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Is Santee Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Yes! Generally Safe to Drink*

LAST UPDATED: 7:49 pm, July 28, 2022
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Table of Contents

Can You Drink Tap Water in Santee?

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

According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Santee's water utility, Padre Dam Mwd, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. This assessment is based on the Padre Dam Mwd 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 Santee Tap Water

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

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

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

Is there Lead in Santee Water?

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

While Santee 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 Santee 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 no military bases near Santee 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 Santee has been evaluated for yet.

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

What do these Violations Mean?

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

Health Based Violations

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

Non-Health Based Violations

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

SDWA Table Key

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

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

Santee Water - Frequently Asked Questions

HOW TO READ THE FOLLOWING TABLES
The tables on the following pages are a summary of the testing performed on your water in 2020. To read the tables, compare the health standards for organic and inorganic constituents in your water with the levels recorded at the Skinner Treatment Plant, Twin Oaks Valley Treatment Plant, Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant and Levy Treatment Plant. The terms used in the tables are explained below.
HOW DO I CONTACT SANTEE CUSTOMER SERVICE?
To contact customer service for the Santee water provider, Padre Dam Mwd, please use the information below.
By Phone: 619-258-4746
By Email: pclarke@padre.org
By Mail: PO BOX 719003
SANTEE, CA, 92071
HOW TO PAY BILL FOR PADRE DAM MWD
Already have an account?

Existing customers can login to their Padre Dam Mwd account to pay their Santee water bill by clicking here.

Want to create a new account?

If you want to pay your Padre Dam Mwd bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Santee water bill.

Want to pay without an account?

If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Santee 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 SANTEE WATER SERVICE
Starting Your Service

Moving to a new house or apartment in Santee means you will often need to put the water in your name with Padre Dam Mwd. 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 Santee means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with Padre Dam Mwd. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.

Stop Service Form

USER SUBMITTED RATINGS

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

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

Related FAQS

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

2020 Water Quality Report

ABOUT THIS REPORT

Padre Dam’s mission is to provide high quality water services to our customers in the most effective manner possible, earning customer and community respect. As part of this mission, Padre Dam compiles a Water Quality Report each year with information about the safety and quality of your drinking water.

This report is a snapshot of last year’s water quality (2020). Included are details about where your water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to State and Federal standards.

QUESTIONS

This report follows the State Board Guidance for Consumer Con￿dence Reports dated February 2021. It is our intent to provide this report to all of our consumers. Additional copies may be obtained by calling Emma Shea in Communications at 619-258-4613.

If you have any questions or concerns about this Water Quality Report, please contact Paul Clarke, Director of Operations and Water Quality, at 619-258-4746 or pclarke@padre.org.

We always welcome public participation and comments during our regularly scheduled Board meetings. Meetings are held the ￿rst and third Wednesday of each month at 3:30 pm. Visit www.padredam.org/board for more information.

Este informe contiene informacion muy importante sobre su agua potable. Traduzcalo o hable con alguien que lo entienda bien. Favor de comunicarse Padre Dam Municipal Water District a 9300 Fanita Parkway o 619-258-4600 para asistirlo en español.

1

IMPORTANT: WHAT’S IN MY WATER?

In 2020, Padre Dam Municipal Water District’s drinking water met or surpassed every public health requirement set by the State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water (State Board) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the USEPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791, or online at: http://water.epa.gov/drink/standards/hascience.cfm.

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immune- compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, persons 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. The USEPA and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available online at: http://water.epa.gov/drink/standards/hascience.cfm.

POTENTIAL SOURCE WATER CONTAMINANTS

The sources of drinking water in San Diego County (both tap and bottled water) include the ocean, 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 may pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source 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 salt and metals, that can be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining and farming.
  • Pesticides and herbicides, which 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 by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff and septic systems.
  • Radioactive contaminants, can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the USEPA and the State 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.

2

WHERE YOUR WATER COMES FROM

Sacramento

Bay Delta

600 Miles

Colorado

River

250 Miles

WATER SOURCES

Padre Dam imports 100 percent of its potable water supply from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan) and the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA). The water is treated at Metropolitan’s Skinner Treatment Plant near Temecula, the SDCWA’s Twin Oaks Valley Treatment Plant in San Marcos, Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant and Helix Water District’s Levy Treatment Plant in Lakeside. Metropolitan, SDCWA, Helix and Padre Dam coordinate annually to assess water quality levels and produce this Water Quality Report.

The tap water you received from Padre Dam in 2020 was blended water from the Colorado River System, the California State Water Project, ocean water from the Desalination Plant and local watersheds within San Diego County.

YOUR DRINKING WATER SYSTEM

23,161

395

29

16

108.25

2,000+

Drinking

Miles

Reservoirs

Pumping

Million

Ft.

Water

of

 

Stations

Gallon

Elevation

Connections

Mains

 

 

Storage

Gain

SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT

Metropolitan assessed the vulnerability of its imported water in 2015 for the Colorado River and 2016 for the State Water Project. These source waters are both exposed to stormwater runoff, recreational activities, wastewater discharges, wildlife, ￿res and other watershed-related factors that could affect water quality. Treatment to remove speci￿c contaminants can be more expensive than measures to protect water at the source, which is why Metropolitan and other water agencies invest resources to support improved watershed protection programs. For a copy of these assessments, contact Metropolitan at 213-217-5696.

Helix Water District assessed Lake Jennings in March 2021. This assessment found the lake’s water quality to be

 

vulnerable to wastewater, recreation, development, equestrian properties and pesticide/herbicide use. Contact Helix

3

Water District at 619-667-6248 for more information on their assessment.

 

HOW TO READ THE FOLLOWING TABLES

ABOUT THE TABLES

The tables on the following pages are a summary of the testing performed on your water in 2020. To read the tables, compare the health standards for organic and inorganic constituents in your water with the levels recorded at the Skinner Treatment Plant, Twin Oaks Valley Treatment Plant, Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant and Levy Treatment Plant.

The terms used in the tables are explained below.

 

 

 

This shows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the level of a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

contaminant in

 

 

 

 

This

 

 

 

 

drinking water below

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

which there are no

 

 

Each

describes the

 

 

This is

known or expected

 

 

most likely ways

 

risks to health. Set

 

 

column

a constituent

 

 

the highest

by the CA office of

 

 

shows results

enters the

 

 

level of a

Environmental

 

 

from one of four

drinking

 

 

contaminant

Health Hazard

 

 

sources of water

water.

 

 

that is allowed

Assessment.

 

 

that Padre Dam

 

 

 

in drinking

 

 

 

 

receives each

 

 

 

water.

 

 

 

 

 

year.

 

 

 

 

State or

PHG

Range

Helix Levy

MWD

SDCWA

Carlsbad

 

Parameter

Units

Federal

(MCLG)

Skinner

Twin Oaks

Desalination

Major Sources

Average

 

Plant

 

 

MCL(MRDL) [MRDLG]

 

Plant

Valley Plant

Plant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRIMARY STANDARDS - Mandatory Health-Related Standards

 

 

 

 

 

TERMS

Primary Drinking Water Standards (PDWS) Primary Drinking Water Standards (PDWS) MCLs and MRDLs for contaminants that affect health along with their monitoring, reporting and treatment requirements.

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) is the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs are set by the USEPA.

Public Health Goal (PHG) is 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 Of￿ce of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.

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

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

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG) is the level of a disinfectant added for water treatment below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs are set by the USEPA. Secondary Standards are set by the State Board for constituents that affect the aesthetic quality of water, such as taste, odor and color. PPM is the abbreviation for parts per million, or in volume terms, milligrams per liter (mg/L). For example, one part per million is one cent in $10,000, or one minute in 2 years.

PPB is the abbreviation for parts per billion, or in volume terms, micrograms per liter (ug/L). For example, one part per billion is one cent in $10,000,000, or one minute in 2,000 years.

PPT is the abbreviation for parts per trillion, or in volume terms, nanograms per liter (ng/L). For example, one part per trillion is one second in nearly 32,000 years.

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

OTHER ABBREVIATIONS USED

AI Aggressiveness index

AL Action level

CFU Colony-forming units DBP Disinfection by-products

DLR Detection limits for reporting purposes GPG Grains per gallon

HPC Heterotrophic plate count

  1. Nitrogen

NA Not applicable

ND Not detected

NL Noti￿cation level

NTU Nephelometric turbidity units pCi/L Picocuries per liter

ppq Parts per quadrillion pg/L Picograms per liter

ppt Parts per trillion ng/L Nanograms per liter RAA Running annual average

SI Saturation index (Langelier)

  1. Single sample

TOC Total organic compound TON Threshold odor number uS/cm MicroSiemen per centimeter

4

PRIMARY STANDARDS

 

 

State or

PHG

Range

Helix Levy

MWD

SDCWA

Carlsbad

 

Parameter

Units

Federal

(MCLG)

Skinner

Twin Oaks

Desalination

Major Sources

Average

Plant

 

 

MCL(MRDL) [MRDLG]

Plant

Valley Plant

Plant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRIMARY STANDARDS - Mandatory Health-Related Standards

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLARITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Combined Filter

NTU

TT=0.3

NA

Highest

0.16

0.09

 

0.014

 

0.08

Naturally present in the environment

 

 

Effluent Turbidity (a)

%

95%

NA

% 0.3

100

100

 

100

 

100

Soil runoff

 

 

MICROBIOLOGICAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PD Distribution System

 

 

 

 

Total Coliform

%

5

0

Range

 

 

0

 

 

Naturally present in the environment

 

 

Bacteria (b)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INORGANIC CHEMICALS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aluminum (c)

 

 

 

Range

ND - 200

ND - 200

 

ND

 

ND

Residue from water treatment process;

 

 

ppb

1,000

600

Average

118

108

 

ND

 

ND

erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Range

 

PD Distribution System

 

 

 

 

Chromium-6

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

Industrial discharge;

 

 

ppb

NA

0.02

Average

 

 

0

 

 

erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fluoride (d)

 

 

 

Range

0.6 - 0.8

0.6 - 0.9

 

0.5 - 0.8

 

0.6 - 0.8

Control range: 0.7-1.2; Optimal Level 0.7

 

 

Treatment-related

ppm

2

1

Average

0.7

0.7

 

0.6

 

0.7

Additive for dental health

 

 

Nitrate (as N) (e)

 

 

 

Range

ND

ND

 

ND - 0.4

 

ND

Runoff and leaching from fertilizer use;

 

 

ppm

10

10

Average

ND

ND

 

ND

 

ND

septic/sewage; natural deposits, erosion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selenium

 

 

 

Range

ND

ND

 

ND

 

ND - 6.1

Refineries, mines and chemical waste

 

 

ppb

50

30

Average

ND

ND

 

SS

 

ND

discharge; runoff from livestock lots

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RADIOLOGICALS (f)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Alpha

pCi/L

15

0

Range

5.3 - 8.0

ND - 3

 

ND

 

ND

Erosion of natural deposits

 

 

Particle Activity

Average

6.5

ND

 

ND

 

ND

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Beta

pCi/L

50

0

Range

NA

ND - 5

 

ND

 

ND

Decay of natural and man-made deposits

 

 

Particle Activity (g)

Average

NA

ND

 

ND

 

ND

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Combined

pCi/L

5

0

Range

ND

ND

 

ND

 

0 - 0.71

Erosion of natural deposits

 

 

Radium-226/228

Average

ND

ND

 

ND

 

0.09

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uranium

pCi/L

20

0.43

Range

1.4 - 5.4

ND - 2

 

1

 

ND

Erosion of natural deposits

 

 

Average

3.3

2

 

SS

 

ND

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DISINFECTION BY-PRODUCTS, DISINFECTANT RESIDUALS, AND DISINFECTION BY-PRODUCT PRECURSORS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Range

 

PD Distribution System

 

 

 

 

Total Trihalomethanes

ppb

80

NA

 

9.5 - 33

 

 

 

 

 

(TTHM) (h)

Highest RAA

 

 

38

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Haloacetic Acids (five)

ppb

60

NA

Range

 

0 - 7.1

 

 

By-product of drinking water chlorination

 

 

(HAA5) (i)

Highest RAA

 

 

9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Chloramine Residual (Cl2)

ppm

[4.0]

[4.0]

Range

 

0.47 - 3.7

 

 

By-product of drinking water chlorination

 

 

Highest RAA

 

 

2.24

 

 

Drinking water disinfectant added for treatment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bromate (j)

ppb

10

0.1

Range

ND

ND - 5.6

 

ND - 7.4

 

NA

By-product of drinking water ozonation

 

 

Highest RAA

ND

2.5

 

2.8

 

NA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

SECONDARY STANDARDS

Parameter

Units

State or

PHG

Federal

(MCLG)

MCL(MRDL)

[MRDLG]

 

 

Range Average

Helix Levy

Plant

MWD

Skinner

Plant

SDCWA

Twin Oaks

Valley Plant

Carlsbad

Desalination

Plant

Major Sources

SECONDARY STANDARDS - Aesthetic Standards

Aluminum (c)

ppb

200

600

Range

ND - 200

ND - 200

ND

ND

Residue from water treatment process;

Highest RAA

118

108

ND

ND

natural deposits erosion

 

 

 

 

Chloride

ppm

500

NA

Range

85

81 - 92

73 - 81

54 - 100

Runoff/leaching from natural deposits;

Average

SS

86

77

74.6

seawater influence

 

 

 

 

Color

Units

15

NA

Range

ND

1 - 2

ND

ND

Naturally occurring organic materials

Average

ND

2

ND

ND

 

 

 

 

 

Odor Threshold

TON

3

NA

Range

ND

2

ND

ND

Naturally occurring organic materials

Average

ND

SS

SS

ND

 

 

 

 

 

Specific Conductance

S/cm

1,600

NA

Range

530 - 912

796 - 956

660

292 - 516

Substances that form ions in water;

Average

721

876

SS

404

seawater influence

 

 

 

 

Sulfate

ppm

500

NA

Range

180

152 - 208

63 - 100

12.0 - 16.7

Runoff/leaching from natural deposits;

Average

SS

180

82

13.7

industrial wastes

 

 

 

 

Total Dissolved Solids

ppm

1,000

NA

Range

258 - 572

472 - 588

300

140 - 276

Runoff/leaching from natural deposits;

(TDS) (k)

Average

397

530

SS

205

seawater influence

 

 

 

OTHER PARAMETERS - Chemical

 

Alkalinity as CaC03

ppm

NA

NA

Range

88 - 128

105 - 121

97

 

46 - 104

Naturally occurring and adjusted during

 

 

Average

108

113

SS

 

64.4

treatment processes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boron

ppb

NL = 1,000

NA

Range

ND

130

130

 

0.36 - 0.78

Runoff/leaching from natural deposits;

 

 

Average

ND

SS

SS

 

0.55

industrial wastes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Calcium

ppm

NA

NA

Range

57

52 - 72

29 - 37

 

16.7 - 31.9

Naturally occurring

 

 

Average

SS

62

33

 

22.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chlorate

ppb

NL = 800

NA

Range

ND - 26

34

180 - 290

 

NA

By-product of drinking water chlorination;

 

 

Average

ND

SS

255

 

NA

industrial processes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corrosivity (l)

AI

NA

NA

Range

ND

12.3 - 12.5

12

 

8.5 - 10.9

Elemental balance in water; affected

 

 

(as Aggressiveness Index)

Average

SS

12.4

SS

 

10.6

by temperature, other factors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corrosivity (m)

SI

NA

NA

Range

ND

0.39 - 0.73

0.41

 

0.04 - 0.63

Elemental balance in water; affected

 

 

(as Saturation Index)

Average

ND

0.56

SS

 

0.31

by temperature, other factors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hardness as CaC03

ppm

NA

NA

Range

125 - 280

211 - 273

120 - 150

 

41.7 - 79.7

Sum of polyvalent cations present in the

 

 

Average

211

242

135

 

56.7

water, usually naturally occurring

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Magnesium

ppm

NA

NA

Range

22

20 - 26

13 - 15

 

0.89 - 0.98

Naturally occurring

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

SS

23

14

 

0.93

 

 

 

pH

pH

NA

NA

Range

7.9 - 8.4

8.1

7.4 - 8.2

 

8.27 - 8.80

Naturally occurring and adjusted during

 

 

Units

Average

8.2

SS

7.8

 

8.51

treatment processes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Potassium

ppm

NA

NA

Range

4.9 - 4.9

4.0 - 4.8

3.1 - 3.5

 

0 - 54.5

Naturally occurring

 

 

Average

4.9

4.4

3.3

 

14.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sodium

ppm

NA

NA

Range

80

76 - 98

61 - 65

 

45 - 66

Naturally occurring salt present in the water

 

 

Average

SS

87

63

 

55

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOC

ppm

TT

NA

Range

NA

1.9 - 2.6

2.0 - 2.5

 

NA

Various natural and man-made sources

 

 

Highest RAA

NA

2.3

2.2

 

NA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA)

ppt

NL = 10

3

single

NA

4.2

ND

 

NA

By-product of drinking water chloramination;

 

 

sample

NA

SS

SS

 

NA

industrial processes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FEDERAL UNREGULATED

 

CONTAMINANTS

MONITORING RULE (UCMR4) (m)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Range

 

PD Distribution System

 

 

 

 

Manganese

ppb

NA

NA

 

ND - 2.5

 

Leaching from natural deposits

 

 

Average

 

0.99

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HAA5

ppb

NA

NA

Range

 

0.25 - 14.7

 

 

By-product of drinking water chlorination

 

 

Average

 

6.75

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HAA6Br

ppb

NA

NA

Range

 

0.3 - 16.5

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

6.88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HAA9

ppb

NL=800

NA

Range

 

0.55 - 26

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

11.38

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6

PADRE DAM LEAD & COPPER RESULTS

Padre Dam is required to test lead and copper levels within our service area every three years. Padre Dam last tested for lead and copper in 2019. Forty two locations were sampled. The results were well below regulatory action levels and are provided in the table below.

In response to new permitting requirements from the State Water Resources Control Board, Padre Dam contacted all public schools within our service area in 2017 and offered lead testing. All 21 public schools within Padre Dam’s service area participated in testing in 2017. Please contact each school for individual site testing results.

 

 

State or

PHG

90%

Parameter

Units

Federal

(MCLG)

percentile of

 

 

MCL(MRDL)

[MRDLG]

all samples

Copper

ppm

1.3

0.3

0.285

Lead

ppb

15

N/D

N/D

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. Padre Dam is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by ￿ushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. Padre Dam suggests you collect this ￿ushed water with a bucket and use it to water plants or other non-consumable use. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791 or online at: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

SODIUM & HARDNESS

 

Unit of

State or

PHG

Range

Helix Levy

MWD

SDCWA

Carlsbad

Parameter

Federal

(MCLG)

Skinner

Twin Oaks

Desalination

Measure

Average

Plant

 

MCL(MRDL)

[MRDLG]

Plant

Valley Plant

Plant

Sodium

ppm

NA

NA

Range

80

76 - 98

61 - 65

45.4 - 66

Average

SS

87

63

55.1

 

 

 

 

Hardness (parts per million)

ppm

NA

NA

Range

125 - 280

211 - 273

120 - 150

42 - 80

Average

211

242

135

57

 

 

 

 

Hardness (grains per gallon)

gpg

NA

NA

Range

7.3 - 16.4

12.3 - 16

7 - 8.8

2.4 - 4.7

Average

12.3

14.2

7.9

3.3

 

 

 

 

7

FOOTNOTES TO TABLES

  1. The turbidity level of the combined ￿lter ef￿uent shall be less than or equal to 0.3 NTU (0.1 NTU at Twin Oaks Treatment Plant and Carlsbad Desalination Plant) in 95% of

the measurements taken each month and shall not exceed 1 NTU at any time. Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of the water and is an indicator of treatment performance.

(b) Total coliform MCLs: No more than 5.0% of the monthly samples may be total coliform-positive. Compliance is based on the combined distribution system sampling. The MCL was not violated.

  1. Aluminum has both primary and secondary standards. Compliance with the state MCL for aluminum is based on RAA.
  2. All facilities were in compliance with all provisions of the State's Fluoridation System Requirements. Fluoride samples that were below target ranges were blended with other water supply sources to maintain compliance within water distributed to consumers.
  3. State MCL is 45 mg/L as nitrate, which equals 10 mg/L as N.
  4. Twin Oaks - Data collected (annually) from four consecutive quarters of monitoring in 2019 – 2020. Helix – Radiological monitoring occurred in 2018.
  5. The gross beta particle activity MCL is 4 millirem/year annual dose equivalent to the total body or any internal organ. The screening level is 50 pCi/L.
  6. DLR = 0.5 ppb for each TTHM (bromoform, chloroform, dibromochloromethane, bromodichloromethane).
  7. DLR = 1.0 ppb for each HAA5 analyte (dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, monobromoacetic acid, and dibromoacetic acid) except for monochloroacetic acid which has a DLR = 2.0 ppb.
  8. Twin Oaks - Running annual average was calculated from quarterly results of monthly and daily samples.
    Bromate reporting level is 3 ppb. Skinner - Compliance with the State and Federal bromate MCL is based on RRA.
  9. Skinner - Metropolitan's TDS compliance data are based on ￿ow-weighted monthly composite samples collected twice per year (April and October).
  10. Al is a calculated value that measures the aggressiveness of water transported through pipes. AI ≥ 12.0 = Non- aggressive water. AI (10.0 - 11.9) = Moderately aggressive water. AI ≤10.0 = Highly aggressive and very corrosive water.
  11. Sl measures the tendency for a water to precipitate or dissolve calcium carbonate (a natural mineral in water).
    Positive SI index = non-corrosive; tendency to precipitate and/or deposit scale on pipes. Negative SI index = corrosive; tendency to dissolve calcium carbonate.
  12. Unregulated contaminants are those for which EPA has not established drinking water standards. The purpose of unregulated contaminant monitoring is to assist EPA in determining the occurrence of unregulated contaminants in drinking water and whether future regulation is warranted. The Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 4) monitoring period for Public Water Systems is 2018-2020.

8

Reminder

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

Sources and Resources

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