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Is Southwest Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Yes! Generally Safe to Drink*

LAST UPDATED: 7:49 pm, July 21, 2022
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Table of Contents

Can You Drink Tap Water in Southwest?

Yes, Southwest's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Southwest 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 Southwest's local Twitter account.

According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Southwest's water utility, Gswc - Southwest, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. The last violation for Southwest was resolved on Nov. 30, 2011. This assessment is based on the Gswc - Southwest 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 Southwest Tap Water

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

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

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

For the compliance period beginning Nov. 21, 2014, Southwest had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Source Water (GWR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Groundwater Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: E. COLI.

From Nov. 1, 2011 to Nov. 30, 2011, Southwest had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Monthly (TCR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Total Coliform Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Coliform (TCR).

Is there Lead in Southwest Water?

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

While Southwest 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 Southwest Tap Water?

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

Southwest 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
11/21/2014 - Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Source Water (GWR) (34) Ground Water Rule (140) E. COLI (3014) Microbials (100) Groundwater Rule (140)
11/01/2011 - 11/30/2011 Resolved Yes Maximum Contaminant Level Violation (MCL) Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Monthly (TCR) (22) Total Coliform Rule (110) Coliform (TCR) (3100) Microbials (100) Total Coliform Rules (110)

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.

Southwest Water - Frequently Asked Questions

HOW TO READ THIS TABLE
The EPA health advisory limit for the contaminant in drinking water. The highest level for which the contaminant has no known or expected health risks.
HOW DO I CONTACT SOUTHWEST CUSTOMER SERVICE?
To contact customer service for the Southwest water provider, Gswc - Southwest, please use the information below.
By Phone: 310-263-4141
By Email: david.schultise@gswater.com
By Mail: 14401 SOUTH CHADRON AVENUE
HAWTHORNE, CA, 90250
HOW TO PAY BILL FOR GSWC - SOUTHWEST
Already have an account?

Existing customers can login to their Gswc - Southwest account to pay their Southwest water bill by clicking here.

Want to create a new account?

If you want to pay your Gswc - Southwest 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 Southwest 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 Southwest 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 SOUTHWEST WATER SERVICE
Starting Your Service

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

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

Related FAQS

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

2020

Southwest

Water System

Consumer Confidence Report on Water Quality for 2019

Providing Quality Drinking Water in California Since 1929

www.gswater.com/SouthwestCCR facebook.com/GoldenStateH2O @GoldenStateH2O

About the Company

Golden State Water Company (GSWC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of American States Water Company (NYSE:AWR). GSWC provides water service to more than 1 million people in over 80 communities throughout California and distributes electricity to approximately 24,000 customers in the City of Big Bear Lake and surrounding areas in San Bernardino County, California, through its Bear Valley Electric Service division. AWR also owns a contracted services subsidiary, American States Utility Services, Inc. (ASUS). ASUS provides operations, maintenance and construction management services for water and wastewater systems located on military bases throughout the country under 50- year privatization contracts with the U.S. government.

Robert Sprowls

President and

Chief Executive Officer

Golden State Water Company

Katherine Nutting

General Manager,

Southwest District

Golden State Water Company

Providing Quality Drinking Water in California Since 1929

Dear Golden State Water Customer,

Golden State Water Company (GSWC) is pleased to present our 2020 Annual Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report), providing customers with important information regarding local water quality and service during the 2019 calendar year.

Last year was a monumental year for California water policy, specifically related to water quality. Water providers throughout the state were required to complete lead testing at schools in their local service areas by July 2019 to meet compliance with legislation (AB 746) that California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law in 2017. Additionally, the state established new guidelines for testing and reporting for certain compounds that fall within a class of emerging contaminants known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. While consumer products and food are

a large source of exposure to PFAS, drinking water can be an additional source in communities where these chemicals have infiltrated water supplies from industrial facilities where these chemicals were produced or used to manufacture other products, or where certain firefighting foams were used for either training or fighting Class B (liquid) fires.

This new decade brings its own challenges too, as we all band together to limit the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). There is a lot of uncertainty regarding the availability of essential supplies and public health necessities, but we hope customers find solace knowing that Golden State Water’s dedicated team of water professionals will never stop working to ensure they have quality, reliable water at their taps when they need it.

Water quality is a top priority for GSWC, and it has been for more than 90 years. Our team of scientists, engineers and water experts is dedicated to protecting our water systems and ensuring the water we deliver to local homes and businesses meets the stringent standards set by the state and federal governments and is safe to drink.

GSWC provides water service to approximately 1 million customers in more than 80 communities throughout California. We aggressively monitor and test for hundreds of contaminants in each of our 37 water systems and have consistently scored among the top water companies for compliance with water quality regulations.

GSWC is proud to report that the water delivered to your tap continues to meet all federal and state quality standards established to protect public health and safety. Within this document, you will find information regarding local water supply sources, testing, and the steps GSWC takes to ensure our water is in compliance with standards set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Drinking Water (DDW) and California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).

To access the most up-to-date Water Quality Report for your area, sampling results, and to learn more about common contaminants, you can visit www.gswater.com/water-quality/ . If you have any questions about this report, please contact our 24-hour Customer Service Center at 1.800.999.4033 or email us at customerservice@gswater.com.

GSWC is constantly working toward 100 percent customer satisfaction and encourages all customers to visit www.gswater.com and follow us on Twitter and on Facebook at @GoldenStateH2O.

On behalf of everyone at GSWC, thank you for allowing us the opportunity to serve you and your community.

Sincerely,

Robert Sprowls

Katherine Nutting

Golden State Water is constantly working

toward 100 percent customer satisfaction and

encourages all customers to visit

www.gswater.com and follow us on Twitter and on Facebook at @GoldenStateH20

2

Where Does
My Water Come From?

Water delivered to customers in the Southwest System

is a blend of groundwater pumped from the West Coast and Central Groundwater

Basins and imported water from the Colorado River Aqueduct and the State Water Project (imported and distributed by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California). The West Coast Groundwater Basin stretches southwesterly from the Newport- Inglewood Fault Zone. The Central Groundwater Basin is bounded on the north by the La Brea Uplift; on the east by the Elysian, Repetto, Merced and Puente hills; on the southeast by the Orange County

Groundwater Basin; and on the west by the Newport-Inglewood Fault Zone.

Source Water Assessment

Golden State Water Company conducted a source water assessment from

2003 through 2017 for each groundwater well serving the customers of its Southwest System.

The groundwater sources are considered most vulnerable to the following activities not associated with detected contaminants: active and historic gas stations, automobile body, shops, chemical/petroleum processing/storage, confirmed leaking underground storage tanks, dry cleaners, electric/electronic manufacturing, furniture repair/manufacturing, high-density septic systems, landfills/dumps, machine shops, metal plating/finishing/fabrication, other animal operations, photo processing/printing, plastics/synthetics producers, and sewer collection systems.

A copy of the assessment may be viewed at:

State Water Board Los Angeles District Office

500 N. Central Ave., Suite 500, Glendale, CA 91203

or

Golden State Water Company, Southwest Office

1600 West Redondo Beach Blvd., Suite 101, Gardena, CA 90247

You may request a summary of the assessment be sent to you by contacting:

State Water Board Los Angeles District Office at 1.818.551.2004

For more details, contact David Schultise, Water Quality Engineer, at 1.800.999.4033.

In December 2002, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) completed a source water assessment of its Colorado River and State Water Project supplies. Colorado

River supplies are considered to be most vulnerable to the following: increasing urbanization in the watershed, recreation, urban/stormwater runoff, and wastewater.

State Water Project supplies are considered to be most vulnerable to the following: agriculture, recreation, urban/ stormwater runoff, wastewater and wildlife.

A copy of the assessment can be obtained by contacting MWD at 1.213.217.6000.

3

CONTENTS

Source Water Assessment

3

Glossary of Terms

4

Source Water Quality Table

5

How to Read Your Table

5

Laboratory Analyses

6

Distribution Water Quality Table

6

Risk to Tap and Bottled Water

7

For Sensitive Immune Systems

7

Cross Connection Control Program

7

Flushing

7

Contact Us

8

Connect with Us

8

Infrastructure Investments

8

Conserving for California

8

In every one of our water

systems, a team of highly-trained employees monitors water quality on an on-going basis to ensure that our customers are receiving high-quality water.

Glossary of Terms

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)

The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. Primary MCLs are set as close to the public health goals and maximum contaminant level goals as is economically and technologically feasible. Secondary MCLs are set to protect the odor, taste and appearance of drinking water.

California Notification Level (NL)

Non-regulatory, health-based advisory levels established by the State Board for contaminants in drinking water for which an MCL has not been established.

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG)

The level of contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. Maximum contaminant level goals are set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL)

The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that the addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG)

The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.

Primary Drinking Water Standard (PDWS)

MCLs, MRDLs and treatment techniques (TTs) for contaminants that affect health, along with their monitoring and reporting requirements.

Public Health Goal (PHG)

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

Regulatory Action Level (AL)

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

Treatment Technique (TT)

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

Delivering drinking water is serious business, and our team of scientists,

engineers and water experts is dedicated to protecting our water systems and ensuring the water we deliver to local homes and businesses meets stringent standards set by the state and federal governments and is safe to drink.

Contaminants are measured in

Units

Also known as

This can be compared to…

Parts per million (PPM)

mg/L

milligrams per liter

1 second in 12 days

 

 

 

 

Parts per billion (PPB)

µg/L

micrograms per liter

1 second in 32 years

 

 

 

 

Parts per trillion (PPT)

ng/L

nanograms per liter

1 second in 32,000 years

 

 

 

 

Grains per gallon

grains per

a measurement for water hardness often used for

1 grain/gal equals 17.1 mg/L of hardness

 

gallon

sizing household water softeners

 

 

 

 

 

Nephelometric Turbidity Units

NTU

a measurement of the clarity of water

Turbidity in excess of 5 NTU is noticeable to

 

 

 

the average person

 

 

 

 

Microsiemens per centimeter

µS/cm

a measurement of a solution’s ability to conduct

 

 

 

electricity

 

 

 

 

 

Picocuries per liter

pCi/L

a measurement of radioactivity in water

 

 

 

 

 

4

How to Read This Table

The EPA health advisory limit for the contaminant in drinking water.

The highest level for which the contaminant has no known or expected health risks.

The consumer confidence report lets you know which constituents, if any, are in your drinking water and how this may affect your health. The constituents presented in this table were detected above the detection limit set by the State Water Quality Control Board. Below is a guide that explains each column of the table.

 

The range of presence for

 

 

The average amount of

 

 

The most recent

 

Describes the most likely ways a

 

 

which the contaminant was

 

 

a constituent detected

 

 

 

 

year tests were

 

constituent enters the drinking water.

 

 

detected in drinking water.

 

 

in the drinking water.

 

 

 

 

conducted.

 

Wording provided by the EPA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Primary Standards -

Primary

 

PHG

Range of

Average

Most Recent

Typical Source of Constituent

 

 

Health Based (units)

MCL

(MCLG)

Detection

Level

Sampling Date

 

 

 

 

 

Substance A (mg/L)

1

0.6

ND - 40

20

2018

Erosion of natural deposits; residue from some surface

 

water treatment processes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Substance B (µg/L)

6

1

0.1 - 2.8

1.7

2018

Discharge from petroleum refineries; fire retardants;

 

ceramics; electronics; solder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YOUR WATER MEETS ALL CURRENT FEDERAL AND STATE REQUIREMENTS

Southwest Water System – Source Water Quality

Primary Standards -

Primary

PHG

Range of

Average

Most Recent

Typical Source of Constituent

Health Based (units)

MCL

(MCLG)

Detection

Level

Sampling Date

 

Turbidity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Highest single measurement of the

TT = 1.0

n/a

n/a

0.06

2019

Soil runoff

treated surface water (NTU)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lowest percent of all monthly readings

TT = 95

n/a

n/a

100%

2019

Soil runoff

less than 0.3 NTU (%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inorganic Constituents

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aluminum (mg/L)

1

0.6

ND - 0.29

ND

2019

Erosion of natural deposits; residue from some surface water treatment processes

Arsenic (µg/L)

10

0.004

ND - 3.0

ND

2019

Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards; glass and electronics production

wastes

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barium (mg/L)

1

2

ND - 0.12

ND

2019

Discharges of oil drilling wastes and from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits

Fluoride (mg/L)

2.0

1

0.3 - 2.0

0.7

2019

Erosion of natural deposits; water additive that promotes strong teeth; discharge

from fertilizer and aluminum factories

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nitrate [as N] (mg/L)

10

1

ND - 0.5

ND

2019

Runoff and leaching from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks and sewage;

erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

Volatile Organic Compounds

 

 

 

 

 

 

Toluene (µg/L)

150

150

ND - 0.6

ND

2019

Discharge from petroleum and chemical refineries

Radioactive Constituents

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Alpha Activity (pCi/L)

15(a)

(0)

ND - 9.9

ND

2019

Erosion of natural deposits

Uranium (pCi/L)

20

0.43

ND - 1.5

ND

2019

Erosion of natural deposits

Secondary Standards -

Secondary

PHG

Range of

Average

Most Recent

Typical Source of Constituent

Aesthetic (units)

MCL

(MCLG)

Detection

Level

Sampling Date

 

Aluminum (µg/L)

200

n/a

ND - 290

28

2019

Erosion of natural deposits; residue from some surface water treatment processes

Color (units)

15

n/a

ND - 10

2

2019

Naturally-occurring organic materials

Chloride (mg/L)

500

n/a

22 - 120

50

2019

Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; seawater influence

Iron (µg/L)

300

n/a

ND - 240

ND

2019

Leaching from natural deposits; industrial wastes

Manganese (µg/L)

50

n/a

ND - 29

ND

2019

Leaching from natural deposits

Odor — Threshold (units)

3

n/a

ND - 2

1

2019

Naturally-occurring organic materials

Specific Conductance (µS/cm)

1600

n/a

435 - 930

580

2019

Substances that form ions when in water; seawater influence

Sulfate (mg/L)

500

n/a

31 - 120

63

2019

Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; industrial wastes

Turbidity (units)

5

n/a

ND - 1.2

0.2

2019

Soil runoff

Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L)

1000

n/a

244 - 560

350

2019

Runoff/leaching from natural deposits

Other Parameters (units)

Notification

PHG

Range of

Average

Most Recent

Typical Source of Constituent

Level

(MCLG)

Detection

Level

Sampling Date

 

 

Alkalinity (mg/L)

n/a

n/a

67 - 210

150

2019

 

Calcium (mg/L)

n/a

n/a

23 - 79

51

2019

 

Hardness [as CaCO3] (mg/L)

n/a

n/a

101 - 300

190

2019

The sum of polyvalent cations present in the water, generally magnesium and

calcium; the cations are usually naturally occurring

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hardness [as CaCO3] (grains/gal)

n/a

n/a

5.9 - 18

11

2019

 

Magnesium (mg/L)

n/a

n/a

11 - 26

15

2019

 

pH (pH units)

n/a

n/a

7.0 - 8.8

8.0

2019

 

Potassium (mg/L)

n/a

n/a

2.2 - 6.3

3.8

2019

 

Sodium (mg/L)

n/a

n/a

41 - 85

53

2019

Refers to the salt present in the water and is generally naturally occurring

Unregulated Drinking Water

Notification

PHG

Range of

Average

Most Recent

 

Constituents (units)

Level

(MCLG)

Detection

Level

Sampling Date

 

HAA6Br [Total of 6 Brominated

n/a

n/a

0.3 - 20

8.0

2019

 

Haloacetic Acids] (µg/L)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HAA9 [Total of 9 Haloacetic Acids] (µg/L)

n/a

n/a

0.71 - 38

15

2019

 

(a) MCL is based on Gross Alpha minus Uranium. ND = Not Detected CaCO3 = Calcium Carbonate

This table includes data only on constituents that were detected.

5

Laboratory Analyses

Through the years, we have taken thousands of water samples to determine the presence of any radioactive, biological, inorganic, volatile organic, or synthetic organic contaminants in your drinking water. The table we provide shows only detected contaminants in the water.

Even though all the substances listed here are under the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), we feel it is important that you know exactly what was detected and how much of these substances were present in your water. Compliance (unless otherwise noted) is based on the average level of concentration below the MCL. The state allows us to monitor for some contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations do not change frequently. Some of our data, while representative, is more than a year old.

Aluminum — The secondary MCL for aluminum is set for aesthetic reasons and there is no health concern associated with the aluminum levels in this water system.

Chloramination — The water purchased by GSWC from Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) contains chloramine. Chloramine is added to the water for public health protection. Chloraminated water is safe for people and animals to drink, and for all other general uses. Three special user groups, including kidney dialysis patients, aquarium owners, and businesses or industries that use water in their treatment process, must remove chloramine from the water prior to use.

Hospitals or dialysis centers should be aware of chloramine in the water and should install proper chloramine removal equipment, such as dual carbon adsorption units. Aquarium owners can use readily available products to remove or neutralize chloramine. Businesses and industries that use water in any manufacturing process or for food or beverage preparation should contact their water treatment equipment supplier regarding specific equipment needs.

Fluoridation — GSWC began adding fluoride to its treated water supply in March 2013. Fluoride has been added to the water that GSWC purchases from Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) since November 2007. Customers should see no difference in the taste, color or odor of their water as a result of fluoridation. Fluoridation does not change the way you normally use water for fish, pets or cooking. Parents and guardians of children who receive fluoride supplements should consult the child’s doctor or

dentist. For information regarding fluoridation of your water, please visit the Division of Drinking Water’s fluoridation website at https:// www.waterboards.ca.gov/drinking_water/certlic/drinkingwater/ Fluoridation.html.

Lead — 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. Golden State Water Company is responsible

for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to two minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information about lead in drinking water, testing methods and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1.800.426.4791 or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

School Lead Testing — Water quality and protecting public health are top priorities for Golden State Water Company, and we are proud to have partnered with schools throughout our service areas over the last few years to test the drinking water at their facilities for the presence of lead.

California state law (AB 746), established in 2018, requires that all public K-12 schools built before January 1, 2010, have their drinking water tested for lead before the deadline of July 1, 2019. Golden State Water worked collaboratively with schools we serve to ensure 100% compliance.

To learn more about the school lead testing program, please visit www.gswater.com/schools.

Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring — Monitoring for unregulated contaminants helps the USEPA and the State Water Board to determine where certain contaminants occur and whether the contaminants need to be regulated.

Southwest Water System – Distribution Water Quality

Microbiological

Primary

PHG

Value

 

Most Recent

Typical Source of Constituent

 

Constituents (units)

MCL

(MCLG)

 

Sampling Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Coliform Bacteria

More than 5% of

 

Highest percent of monthly

 

 

 

 

monthly samples

(0)

2019

Naturally present in the environment

 

 

≥40 Samples/Month (Present / Absent)

samples positive was 0.9 %

 

 

are positive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disinfection Byproducts

Primary

PHG

Range of

Average

Most Recent

Typical Source of Constituent

 

and Disinfectant Residuals (units)

MCL (MRDL)

(MRDLG)

Detection

Level

Sampling Date

 

 

 

 

Bromate (µg/L)

10

0.1

ND - 8.4

3.1

2019

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

 

 

Chloramines [as Cl2] (mg/L)

(4.0)

(4)

ND - 4.0

2.0

2019

Drinking water disinfectant added for treatment

 

 

HAA5 [Sum of 5 Haloacetic Acids] (µg/L)

60

n/a

ND - 24

9.9

2019

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

 

 

TTHMs [Total Trihalomethanes] (µg/L)

80

n/a

9.1 - 35

34

2019

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

 

 

Inorganic Constituents

Action

PHG

Sample

90th %

Most Recent

Typical Source of Constituent

 

(units)

Level

(MCLG)

Data

Level

Sampling Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

None of the 69

 

 

 

 

 

Copper (mg/L)

1.3

0.3

samples collected

0.09

2019

Internal corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural

exceeded the

deposits; leaching from wood preservatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

action level.

 

 

 

 

 

Lead sampling in schools and

Action

PHG

Sample Data

90th %

Most Recent

Typical Source

Number of Schools

residential plumbing

Level

Level

Sampling Date

 

Tested (b)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

None of the 69

 

 

Internal corrosion of household water

 

 

 

 

 

samples collected

 

 

 

 

Lead (µg/L)

15

0.2

ND

2019

plumbing systems; discharges from industrial

 

45

exceeded the

 

 

 

 

 

 

manufacturers; erosion of natural deposits.

 

 

 

 

 

action level.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b) The State of California made lead sampling in schools mandatory with a compliance window through 2019. ND = Not Detected

This table includes data only on constituents that were detected.

6

Risk to Tap and Bottled Water

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain 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’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1.800.426.4791.

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 layers in the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, which can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animal or human activity.

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) and the State Water Resources Control Board (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.

Contaminants in Drinking Water Sources May Include:

66Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations and wildlife

66Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, and farming

66Pesticides and herbicides that may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff and residential uses

66Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff and septic systems

66Radioactive contaminants that can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities

For People with Sensitive

Immune Systems

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno- compromised people, such as those individuals with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, those who have undergone organ transplants, those with HIV/AIDS

or other immune system disorders, some elderly populations, and infants, can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice from their health care providers.

The USEPA and Centers for Disease Control issue guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants. To obtain a copy of these guidelines, please call the USEPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1.800.426.4791.

Cross Connection Control Program

Golden State Water Company’s Cross Connection Control Program provides a level of certainty that the water in the company’s distribution system is protected from possible backflow of contaminated water from commercial or industrial customers’ premises. For additional information, visit http://www.gswater.com/protecting-our-drinking-water/.

Flushing

Hydrant flushing is an essential maintenance procedure that all water providers must perform periodically to ensure the water delivered to customers meets state and federal drinking water standards. In 2019, GSWC launched NO-DES, or Neutral Output- Discharge Elimination System, units in our Southwest service area to help flush our system sustainably.

Traditional hydrant flushing discharges hundreds of thousands of gallons of water onto the street. Golden State Water’s NO- DES truck offers a new maintenance technology, connecting two hydrants to a complex filtration system which cleans the water and returns it to the distribution system.

For more information about hydrant flushing, visit www.gswater.com/no-des-flushing/.

7

If You Have Questions – Contact Us

For information about your water quality or to find out about upcoming opportunities to participate in public meetings, please contact our 24-hour Customer Service Center at 1.800.999.4033. Visit us online at www.gswater. com or email us at customerservice@gswater.com.

Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua de beber. Tradúzcalo o hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.

この報告書には上水道に関する重要な情報が記されておりま す。翻訳を御依頼なされるか、内容をご理解なさっておられ る方にお尋ね下さい

Chi tiê´t này thâ. t quan tro. ng. Xin nhò’ nguò’i di.ch cho quý vi.. Mahalaga ang impormasyong ito. Mangyaring ipasalin ito.

Connect with us to learn more!

Visit www.gswater.com to:

66Access the latest Water Quality Report for your area

66Get the latest updates and news regarding the drought and state/local restrictions

66Learn more about water-use efficiency, including programs and rebates in your area

66Understand your water bill and learn about payment options

66Obtain information about programs for low-income customers (CARW)

66Sign up to receive email updates about your water service.

For additional information, please contact our 24-hour Customer Service Center at 1.800.999.4033 or email us at customerservice@gswater.

Infrastructure Investments

Water providers have a duty to maintain the local water infrastructure to ensure that the delivery of reliable, quality water is not compromised. At GSWC, we take that responsibility seriously.

In 2019, GSWC installed 76,560 feet of pipeline, 1,920 service lines and 153 fire hydrants throughout the state. Proactive system investments like these are critical to protect the quality of water we serve to the customers and to avoid the costly and sometimes dangerous effects of deferring maintenance.

Customers interested in learning more about current and completed infrastructure projects in their service areas are encouraged to visit www.gswater.com/infrastructure- investments.

A drought-tolerant garden.

Conserving for California

After a wet 2018-19 winter season that lifted California out of a drought, the state has experienced yet another year of minimal rain that will have a direct impact on our lakes, reservoirs and groundwater aquifers. As Californians, it is our duty to make conservation a way of life and protect this precious resource that only continues to become more scarce.

GSWC is proud to be your conservation partner and reminds customers that we must continue to use water responsibly to ensure supplies will be available when they are needed. It is important that we all work together to incorporate water-use efficiency into our daily lives.

To learn more about conservation programs and/or water-use restrictions in your area, please visit www.gswater.com or call 1.800.999.4033.

8

Contaminants


Golden State Water Company (GSWC) - Southwest

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: 271677
  • Data available: 2012-2017
  • Data Source: Purchased surface water
  • Total: 22

Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines

  • Arsenic
  • Bromodichloromethane
  • Bromoform
  • Chloroform
  • Dibromochloromethane
  • Dichloroacetic acid
  • Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
  • Trichloroacetic acid
  • Uranium

Other Detected Contaminants

  • Barium
  • Bromide
  • Chlorate
  • Chromium (hexavalent)
  • Dibromoacetic acid
  • Fluoride
  • Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
  • Manganese
  • Molybdenum
  • Monobromoacetic acid
  • Monochloroacetic acid
  • Strontium
  • Vanadium

Reminder

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

Sources and Resources

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