed Sanitary Survey – 2015 Update, and the State Water Project Watershed Sanitary Survey – 2016 Update.

You can request a copy of the most recent Watershed Sanitary Surveys by

calling MWD at 213-217-6000.

Groundwater Assessment—

An assessment of the drinking water wells for the City of Santa Ana was completed in December 2019. As in any urban area, Santa Ana’s wells are considered most vulnerable to historic agricultural activities, golf courses and application of fertilizers, which are associated with contaminants detected in the water supply. Our wells are also considered most vulnerable to chemical/ petroleum pipelines, chemical/petroleum processing, dry cleaners, gas stations, junk/scrap/salvage yards, metal plating/ finishing/fabrication, plastics/synthetics producers and sewer collection systems, although constituents associated with these activities were not detected. These water sources are tested throughout the year to ensure the

supplied water remains safe.

Safeguarding Our Groundwater

Is Everyone’s Responsibility

Here’s what you can do to help protect

Santa Ana’s drinking water source:

Limit your use of fertilizers and pesticides. The hazardous chemicals in both can reach our drinking water source.

Pick up after your pets.

Dispose of chemicals properly; take used motor oil and paint to a recycling center.

Find a watershed protection organization, like the Santa Ana Watershed Association, and volunteer to help.

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Help Protect Your Public Water System

Cross Connection Control (CCC) Program

Water Resources Division staff uses his gauge to test a backflow prevention assembly.

Cross connections are dangerous if no protective measures are taken. Cross connections may happen when a water supply line is connected to equipment or systems containing a non-potable (unsafe to drink) substance, like a hose submerged in polluted water, a heating boiler with treatment chemical added to prevent internal corrosion, an underground lawn sprinkler system or fountain that has a direct connection with your home’s water system for filling.

As a homeowner, you are responsible for preventing contaminants from entering into your water system as well as the public water distribution system by properly installing and maintaining backflow prevention devices. These devices protect you and your community from a possible contamination event. Backflow devices help further safeguard our potable water system.

Commonly Used Residential Backflow Prevention Devices

Air Gap:

Used mainly on tanks and faucets, it is a gap between the pipe and the container.

Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker:

It has an air inlet valve that will drop to draw in air thus preventing customer’s water from entering Santa Ana’s water mains.

Pressure Vacuum Breaker:

Used mainly on lawn irrigation systems. It has a one-way check and a spring loaded air inlet valve that closes when there is any

pressure drop within a water line.

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Additional Information of Interest

Cryptosporidium.Lead.

Cryptosporidium is a microbial pathogen found in surface water throughout the U.S. To date, cryptosporidium has not been detected in our water supply. U.S. EPA/CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) 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. For more information, visit www.

cdc.gov/parasites/crypto/index.html.

Perchlorate.

Perchlorate has been shown to interfere with uptake of iodide by the thyroid gland, and to thereby reduce the production of thyroid hormones, leading to adverse effects associated with inadequate hormone levels. Thyroid hormones are needed for normal prenatal growth and development of the fetus, as well as for normal growth and development in the infant and child. In adults, thyroid hormones are needed for normal metabolism and mental function.

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. The City of Santa Ana is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. If you live in an older house that has copper piping with lead solder, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure. When your water has been sitting for several hours in the pipes, simply flush your tap for

30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you do so, consider collecting 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 are available from the U.S. EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or at www.epa.gov/lead.

Fluoride.

The City of Santa Ana receives approximately 23 percent of its water supply from MWD. Beginning in October 2007, MWD joined a majority of the nation’s public water suppliers in adding fluoride to the treated water it supplies to state water agencies, a plan approved by the CDC and the State Water Board. Santa Ana’s well water has a naturally occurring fluoride range level of 0.18

to 0.5 ppm. Water provided by MWD has been adjusted to the optimal level for dental health of 0.7 to 0.8 parts per million. Additional information may be found by calling MWD’s Water Quality Information Hotline at 800-354-4420. You can also download MWD’s fact sheet at www.bit.ly/ MWD_flouride or visit the American Dental Association’s site at

www.bit.ly/ADA_flouride.

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Santa Ana’s drinking water is safe and meets all quality standards set by both the state and federal government.

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Understanding

PFAS

PFAS are present in many common items that we come in contact with on a regular basis and water is just one of many ways that humans can be exposed to these substances.

PFOS and PFOA are two chemicals we, the Santa Ana Water Resources Division and other agencies across Orange

County, are watching for in water.

What are PFOS and PFOA?

Dating back to the 1940s, Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) have been commonly used to coat carpets, clothes, furniture, food packaging, cookware and other products. PFOA and PFOS are part of a larger group of man-made chemicals referred to as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Most people have been exposed to these chemicals through consumer products, but drinking water can be an additional source of exposure in communities where these chemicals have entered water supplies.

Where have PFAS been found?

PFOA and PFOS are common in groundwater in urban and industrial areas like Orange County, where remnant traces from consumer products and factories, military bases and other industrial uses are found. PFAS can make their way into rivers, such as the Santa Ana River, which replenishes much of Orange County’s groundwater that may be used for water supplies or for private drinking water wells.

Testing of Santa Ana River surface water in Orange County has detected PFAS, indicating the presence of PFAS in upstream treated wastewater discharges from sewage treatment facilities in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. PFAS end up in wastewater by rinsing products containing the chemicals, which go down the drain and into waste treatment plants.

What are the Federal regulations governing PFAS?

In May 2016, the U.S. EPA issued a lifetime health advisory for PFOS and PFOA for drinking water, advising municipalities that they should notify their customers of the presence of levels over 70 parts per trillion in community water supplies. EPA recommended that customer notifications include information on the increased risk

to health, especially for susceptible populations.

What is California continuing to do about PFAS?

Due to advancement in detection technology, PFAS are now being reliably detected at much lower levels. In August 2019, the Division of Drinking Water (DDW) revised its previous interim Notification Levels surrounding PFOA and PFOS. The current established Notification Levels for PFOA and PFOS are 5.1 parts-per-trillion and 6.5 parts- per-trillion, respectively, and the current established health advisory response level is 10.0 parts-per-trillion for PFOA and 40.0 parts-per-trillion for PFOS. These levels offer a margin of protection for all persons throughout their life from adverse health effects resulting from exposure to PFOA and PFOS in drinking water.

Parts per million, billion or trillion are ways to measure tiny amounts of something in water or air. It is a microscopic measurement where a part-per-trillion (ppt) is the equivalent of four grains of sugar dissolved in an Olympic-size swimming pool.

Results above the Notification Level require agencies to notify the governing body for the areas where the water has been served within 30 days of receiving the verifying test results. If the Response Level is exceeded in drinking water provided to consumers, DDW recommends that the water agency remove the water source from service or provide treatment.

DDW has also formally requested that OEHHA develop a draft Public Health Goal (PHG), which is the first step in establishing a Maximum Contaminant

Level for PFOA and PFOS.

What are Notification Levels?

Notification Levels are precautionary health-based advisory levels established by the DDW while further research and analysis are conducted by the state to determine the necessity of setting an enforceable drinking water maximum contaminant level (MCL). The state Notification Levels are based on the most sensitive known health endpoints for these compounds: lifetime cancer risk, liver toxicity, and immunotoxicity. In the case of PFOA and PFOS, these standards are also the lowest level detectable

through current testing means.

Does Santa Ana test for PFAS?

Public health has always been a top priority for the City of Santa Ana. Following the DDW’s initial Notification and Response Levels for PFOA and PFOS, Santa Ana proactively tested for the presence of PFOA and PFOS in August 2018. Santa Ana’s Well 38, located near the Santiago Creek Recharge Basin, had detectable results above the Notification Levels but below the Response Level for PFOA and PFOS. Utilizing extreme caution, Santa Ana voluntarily moved Well 38 offline in September 2018 and this well has remained out of service since then.

In March 2019, the DDW issued monitoring orders as part of a statewide phased PFAS Investigation Plan to determine the occurrence and extent of PFAS in California. As part of this statewide plan, the City of Santa Ana

What is Santa Ana doing to protect our drinking water from PFAS?

Santa Ana’s water is thoroughly treated and tested to ensure it meets some of the highest standards in the world. We watch closely for PFOA and PFOS in our water and will ensure that our city’s water meets or exceeds state and federal regulations. The following is part of our action plan related

to PFAS:

  • Continue monitoring PFOA and PFOS levels in our wells through quarterly samplings.
  • Make quarterly test results available to the public through our website.
  • Notify local government officials of areas served by the city’s groundwater sources that have exceeded the Notification Levels for PFOA and PFOS.
  • Stay current with State and Federal regulations to assure our drinking water is always safe for consumption.
  • Make plans to remove any source of water that exceeds the Response Level for PFOA and PFOS, should that occur.
  • Continue to review long-term solutions with the OCWD, which manages the groundwater basin where our wells are located.

It is important to note that the groundwater Santa Ana supplies to residents does not come directly from the Santa Ana River. We drill up to 1,000 feet into the deep aquifers comprising the Orange County Groundwater Basin, which act as a natural filter for the groundwater we pump through our city-owned wells. Water is tested and treated before it is distributed throughout our water system.

is conducting additional monitoring (sampling and testing). Santa Ana has retested its OPA-1 well 3 times. The monitoring results confirmed that Well 38 remains over the Notification Levels for PFOA (9.2 ppt average) and PFOS (13.95 ppt average). Santa Ana, in collaboration with Orange County Water District (OCWD), is currently evaluating new treatment methods to remove PFOA and PFOS from groundwater.

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Women In Water

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Just a decade ago, few women were working in the water sector. What’s more, even fewer served in technical and managerial positions. But change is happening and nowhere is this more evident than at Santa Ana’s Water Resources Division.

Meet some of the women who are a driving force behind your water quality, treatment, distribution and planning.

Engineering

Yolanda’s interest in water peaked when she took several college courses in water as she was working on her degree in civil engineering. While her career took another route after receiving her degree, she was excited to join the Water Resources Division in December 2020 after learning about the importance of her role.

“I didn’t have to think twice about accepting this position,” she explains. “We all use and need water to live. How amazing is it that we get to work behind the scenes and provide water to thousands of people.”

In her role as Assistant Engineer, she works primarily with Capital Improvement Projects, designing plans for pipeline replacement and preparing specifications and engineers’ estimates. These are used to prepare requests for proposals and agreements in procuring services. She then sees these projects through construction, reviewing contractors’ submittals and visiting construction sites.

Fallon is also an Assistant Engineer. She has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in civil engineering. She joined the Water Resources team more than six months ago and works

primarily with Water Production.

She enjoys the fast-paced work environment, the technical aspect of her position and the opportunity to be involved

in modernizing the City’s water infrastructure.

She prepares

requests for proposals, pump and motor specifications, water pumping projection plans, and reports pertaining to water projects such as upgrading pumping facilities and rehabilitating groundwater wells. She assists in project oversight, which entails reviewing engineering plans, interfacing with contractors and other water agencies and collaborating with system operators on a daily basis.

“The employees here are passionate about providing great water to the residents,” she says. “I love how much history is involved in water production. I research historical records about annual water usage and calculate future water usage. It’s interesting to see how water usage has changed and is trending towards conservation.”

Water Quality

Preserving the quality and availability of our water supply through water conservation is where Nadiya wants to make a difference.

“With only about 0.3% of earth’s water available for human consumption, drinkable water is a valuable and scarce resource,” explains Nadiya. “We are fortunate to live in Santa Ana which

is situated on the deepest part of a large aquifer from which we draw the best-tasting potable water in the United States!”

As a Water Quality Inspector, Nadiya works hard to ensure that this great- tasting water is ready for consumption for all Santa Ana residents. Drawing on her bachelor’s degree in civil- environmental engineering, she

is responsible for water quality compliance and water conservation. Her responsibilities range from water quality sampling and reporting to performing inspections and engaging the public with up-to-date information on the quality of their drinking water.

Solving different issues each day is a challenge Nadiya welcomes in her role; so is finding new ways to educate the public on the high quality of their potable water and its conservation.

“Together we can make impactful and long-lasting changes for future generations to come.”

Joining Nadiya as a Water Quality Inspector is Itzel. She worked part time reading water meters for other cities while attending Orange Coast College for respiratory therapy. During her tenure at the City of Huntington Beach, she cross trained in different departments including water quality, water conservation and the meter shop, where she helped program AMI smart meters.

She later enrolled in Santiago Canyon College’s program to take courses on water treatment and distribution before joining the City of Santa Ana.

Itzel focuses on taking weekly samples at Santa Ana’s reservoirs, responding to customer calls about water pressure and water quality, and addressing resident concerns around water waste.

“When I respond to a call, people expect a guy to come out,” she explains. “I don’t let that phase me. I’m confident in my skills and knowledge.”

Itzel is also actively involved in educating the public about water quality and conservation.

“I love interacting with the community and educating people about the safety of their tap water. I know I make a difference in the community when I respond to each call.”

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“I enjoy the variety of

 

my day-to-day work

 

that touches upon

 

every aspect of the

 

Water Resources

 

Division,” she said. “But

 

most of all, I enjoy the

15

people I work with!”

 

Administration/Management

When Kathia started with Public Works 11 years ago as an accounting assistant, she was at a loss. She had a degree, but didn’t feel she had many career options.

Soon after, everything changed. She said being surrounded by people who were passionate about the City’s sewer and water system was not only impressive, it was aspirational.

“It helped me fine tune my career options and return to school to gain a better understanding of Public Works,” she explains. “I officially joined the City’s water team four years ago and a new professional world opened up for me.”

As Projects Manager, her duties include administration and contracts management, ultimately ensuring third-party contractors are available to support staff and provide services that are critical to water operations and systems maintenance.

“If people only knew all the expertise and resources that go into our infrastructure and processes to deliver high-quality drinking water, they would not buy bottled water and would save so much money,” she adds. “That’s why our City’s mantra is ‘Drink It From the Tap!’”

Few people can say they have served the Santa Ana community for more than three decades. Lucy is one exception.

She enjoyed a long tenure with Santa Ana’s Park & Recreation Department before joining the Water Resources team eleven years ago. She had many choices at the time, but it was the friendly and high-energy staff in water that made her decision easy.

Lucy juggles a wide range of activities in her position as Senior Office Assistant. She processes purchasing requests and orders supplies. She covers the dispatch line, which is the central number residents call for questions about utility bills, trash pickup and street sweeping, and for reporting graffiti, water waste, and water and sewer emergencies. She schedules new employee interviews and processes annual employee evaluations. She even processes rental permits for fire hydrants, which are temporary water service connections needed for construction sites.

Whether you are interested in management or a technical career, such as engineering, we hope each of the women profiled here are an inspiration and example of the many opportunities available in the water and sewer industry.

Advice for Other Women Interested in a Similar Career

There are limitless opportunities in our field. Don’t allow yourself to feel intimidated by the challenges, instead accept them as lessons to learn from. – Yolanda

For women currently in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), you are a trailblazer for future generations of women. Continue to show your hard-earned talents and do not be afraid to lean in and bring to the table your unique perspective. When you show your confidence and skillset in your profession, you’ll always have a seat at the table!

– Fallon

Do not get intimidated with things that ‘seem’ unachievable. Pursue your dreams and don’t let anything or anyone stop you! – Nadiya

Go for it and learn as much as you can. Your skills and knowledge will give you the confidence to advance in this field. I’ve met other women in water and they motivate me to work harder because they also advocate ‘there’s nothing we cannot do’. – Itzel

It’s my hope that other women will be inspired by our stories and take a moment to explore new career opportunities in the water and sewer industry. Providing essential services to the community is a fulfilling career path and one to be proud of. – Kathia

Enjoy each and every day! – Lucy

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How To Read The

Data Tables

You will find three data tables showing a list of chemicals tested in each of the following water sources:

  • Santa Ana Distribution System
  • Santa Ana Groundwater
  • Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Treated Surface Water

For each table, begin with the chemical and read across.

1

The column marked “Chemicals”

 

lists the substances found in the

water Santa Ana delivers.

2 MCL is the highest level of substance (contaminant) allowed.

3 MCLG is the goal level for that substance (this may be lower than what is allowed). Average Amount is the average level measured for the substance (less is better).

4

Range of Detections is the highest

 

and lowest amounts measured.

5

A “No” under MCL Violation

 

indicates government requirements

 

were met.

6

Typical Sources in Drinking Water

 

tells you where the constituent

usually originates.

Note: “Unregulated Constituents” are measured, but maximum allowed contaminant (MCL) levels have not been established by the government.

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Glossary

Use this glossary to understand the terms, abbreviations and measurements used in the data tables.

Terms & Abbreviations

Chemicals

Components or elements found in drinking water.

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 color, 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.

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.

Primary Drinking Water Standard (PDWS)

The 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 (Cal/EPA).

Regulatory Action Level

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 contaminants in drinking water that are difficult and sometimes impossible to measure directly.

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.

Variances and Exemptions

Permissions from the State Water Board to exceed an MCL or not comply with a treatment technique under certain conditions.

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Measurements

Santa Ana conducts extensive sampling and testing to ensure your water meets all water quality standards. In 2020, we collected 16,705 water quality samples at various sampling points in our water system; all of which were below state and federal maximum allowable levels.

Contaminants are measured in:

Parts per million (ppm)

or milligrams per liter (mg/L)

Parts per billion (ppb)

or micrograms per liter (μg/L)

PicoCuries per liter (pCi/L)

A measurement of radioactivity in water.

Micromhos per centimeter (umho/cm)

A measurement for conductivity of water.

Grains per gallon (grains/gal)

A measurement of water hardness often used for sizing household water softeners. One grain per gallon is equal to 17.1 mg/L of hardness.

Nephelometric Turbidity

Units (NTU)

A measurement of the clarity of water. Turbidity in excess of 5 NTU is noticeable to the average person.

Additional Abbreviations

AL

= Regulatory Action Level

NA

= Not Applicable

ND

= Not Detected

NL

= Notification Level

SMCL

= Secondary MCL

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2020 Water

Quality Tables

2020 CITY OF SANTA ANA DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM WATER QUALITY

1

2

3

4

5

6

Type

MCL

Average Amount

Range of Detections

(MRDL/MRDLG)

MCL

Violation?

Typical Sources 0f Chemical

DISINFECTANT RESIDUAL AND DISINFECTION BY-PRODUCTS

Chlorine Residual (ppm)

(4 / 4)

0.88

ND - 2.66

 

No

Disinfectant Added for Treatment

Total Trihalomethanes (ppb) 1

80

27

ND - 32

 

No

Byproducts of Chlorine Disinfection

Haloacetic Acids (ppb) 1

60

9

ND - 13

 

No

Byproducts of Chlorine Disinfection

AESTHETIC QUALITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Odor (threshold odor number)

3*

1

1 - 2

 

No

Naturally-occuring organic materials

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turbidity (ntu)

5*

<0.1

ND - 0.8

 

No

Erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eight locations in the distribution system are tested quarterly for total trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids.

 

 

Fifty locations are tested monthly for color, odor and turbidity. Color was not detected in 2020

 

 

Microbiological

MCL

MCLG

Highest Monthly

MCL

Typical Sources of Chemical

Percent Positives

Violation?

 

 

 

 

2

5.0

0

0.49%

No

Naturally present in the environment

Total Coliform Bacteria

No more than 5.0% of the monthly samples may be positive for total coliform bacteria.

The occurrence of 2 consecutive total coliform positive samples, one of which contains fecal coliform/E.coli, constitutes an acute MCL violation.

LEAD AND COPPER ACTION LEVELS AT RESIDENTIAL TAPS

Chemical

Action Level

Public

90th Percentile

Sites Exceeding AL /

AL

Typical SourcesOf Chemical

(AL)

Health Goal

Value

Number of Sites

Violation?

 

 

 

Lead

 

15

0.2

ND

0 / 135

No

Internal corrosion of household water plumbing

 

systems; discharges from industrial

(ppb) 3

 

 

 

 

 

manufacturers; erosion of natural deposits

Copper

1.3

0.3

0.14

0 / 135

No

Internal corrosion of household water plumbing

(ppm)

3

systems; discharges from industrial

 

 

 

 

 

manufacturers; erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 2018, 135 residences were tested for lead and copper at-the-tap. Lead was detected in 3 samples, none of which exceeded the AL for lead. Copper was detected in 95 samples, none of which exceeded the AL for copper. A regulatory action level is the concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow. In 2020, no school submitted a request to be sampled for lead.

UNREGULATED CHEMICALS REQUIRING MONITORING IN THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

Chemical

Notification

PHG

Average

Range of

Most Recent

Level

Amount

Detections

Sampling Date

 

 

Bromochloroacetic acid (ppb)

NA

NA

0.94

ND - 3.9

2020

Bromodichloroacetic acid (ppb)

NA

NA

0.68

ND - 2.1

2020

Chlorodibromoacetic acid (ppb)

NA

NA

0.47

ND - 1.4

2020

Dibromoacetic acid (ppb)

NA

NA

0.88

ND - 2.6

2020

Dichloroacetic acid (ppb)

NA

MCLG = 0

1.2

ND - 6.1

2020

Monobromoacetic acid (ppb)

NA

NA

0.1

ND - 0.6

2020

Trichloroacetic acid (ppb)

NA

MCLG = 20

0.7

ND - 2.5

2020

  • Total chromium is regulated with an MCL of 50 ppb but was not detected, based on the detection limit for purposes of reporting of 10 ppb. Total chromium was included as part of the unregulated chemicals requiring monitoring.

19

2020 | WATER QUALITY

REPORT

2020 Water

Quality Tables

 

 

2020 CITY OF SANTA ANA GROUNDWATER QUALITY

 

1

2

2

3

4

5

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chemical

MCL

PHG

Average

Range of

MCL

Most Recent

Typical Source of Chemical

 

(MCLG)

Amount

Detections

Violation?

Sampling Date

 

 

 

 

 

Radiologicals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Alpha (pCi/L)

15

(0)

<3

ND - 13.98

No

2020

Erosion of Natural Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uranium (pCi/l)

20

0.43

3

ND - 8.18

No

2020

Erosion of Natural Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inorganic Chemicals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barium (ppm)

1

2

< 0.1

ND - 0.14

No

2020

Erosion of Natural Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fluoride (ppm)

2

1

0.34

0.18 - 0.47

No

2020

Erosion of Natural Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nitrate (ppm as N)

10

10

1.88

0.45 - 4

No

2020

Runoff and Leaching from Fertilizer Use;

 

Leaching from Septic Tanks and Sewage;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Erosion of Natural Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nitrate + Nitrite (ppm as N)

10

10

1.88

0.45 - 4

No

2020

Runoff and Leaching from Fertilizer Use;

 

Leaching from Septic Tanks and Sewage;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Erosion of Natural Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perchlorate (ppb)

6

1

<4

ND - 4.5

No

2020

Discharge from Industrial Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secondary Standards*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chloride (ppm)

500*

NA

54

19.3 - 99.9

No

2020

Erosion of Natural Deposits

 

Color (color units)

15*

NA

<1

ND - 3

No

2020

Naturally-Occurring Organic Materials

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specific Conductance (umho/cm)

1,600*

NA

686

525 - 961

No

2020

Substance That Forms Ions When In Water

 

Sulfate (ppm)

500*

NA

92.2

61.8 - 125

No

2020

Erosion of Natural Deposits

 

Total Dissolved Solids (ppm)

1,000*

NA

413

292 - 606

No

2020

Erosion of Natural Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turbidity (ntu)

5*

NA

<0.1

ND - 0.3

No

2020

Soil Runoff

 

Unregulated Constituents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alkalinity, total (ppm as CaCO3)

Not Regulated

NA

168

156 - 195

NA

2020

Erosion of Natural Deposits

 

Bicarbonate (ppm as HC03)

Not Regulated

NA

204

190 - 238

NA

2020

Erosion of Natural Deposits

 

Boron (ppm)

NL = 1

NA

<0.1

ND - 0.11

NA

2020

Erosion of Natural Deposits

 

Calcium (ppm)

Not Regulated

NA

77

52.5 - 116

NA

2020

Erosion of Natural Deposits

 

Hardness, total (grains/gal)

Not Regulated

NA

15

11 - 22

NA

2020

Erosion of Natural Deposits

 

Hardness, total (ppm as CaCO3)

Not Regulated

NA

255

180 - 379

NA

2020

Erosion of Natural Deposits

 

Magnesium (ppm)

Not Regulated

NA

14.8

10.9 - 21.8

NA

2020

Erosion of Natural Deposits

 

Perfluoro butane sulfonic acid (ppt)

NL = 500

NA

6.5

ND - 9.2

NA

2020

Industrial Discharge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perfluoro heptanoic acid (ppt)

Not Regulated

NA

4.5

ND - 6.6

NA

2020

Industrial Discharge

 

Perfluoro hexane sulfonic acid (ppt)

Not Regulated

NA

12.2

7.2 - 15.5

NA

2020

Industrial Discharge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perfluoro octane sulfonic acid (ppt)

NL = 6.5

NA

21.4

12.5 - 27.9

NA

2020

Industrial Discharge

 

Perfluoro octanoic acid (ppt)

NL = 5.1

NA

15.5

9.7 - 20

NA

2020

Industrial Discharge

 

Perfluorohexanoic acid (ppt)

Not Regulated

NA

8.1

5.2 - 11

NA

2020

Industrial Discharge

 

pH (pH units)

Not Regulated

NA

7.9

7.6 - 8.1

NA

2020

Acidity, Hydrogen Ions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Potassium (ppm)

Not Regulated

NA

2.2

1.6 - 3.1

NA

2020

Erosion of Natural Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sodium (ppm)

Not Regulated

NA

43.7

34.5 - 55.2

NA

2020

Erosion of Natural Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Contaminant is regulated by a secondary standard to maintain aesthetic qualities (taste, odor, color).

UNREGULATED CHEMICALS REQUIRING MONITORING

Chemical

Notification

PHG

Average

Range of Detections

Most Recent Sampling Date

Level

Amount

 

 

 

 

Germanium (ppb)

NA

NA

0.1

ND - 0.4

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manganese (ppb) **

SMCL = 50

NA

2.2

0.8 - 3.3

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Manganese is regulated with a secondary standard of 50 ppb but was not detected, based on the detection limit for purposes of reporting of 20 ppb. Manganese was included as part of the unregulated chemicals requiring monitoring.

2020 | WATER QUALITY

REPORT

2020 Water

Quality Tables

 

2020 MWD TREATED SURFACE WATER

1

2

2

3

 

4

5

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chemical

MCL

PHG

Average

 

Range of

MCL

Typical Source of Chemical

(MCLG)

Amount

 

Detections

Violation ?

 

 

 

 

Radiologicals - Tested in 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alpha Radiation (pCi/L)

15

(0)

ND

 

ND - 3

No

Erosion of Natural Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beta Radiation (pCi/L)

50

(0)

ND

 

ND - 5.9

No

Decay of Natural and Man-made Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uranium (pCi/L)

20

0.43

2

 

1 - 3

No

Erosion of Natural Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inorganic Chemicals - Tested in 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aluminum (ppm)

1

0.6

0.137

 

ND - 0.26

No

Treatment Process Residue, Natural Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barium (ppm)

1

2

0.107

 

0.107

No

Refinery Discharge, Erosion of Natural Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bromate (ppb)

10

0.1

1.9

 

ND - 1.3

No

Byproduct of Drinking Water Ozonation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fluoride (ppm)

2

1

0.7

 

0.5 - 0.9

No

Water Additive for Dental Health

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secondary Standards - Tested in 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aluminum (ppm)

200*

600

137

 

ND - 260

No

Treatment Process Residue, Natural Deposits

Chloride (ppm)

500*

NA

94

 

93 - 94

No

Runoff or Leaching from Natural Deposits

Color (color units)

15*

NA

1

 

1

No

Naturally-occurring Organic Materials

Odor (threshold odor number)

3*

NA

2

 

2

No

Naturally-occurring Organic Materials

Specific Conductance (µmho/cm)

1,600*

NA

970

 

964 - 975

No

Substances That Form Ions In Water

Sulfate (ppm)

500*

NA

216

 

215 - 217

No

Runoff or Leaching from Natural Deposits

Total Dissolved Solids (ppm)

1,000*

NA

592

 

582 - 603

No

Runoff or Leaching from Natural Deposits

Unregulated Constituents - Tested in 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alkalinity, total as CaCO3 (ppm)

Not Regulated

NA

118

 

117 - 120

NA

Runoff or Leaching from Natural Deposits

Boron (ppm)

NL = 1

NA

0.13

 

0.13

NA

Runoff or Leaching from Natural Deposits

Calcium (ppm)

Not Regulated

NA

66

 

65 - 67

NA

Runoff or Leaching from Natural Deposits

Hardness, total as CaCO3 (ppm)

Not Regulated

NA

265

 

261 - 269

NA

Runoff or Leaching from Natural Deposits

Hardness, total (grains/gallon)

Not Regulated

NA

15

 

15 -16

NA

Runoff or Leaching from Natural Deposits

Magnesium (ppm)

Not Regulated

NA

26

 

25 -26

NA

Runoff or Leaching from Natural Deposits

N-nitrosodimethylamine (ppt)

NL = 10

NA

3.1

 

3.1

NA

Byproduct of Drinking Water Chloramination,

 

Industrial Processes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

pH (pH units)

Not Regulated

NA

8.1

 

8.1

NA

Hydrogen Ion Concentration

Potassium (ppm)

Not Regulated

NA

4.6

 

4.5 - 4.7

NA

Runoff or Leaching from Natural Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sodium (ppm)

Not Regulated

NA

96

 

93 -98

NA

Runoff or Leaching from Natural Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Organic Carbon (ppm)

TT

NA

2.4

 

2.2 - 2.7

NA

Various Natural and Man-made Sources

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turbidity - combined filter effluent

Treatment

Turbidity

TT

Typical Source of Chemical

Metropolitan Water District Diemer Filtration Plant

Technique

Measurements

Violation?

 

1) Highest single turbidity measurement

0.3 NTU

0.04

 

No

Soil Runoff

2) Percentage of samples less than 0.3 NTU

95%

100%

No

Soil Runoff

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of the water, an indication of particulate matter, some of which might include harmful microorganisms. Low turbidity in Metropolitan’s treated water is a good indicator of effective filtration. Filtration is called a “treatment technique” (TT). A treatment technique is a required process intended to reduce the level of chemicals in drinking water that are difficult and sometimes impossible to measure directly.

NTU = nephelometric turbidity units

UNREGULATED CHEMICALS REQUIRING MONITORING

 

Chemical

Notification

PHG

Average

Range of Detections

Most Recent Sampling Date

 

Level

Amount

 

 

 

 

 

21

Germanium (ppb)

NA

NA

0.1

ND - 0.4

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manganese (ppb) **

SMCL = 50

NA

2.2

0.8 - 3.3

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Manganese is regulated with a secondary standard of 50 ppb but was not detected, based on the detection limit for purposes of reporting of 20 ppb. Manganese was included as part of the unregulated chemicals requiring monitoring.

2020 | WATER QUALITY

REPORT

Notes

2020 Water Quality Tables

  1. Trihalomethanes and Haloacetic Acids.
    Twelve locations in the distribution system are tested quarterly for total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAS).
  2. Coliform.

No more than 5% of the monthly samples may be positive for total coliform bacteria. The occurrence of 2 consecutive total coliform positive samples, one of which contains fecal coliform/E.coli, constitutes an acute MCL violation. This Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) reflects changes in drinking water regulatory requirements during 2016. All water systems are required to comply with the state Total Coliform Rule. Effective 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 U.S. EPA 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 exist. If found, these must be corrected by the water system.

3. Lead and Copper.

In 2018, 135 residences were tested for lead and copper at-the-tap. Lead was detected in 3 of the samples, none of which exceeded the AL for lead. Copper was detected in 95 samples, none of which exceeded the AL for copper.

A regulatory action level (AL) is the concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow. In 2020, no school submitted a

request to be sampled for lead.

4.Combined Filter Effluent

Turbidity (NTU).

Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of the water, an indication of particulate matter, some of which might include harmful microorganisms. Low turbidity in MWD’s treated water is a good indicator of effective filtration. Filtration is called a “treatment technique” (TT).

A treatment technique is a required process intended to reduce the level of chemicals in drinking water that are difficult and sometimes impossible to

measure directly.

22

2020 | WATER QUALITY

REPORT

Trust the Tap

Good Tasting, Safe Drinking Water is as Close as Your Kitchen Faucet

If you could choose to drink something that tastes great, is good for your health, easy to access, environmentally-friendly, inexpensive and has won as many awards as some Hollywood film stars, the choice would be clear. It is Santa Ana’s tap water and it’s right at your fingertips, 24/7!

Santa Ana‘s drinking water is stringently treated and tested. It not only consistently meets and exceeds all federal and state drinking water standards; it also enjoys

a long history of winning competitive industry awards.

Beginning in 2011, we have captured multiple coveted honors – including bronze, silver and gold – in the annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting competition, which is dedicated to preserving and protecting drinking water. The awards are given to agencies demonstrating the best-tasting and highest-quality tap water, and reflect Santa Ana’s steadfast commitment to ensuring a healthy, reliable and – most of all – safe drinking water supply for everyone throughout our community.

Reasons Why Tap vs Bottled Wins!

Is bottled water cheaper than tap? Definitely not! Bottled water costs about 80 cents per gallon. Santa Ana tap is half a cent per gallon.

Is bottled water better for the environment? No. Bottled water produces up to 1.5 million tons of plastic waste per year. According to Food and Water Watch, that plastic requires up to 47 million gallons of oil per year to produce. Single-use plastic bottles contribute to the glut of waste. Instead, use a glass at home and a refillable

container when on the go.

Is bottled water safer? No. As a highly regulated public agency, Santa Ana must meet higher standards, including strict California regulations, than producers of bottled water.

What About COVID-19? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is charged with protecting the health and safety of Americans, emphasizes, “The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking-water supplies.” Remember, the coronavirus is transmitted person to person, not through water. Even if the coronavirus was able to live and spread through drinking water, all municipal drinking water systems like the City of Santa Ana use a multi-barrier approach to ensure your drinking water is safe.

No matter how, when and where you enjoy a refreshing drink of Santa Ana water, we want you to know you can always …

TRUST THE TAP!

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2020 | WATER QUALITY

REPORT

Keeping Funds

Flowing

Securing State and Federal

Grants Keeps Projects and

Water on Course

Just as the water that reaches Santa Ana faucets comes from miles away, ensuring its uninterrupted daily flow begins years in advance!

Not only are designing and engineering new Santa Ana Water infrastructure projects and rehabilitation programs years in the making, procuring the funding to construct, operate and maintain them requires advance planning too.

A few years ago the decision was made to ease the cost burden of having infrastructure enhancement coming solely from Santa Ana’s municipal budget, and seek support from State and Federal programs. We began by researching the funding programs available through California and U.S. agencies. Then, with the help of grant-writing professionals, we drafted proposals, emphasizing

how these projects were an essential investment in the long-term public health

and safety of Santa Ana residents.

To date more than $6.5 million in direct support for water delivery systems and sustainability projects has been awarded to Santa Ana’s Public Works Agency. These State and Federal funds leave more of Santa Ana’s precious community assets available for other services and infrastructure needs.

Read the accompanying article for more information about these projects on page 25.

“The more successful we are at procuring this support from beyond our city limits,” said Water Resources Manager Cesar Barrera, “the better we’re able to keep water rates down within Santa Ana. It’s allowed us to keep the commitment we adopted with our last rate structuring. We pledged to prioritize long-term cost control by directing our energies to capital improvement and reinvestment in infrastructure.”

Below is an overview of current projects, and the sources and amounts of the funding received for them.

Current Water Projects and their Funding

  • The AMI Project has received $4 million from the California Department of Natural Resources, and $1.5 million from the Federal Bureau of Reclamation.
  • Another Federal Bureau of Reclamation grant, in the amount of $750,000, went to the Well 32
    Rehabilitation Project.
  • The Washington Well Project received $100,000 for engineering from Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority and $750,000 from the Federal Bureau of Reclamation for its construction.
  • And, the SA-1 Federal Bureau of Reclamation is providing $300,000 to support Hydroelectric
    Improvements.

24

2020 | WATER QUALITY

REPORT

Infrastructure

CIP: Securing Our Future Today

The Capital Improvement Program generates projects to meet water delivery demand for generations

to come.

25

2020 | WATER QUALITY

REPORT

The day-to-day stewardship of delivering water to – and diverting wastewater from

  • Santa Ana’s 27.2 square-mile service area means anticipating new challenges, new technologies, and the changing needs of a growing residential and business community.

The Capital Improvement Program, or CIP, is where the pivotal projects required to meet these challenges are imagined, incubated and initiated. This evolving slate of long-term initiatives ensures that Santa Ana has the best service systems and water quality available today and in the future.

Three major CIP projects are currently in the works, with several more on line to begin within the next 18 months. Together they will add resilience to our water supply and wastewater treatment facilities while keeping the City’s infrastructure operating efficiently and increasing our capacity to meet future demand.

In the process, we will construct new wells and maintain our 21 groundwater wells, seven import water connections, seven pump stations, ten reservoirs and 480 miles of transmission and distribution pipelines.

On-demand generators will also be added to key wells, ensuring that our water supply is maintained even during power outages. And, 45,000 “smart meters” are being installed to allow customers and management access to real-time data that can help reduce rates and emergencies.

See related story on funding sources for CIP projects on page 24.

Projects in the Works

Automated Meter

Infrastructure (AMI)

Phase One of the five-year, $30 million Automated Meter Infrastructure (AMI) project is scheduled for completion by the end of July 2021, thanks to initial grants of $4 million from the state and $1.5 million from the federal government. This first phase includes a test-batch of 100 smart meters installed. We are now testing

the software before shifting to extensive installation in August on the way to a year-end target of 1,500 smart meters installed. In January, the pace will quicken as we expect to install up to 10,000 annually until all 45,000 are in and operational.

The communications system already has four new antenna towers built, one on City Hall and three more at the West, East and South Water Pump Stations.

Transitioning to smart meters that communicate via radio or similar technology will allow us to provide ongoing technological upgrades as they are developed. These include automated meter reads, leak detection and usage notifications as well as interactive customer portals.

Accurately tracking water consumption is the key to efficient management and planning. In the long term, it will mean that we will have access to more granular information to better gauge the community’s water needs. Residents, too, will have their consumption data at their finger tips for more informed decisions about their own water usage.

Studies show that communities that upgraded to AMI systems reduce water usage by as much as 15 percent.

San Lorenzo Sewer Lift Station

Construction is underway on the San Lorenzo Sewer Lift Station. Already built are the large concrete underground tanks where wastewater will be held before it is pumped out and transferred via the Orange County Sanitation District’s Santa Ana Trunk sewer pipeline to the OCSD Treatment Plant. We are now adding the supporting pipelines and mechanicals.

Project completion is slated for the end of 2021 or beginning of 2022.

Ongoing Infrastructure Replacement

Among our CIP projects are those directed at fulfilling items included within the Santa Ana Water District’s Master Plan. One example is the ongoing replacement of aging pipeline. Each year, we replace 5 miles of underground pipeline, oftentimes in conjunction with street improvements to minimize disruptions to residents

and commuters while reducing overall construction costs.

Projects Coming in 2022

Two projects on tap to begin in 2022 are related to Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances, or PFAS, treatment and water well rehabilitation.

PFAS Treatment Projects

The City of Santa Ana Public Works Agency constantly monitors its well system for traces of PFAS. Testing conducted in early 2021 revealed a detection of PFAS in Wells 27, 28, 31, 38 and 40. A decision was made to take all five wells immediately off-line until proper water treatment methods are put in place.

PFAS levels in four of these wells exceeded a threshold set in our standing agreement with Orange County Water District (OCWD). As a result, the OCWD will fund whatever treatment or other remediation is required to bring those levels into the permitted range at these wells.

However, since the City of Santa Ana strives to provide water to our residents that is free of PFAS, even wells that do not meet the threshold for OCWD funding will be treated. Well 38 is one example. We placed it off line while we determine how much funding will be required for treatment and to get it operating again.

Fortunately, Santa Ana has created a “redundant” water system that can generate more than enough groundwater, so shutting down these wells has not impacted production. Also supporting our ability to meet the Santa Ana’s water needs is the community’s conservation efforts, which have reduced Santa Ana’s water consumption over the past two-plus decades to about 34 thousand acre-feet annually.

We hope to bring these wells back on line to meet the needs of our community, particularly in the Northeast Zone above Interstate 5, where all wells are offline and water is being solely supplied from imported sources from the Metropolitan Water District (MWD).

Water Well Rehab and

Blending Project

The Morrison Park well, number 32, has now been offline for about a decade after testing showed unacceptable nitrate levels. An upcoming CIP project, Water Well Rehab And Blending, will breath life back into well 32.

As you might expect, it is more cost-effective to rehabilitate an existing well than to drill a new one. We will be bringing well 32 up to code and then build a pipeline to connect it to the Garthe Station, which is the largest pump and reservoir station in the City with four groundwater wells storing more than

15 million gallons of water in its tanks. At the Garthe Station, well 32 water will be treated through a blending treatment approach.

26

2020 | WATER QUALITY

REPORT

“The contest offers parents and their children the opportunity to explore various water-related themes such as protecting our groundwater, water conservation and water quality,” says Cesar Barrera, Deputy Public Works Director and Water Resources Manager for the City of Santa Ana. “It’s also an important educational initiative for the City. We want to thank all youth who participated and shared their creativity in this year’s contest.”

27

2020 | WATER QUALITY

REPORT

Santa Ana Students Illustrate How Their Tap Water is Safeguarded by The City

The City Announces 2021 Youth

Water Poster Contest Winners

The City of Santa Ana recently concluded its 2021 Youth Water Poster Contest and announced the 11 winning posters.

The contest is held city-wide each year to create awareness of the high quality and safety of Santa Ana’s tap water through creative expression.

While there were fewer entries this time due to the pandemic, we are proud of all those who participated and their outstanding work!

A big “thank you” to our judges Robyn MacNair, Arts & Culture Commissioner, Ward 4, and Frank Gutierrez, Arts & Culture Commissioner, Ward 6, for volunteering their time to evaluate all the poster entries and choose the winners. We also would like to thank Tram Le, our Arts & Culture Specialist for the City of Santa Ana, for organizing the judging of this Poster Contest and the ones in prior years. Judges used four scoring criteria: level of originality, visual and word clarity, and adherence to this year’s theme “Trust The Tap!,” illustrating how their tap water is protected from viruses—including the coronavirus—and safeguarded by the City of Santa Ana at all times.

All participants received a certificate and a gift card for participating this year! Winners were awarded prizes ranging from a Nintendo Switch to iPads.

We extend a special congratulations to the following grand prize winners

and finalists.

2021 WINNERS

Ages 5-8

Ages 13-14

Mateo Mascarenas, Grand prize winner

Deziree Huerta, Grand prize winner

Mario Herta, Finalist

Yojana Hernandez, Finalist

Elyssa Anyelie Flores, Finalist

Martin Aguilar, Finalist

Ages 9-12

Ages 15-18

Sophia Tran, Grand prize winner

Teresa Isabel Gutierrez, Grand prize winner

Evan Velazquez Moreno, Finalist

Elizabeth Llamas, Finalist

Andrea Gonzalez, Finalist

 

Grand Prize Winners 2021

Ages 5-8

 

Ages 9-12

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mateo Mascarenas

Ages 13-14

Sophia Tran

Ages 15-18

Deziree Huerta

Teresa Isabel Gutierrez

Finalists 2021

Ages 5-8

 

Ages 9-12

 

Ages 13-14

 

Ages 15-18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mario Herta

Evan Velazquez

Yojana Hernandez

Elizabeth Llamas

28

Elyssa Anyelie

Andrea Gonzalez

Martin Aguilar

2020 | WATER QUALITY

REPORT

The Facts About COVID

& Your Drinking Water

FACT: COVID-19 is spread person to person and has no impact

on the quality or safety of your drinking water.

  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 is spread person to person, not through water. To date, the novel coronavirus has not been found in drinking water supplies and has no impact on the quality and safety of tap water.
  • It is safe to use and drink tap water as usual.

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2020 | WATER QUALITY

REPORT

Water Treatment Maze

30

2020 | WATER QUALITY

REPORT

Look out for updates on this program later this year. We look forward to helping Santa Ana residents create a bright green future for themselves, our community and Planet Earth!

One of four design samples prepared by a landscape architect for the Landscape Transformation Program.

31

2020 | WATER QUALITY

REPORT

Planned for Next Year:

City-Sponsored

Residential

Landscape

Transformation

Program

Santa Ana is working on securing a Small-Scale Water Efficiency Program grant that will enable us to offer residents in designated low-income neighborhoods (known as DACs) an opportunity to remove and replace their water-wasting turf with beautiful, drought-tolerant landscaping and an efficient irrigation system – all at no cost to the homeowner.

The ongoing California drought makes this program more important than ever. Here are a few details.

  • If funding is received, the two-year project kicks off in February 2022.
  • The program is offered to DAC residents to offset high up-front costs homeowners typically pay to remove existing turf, create a landscape design and install native plants with a water-wise irrigation system.
  • It will improve the City’s water efficiency, increase climate resilience, decrease residents’ water bills and increase property values.
  • It also will provide green jobs to at-risk youth, who will be hired to help create the new sustainable landscapes in their neighborhoods.
  • Homeowners who live outside of DACs can continue taking advantage of the City’s ongoing water-smart landscape program with the use of rebates offered through the Metropolitan Water District (MWD).

Awards - CWEA Honors Santa Ana!

Ask any of the California Water Environment Association’s 10,000 wastewater professionals to name their “favorite annual industry award” and you’re sure to hear about CWEA’s own annual award ceremony.

For so many essential workers in our field, the honors CWEA hands out each year are welcome recognition for excellence across the state’s wastewater systems.

But there are also awards presented within the many sections that make up CWEA.

CWEA is made up of 17 sections divided between the Northern and Southern Regions. The City of Santa Ana’s water resources division is part of the Santa Ana River Basin Section, or SARBS, one of seven sections here in the Southern Region.

SARBS has its own awards and in 2019 our Santa Ana team entered the competition for the first time. Last June, when the winners were announced, we were honored as “Best Medium Size Sewer Collection System.”

The awards are as serious as the work they honor. A panel of expert judges bases its decision on how each system complies with the many regulations governing environmental safeguards, safety, and the quality of staff training (both basic knowledge and ability to use the various tools required for their work).

They look at our fleet vehicles and other equipment, checking to see how well we use modern technology to deliver our services. They also look at our management team to evaluate our financial management as well as how we operate our sewer system.

We thank the SARBS judges for the honor. The plaque we received proudly hangs in our offices, signifying that Santa Ana is a leading steward of our environment.

Santa Ana’s Tap:

Award Winning

Year After Year

Santa Ana recently won the coveted honor of producing some of the “Best Municipal Water in the U.S.,”—second only to the

Judging at the 31st annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting (Photo credit: Van Smith)

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California—at the 31st Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting. The annual competition is the largest and most prestigious in the world, dedicated to preserving and protecting drinking water.

Over the past 10 years of participating

in this competition, the City of Santa Ana has won six awards including the gold medal in 2018 and 2014 as well as the silver and bronze medals in 2012 and 2011, respectively.

This long history of awards reflects Santa Ana’s commitment to ensuring a healthy, reliable and safe drinking water supply for residents that exceeds the drinking water health standards requirement by both state and federal agencies.

“Winning one of the nation’s top awards in our category is phenomenal. Winning the award six times over the past ten years attests to the high standards we set for our tap water and the dedication of our certified specialists who are committed to serving our customers,” says Robert Hernandez, Water Services Quality Supervisor for the City of Santa Ana.

While some may take the quality of their drinking water for granted, Santa Ana does not. Behind the scenes, the Water Resources Division performs year-round monitoring, where over 16,000 samples are collected at various sampling points throughout the City’s water system to ensure the community enjoys the highest quality tap water possible.

Residents can take pride knowing that the nine judges at the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting chose Santa Ana’s tap water after spending hours tasting and selecting from waters sourced in 19 states, three Canadian provinces and fourteen foreign countries. Similar to a wine tasting, they rated the water for each attribute including appearance (should be clear), aroma (should be none), taste (should taste clean), mouth feel (should feel light), and aftertaste (should leave people thirsty for more).

“The consistency in winners from year to year with different panels of judges validates the choices,” remarked Berkeley Springs’ water master, Arthur von Wiesenberger. “It also speaks to the impressively high caliber of the waters entered.”

The next time you think about drinking bottled water, we invite you to turn on the tap, fill your glass and enjoy our award winning water!

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We’re Here To Serve You!

Building Inspection Request Line

714-667-2738

City Manager

714-647-5200

Fire Department

714-573-6000

(call 911 for emergencies)

Mayor and City Council

714-647-6900

Parks & Recreation

714-571-4200

Planning & Building, Planning Division

(Environmental Review, Historic

Preservation & New Development)

714-667-2700

Police Department

714-245-8665

(call 911 for emergencies)

Public Library

714-647-5250

Public Works Emergency Repairs (after hours)

714-834-4211

Public Works Information

714-647-5690

Maintenance Services

Curb & Sidewalks

714-647-3380

Graffiti Removal

877-786-7824

Graffiti Task Force

714-245-8769 (Police Department)

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Water Resources

Sewer/Storm Drain Maintenance

714-647-3380

Water Administration

714-647-3320

Water & Sewer Permits

714-647-3320

Water Customer Service and Billing

714-647-5454

Water Engineering

714-647-3320

Water Maintenance & Construction

714-647-3346

Water Production

714-647-3320

Water Quality & Conservation

714-647-3500

Water Service & Main Location

714-647-3320

Traffic and Transportation

Signal Repairs - 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Weekdays)

714-647-5620

Signal Repairs - Police Department (Evenings/Weekends)

714-834-4211

Street Work Permits

714-647-5039

Traffic Operations

714-647-5619

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Refuse Collection

New Trash Cart/Order Dumpster

714-558-7761

Recycle Used Car Oil & Filter

714-558-7761

Public Works

General Maintenance and Repairs

714-647-3380

Sanitation

714-647-3380

Shopping Cart Removal

714-667-2780

Street Lights

714-647-5074

Street Sweeping

714-647-3380

Trees

714-647-3380

Weed Abatement

714-647-3380

Other Helpful Numbers

Bus Information

714-636-7433

Noise Complaints

714-834-4211

Overcrowding

714-667-2780

Poison Center

800-876-4766

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You can request a copy of the most recent summary of the Watershed Sanitary Surveys and the Source Water Assessment by calling MWD at 213-217-6000.

For a copy of the complete assessments for Santa Ana’s distribution system and groundwater, call the Santa Ana Water Resources Division at 714-647-3320. If you have questions about your water quality, contact:

City of Santa Ana, Water Resources Division

Cesar E. Barrera P.E., Deputy Public Works Director/Water Resources Manager Rudy Rosas P.E., Principal Civil Engineer

Robert Hernandez, Water Services Quality Supervisor

220 South Daisy Avenue, Bldg A Santa Ana, California 92703

phone: 714-647-3320 | fax: 714-647-3345

web: www.santaanaccr.org

Get Involved

If you would like to be involved in issues and decisions that affect the quality and cost of your drinking water, City Council meetings are open to the public and held at 5:45 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month. The meeting location is at City Council Chambers, 22 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA 92701.

For more information, contact: Santa Ana City Council

20 Civic Center Plaza P.O. Box 1988, M31 Santa Ana, CA 92702

phone: 714-647-6900

Follow Us

www.facebook.com/CityofSantaAna/

www.instagram.com/cityofsantaana/

www.santa-ana.org

www.santaanaccr.org

Este informe contiene información importante sobre su agua potable. Favor de comunicarse con la División de Recursos Hídricos de la ciudad de Santa Ana al 714-647-3320 para obtener asistencia en español.

Báo cáo này chứa thông tin quan trọng về nước uống. Vui lòng liên hệ với Thành phố Santa Ana, Phòng Tài nguyên Nước theo số 714-647-3320 để được hỗ trợ bằng tiếng Việt

Contaminants


City of Santa Ana

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: 329815
  • Data available: 2012-2017
  • Data Source: Purchased surface water
  • Total: 25

Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines

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

Other Detected Contaminants

  • 1%2C1-Dichloroethylene
  • 1%2C4-Dioxane
  • Barium
  • Bromide
  • Chlorate
  • Dibromoacetic acid
  • Fluoride
  • Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
  • Molybdenum
  • Monochloroacetic 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

Santa Ana Tap Water

Santa Ana CA is one of the most beautiful places in California. The weather is amazing, the beaches are gorgeous and Santa Ana has more local shops than most cities in California put together. Yet, one of the scariest things you have to deal with while visiting Santa Ana is the contamination of your tap water. Since most of the population here consumes water from the tap in a glass or pitcher, the city’s tap water has been rated No. 3 in the world in a taste

The reason for this is primarily due to the large population of people in a small area. Each one of these people needs to use the same faucet in order to get their water. So all of their water is contaminated. The contamination of tap water is so bad that even if you buy the most expensive bottled water you will still have to pay for the bottles. The best thing that you can do if you wish to drink tap water safe drink is to install a home water purifier device. These units are great because they can remove almost all types of contaminants from your water.

They use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, then they use a carbon filter to remove chlorine. Then they put a micron filter in so that your water is purified again. Drinking water safe to drink in Santa Ana is just a few steps away from being a reality. There is a water filtration system in the works in Santa Ana, and a lot of companies are trying to get into this market. If you want to go down this road today, it might be worth your while to check out some of the available options. You might be surprised at just what you find out.

Santa Ana Water Quality

Santa Ana is one of the most beautiful places to visit. It has such a warm and inviting feel to it. The beaches are always clear blue, and there’s no shortage of things to do. Many tourists come here to swim, relax on the beach or just to hang out by the pool. Unfortunately, Santa Ana is at risk from two major pollutants: chlorine and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs).

Chloramine is one of the most common substances found in groundwater throughout the country. This compound is often used as an additive to disinfect water, in order to kill bacteria and ensure that it is potable. While it kills harmful microorganisms, it also reacts with natural proteins found in living material, like rock, in order to form compounds called chloramines. These compounds can irritate the skin and possibly cause irritation, headaches, asthma attacks, and other health complications. They can also convert natural oxygen into carbon dioxide, which is a major contributor to the greenhouse effect.

VOCs are found in the vapor, steam, and mist produced by skimmers, water heaters, and hot tubs. While some people are comfortable with VOCs, others are not. The gases create an acidic vapor that turns normal water into an unsafe medium to live in, and they are particularly dangerous to young children who can get severely ill from exposure to it. Because of this, Santa Ana water quality is an issue that local agencies and water treatment companies work hard to improve.

Santa Ana, CA safe drinking water supply exceeds the drinking water health standards required by both state and federal standards.

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