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Is West Sacramento Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Yes! Generally Safe to Drink*

LAST UPDATED: 7:49 pm, August 12, 2022
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Table of Contents

Can You Drink Tap Water in West Sacramento?

Yes, West Sacramento's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as West Sacramento 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, West Sacramento's water utility, City of West Sacramento, 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 City of West Sacramento 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 West Sacramento Tap Water

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

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

Is there Lead in West Sacramento Water?

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

While West Sacramento 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 West Sacramento 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 - SACRAMENTO ARMY DEPOT - near West Sacramento 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 West Sacramento 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.

West Sacramento Water - Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DO I CONTACT WEST SACRAMENTO CUSTOMER SERVICE?
To contact customer service for the West Sacramento water provider, City of West Sacramento, please use the information below.
By Phone: 916-617-4870
By Email: chrisk@cityofwestsacramento.org
By Mail: 400 N. Harbor blvd.
WEST SACRAMENTO, CA, 95601
HOW TO PAY BILL FOR CITY OF WEST SACRAMENTO
Already have an account?

Existing customers can login to their City of West Sacramento account to pay their West Sacramento water bill by clicking here.

Want to create a new account?

If you want to pay your City of West Sacramento 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 West Sacramento 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 West Sacramento 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 WEST SACRAMENTO WATER SERVICE
Starting Your Service

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

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

Related FAQS

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

FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS REPORT:

Chris Kania

Water Treatment Superintendent (916) 617-4870

FOR ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS REPORT:

Public Works Department

(916) 617-4850

TO REPORT PROBLEMS AFTER HOURS:

Public Works Department (916) 372-3375

FOR BILLING QUESTIONS:

Finance Department (916) 617-4589

FOR WATER METER RETROFIT PROGRAM:

Ryan Teves

(916) 617-4665

FOR WATER QUALITY COMPLAINTS:

George Kristoff Water Treatment Plant (916) 617-4860

EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800) 426-4791

CITY OF WEST SACRAMENTO WEB SITE:

www.cityofwestsacramento.org

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS:

Twice monthly - Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 1110 West Capitol Ave. For specific dates check the “City Calendar” on

www.cityofwestsacramento.org

or phone (916) 617-4500.

TO REPORT WATER WASTE:

(916) 617-4545

QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS

We hope you find this report to be useful and informative. If you have any questions or comments about this report or about your drinking water, please call Chris Kania, Water Treatment Plant Superintendent, (916) 617-4870. For Water Conservation: Ryan Burnett (916) 617-5025.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

The City of West Sacramento has delivered over 125 billion gallons of high quality, treated water to our residents since the opening of the George Kristoff Water Treatment Plant in 1988. Today, as West Sacramento grows, our commitment to you continues. We are proud of the service we provide and promise to continue to deliver the highest quality drinking water to you and your family.

George Kristoff Water Treatment Plant

ANNUAL WATER QUALITY REPORT

George Kristoff Water Treatment Plant

400 North Harbor Blvd.

West Sacramento, CA 95605

June 2021

2020 CONSUMER

CONFIDENCE

REPORT

WATER QUALITY

PUBLIC WORKS

INTRODUCTION

The City of West Sacramento is dedicated to supplying its customers with a safe and reliable supply of high-quality drinking water. We are pleased to present this annual water report, which conforms to a federal regulation that requires community water systems to provide customers with detailed information about their drinking water. It includes information about water supply sources, water treatment, water quality, and source water protection programs. We hope the information in this report increases your understanding of the water treatment process and your confidence in the quality of the water you drink.

Landlords who receive this report should notify tenants residing in the city limits where they can view or obtain a copy of this report.

This report is available on the City of West Sacramento’s website.

https://www.cityofwestsacramento.org/city/deptspw/public_works_operations/

environmental_prog/waterquality.asp

Additional copies are available upon request; please contact the

City of West Sacramento Public Works Department at (916) 617-4850.

Este folleto contiene información importante sobre su agua potable. Tradúzcalo, o hable con alguien que pueda entenderlo.

Данный рaпорт содержит важную информацию о вашей питьевой воде. Переведите его или проконсультируйтесь с тем, кто его понимает.

WATER SUPPLY SOURCES

The City of West Sacramento’s main water supply is the Sacramento River. Our intake structure is located at Bryte Bend, upstream of the confluence of the Sacramento and American rivers. To ensure an adequate water supply for West Sacramento’s current and future needs, the City maintains 3 water supply contracts.

SOURCE WATER PROTECTION

A community’s drinking water supply is a valuable resource and needs protection. The quality and reliability of source water can have a significant impact on a community’s economy and quality of life. Given the importance of the Sacramento River to West Sacramento’s continuing growth and to the health and well-being of our residents, the City actively participates in several source water protection programs.

▶▶ The Rice Pesticide Workgroup, in partnership with the City of Sacramento, the County of Sacramento and the East Bay Municipal Utility District keeps us up to date on this important water quality issue. Our program of frequent monitoring at our raw water intake during rice season has been expanded to include new rice pesticides. In addition, we continually voice our concerns about the impact of rice growing activities on source water quality in meetings with the California State Department of Pesticide Regulation, the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), the California Rice Commission, and Agriculture Commissioners of the major rice growing counties. We have also presented our concerns directly to the RWQCB and to rice growers.

▶▶ The Keep the Waters Clean Campaign, in partnership with the City of Sacramento, the County of Sacramento and the East Bay Municipal UtilityDistrictprotectswaterqualitybyencouragingboatersandother recreational users of the Sacramento River to use pump outs and public restrooms rather than the river to dispose of wastes.

▶▶ The Sanitary Survey of the Sacramento River Watershed, an ongoing project in partnership with the City of Sacramento, Sacramento County Water Agency, Placer County Water Agency, City of West Sacramento, East Bay Municipal Utility District, City of Roseville andWoodland-DavisCleanWaterAgencykeepsusuptodate on developments in the Sacramento Valley watershed. The Sanitary Survey of 2021is available for review at the Public Works Department. 1110 West Capitol Avenue in West Sacramento.

▶▶ The Drinking Water Source Assessment Program (DWSAP) allows us to identify sources of contamination and respond to possible contamination near our water treatment plant and throughout the watershed. Our Source Water Assessment was completed in November 2014. The DWSAP survey identified agricultural drainages to which West Sacramento’s surface water source is most vulnerable. A copy of the survey is available for your review at the Public Works Department, 1110 West Capitol Avenue in West Sacramento.

▶▶ The Regional Water Authority Water Efficiency Program partners withwateragenciesthroughoutthegreaterSacramentoregiontohelp meet regulation and promote water efficiency. The program provides region-wide messaging and educational opportunities for residents through the “Be Water Smart” outreach program. In additional to outreach, the program hosts program meetings so that agencies can share best practices and create unified responses to conservation issuesthataffecttheentireregion.Thisprogramalsoassistsinfunding opportunities for individual agencies.

WATER TREATMENT: SURFACE WATER

WaterwithdrawnfromtheSacramentoRiveristreatedattheCity’sGeorge Kristoff Water Treatment Plant (GKWTP), which is operated 24 hours a day by State-Certified Water Treatment Plant Operators. 3.99 billion gallons of Sacramento River water was treated in 2020.

The City of West Sacramento maintains the high quality of our treatment process through the following:

Monitoring current research on water treatment, and continuing education and training at our treatment plant assures you of a motivated, professional staff focused on producing the best quality water possible.

A vigorous preventative maintenance program helps us to operate equipment at maximum efficiency.

Membership in local, regional and national water industry organizations allows us to draw on expertise and experience outside of our own city.

For further information about the water treatment process, please contact the GKWTP at (916) 617-4860.

WATER CONSERVATION

The City promotes water conservation year-round with messaging, events, rebates and water waste enforcement. Messaging efforts include social media, bill inserts and direct mailers. Events include seasonal events,likeEarthDay,region-widepartnershipsandworkshopsthatcover topicsonturfconversion,plantselectionandsmartirrigation.Waterwaste enforcement follows city municipal code prohibitions. Here are some examples of what you can do to save water:

  1. Purchase and install a smart irrigation controller. These devices use weather data to automatically adjust your irrigation schedule for you. See our website for current rebates. 2) Apply for a free residential Water Wise House Call. Receive a survey of your outdoor irrigation system; this includes a leak check, system issue check and free sprinkler nozzles. For information about these programs, visit: www.cityofwestsacramento. org/water. 3) Check your toilet for a leak. Put a little food coloring in the tank of your toilet. If that color appears in the bowl, you have a leak This is the most common leak around the house and can waste a lot of water.

OUTDOOR WATER CONSERVATION

The City recommends watering your landscape no more than three days perweektoreduceoutdoorwateruse.Youcanfindacustomizedirrigation schedule by visiting www.beyondthedrought.com. After entering some information about your landscape, you will receive an irrigation schedule tailored to your landscape’s needs. Other ways to reduce outdoor water use include: 1) Purchasing and installing a smart irrigation controller. These devices use weather data to automatically adjust your irrigation schedule for you. See our website for current rebates. 2) Applying for a free residential Water Wise House Call. Receive a survey of your outdoor irrigation system; this includes a leak check, system issue check and free sprinkler nozzles. For information about these programs, visit

www.cityofwestsacramento.org/water

WATER METERS

The City of West Sacramento continues making progress toward installing water meters to meet with California State Law, Assembly Bill No. 514 requirements to be fully metered. Water meters will enable the City to betterquantifycustomerwateruseandhelpincreasewaterconservation. Also, the City is complying with Assembly Bill No. 1953 (AB 1953) by not installing meters that have leaded materials but installing water meters that are made with brass based material. To comply with State mandates, the City plans to complete this year the final remaining project, Linden Acres, which will complete the remaining 200 meters to be completely metered.Theprojectisanticipatedtobeginnearthesummerthisyearand will be completed by Spring 2022. The transition of all current flat rate to meteredrateusersbeganin2017.TheCitywillcontinueprovidingresidents with information of this process to help customers better understand the transition.

For additional information about the water meter program contact the Project Manager Ryan Teves, Assistant Engineer at (916) 617–4665.

WATER QUALITY ANALYSIS RESULTS

DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS

 

TTHM 2020

 

 

 

HAA5 2020

 

 

Location

1

2

3

4

Location

1

2

3

4

 

QTR

QTR

QTR

QTR

 

QTR

QTR

QTR

QTR

Site 1

45.0

51.0

52.0

58.0

Site 1

20.0

22.0

19.0

22.0

Site 1

49.5

50.5

49.0

51.5

Site 1

24.8

24.0

21.0

20.8

LRAA

 

 

 

 

LRAA

 

 

 

 

Site 2

38.0

50.0

55.0

63.0

Site 2

19.0

23.0

20.0

22.0

Site 2

47.0

48.8

47.3

51.5

Site 2

24.0

23.5

21.0

21.0

LRAA

 

 

 

 

LRAA

 

 

 

 

Site 3

47.0

62.0

43.0

50.0

Site 3

20.0

28.0

17.0

18.0

Site 3

47.5

50.0

48.3

50.5

Site 3

22.0

22.3

20.3

20.8

LRAA

 

 

 

 

LRAA

 

 

 

 

Site 4

65.0

63.0

65.0

77.0

Site 4

29.0

31.0

24.0

27.0

Site 4

65.5

64.3

63.3

67.5

Site 4

33.0

30.8

28.5

27.8

LRAA

 

 

 

 

LRAA

 

 

 

 

Site 5

39.0

47.0

44.0

43.0

Site 5

16.0

22.0

15.0

16.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Site 5

47.3

45.3

42.8

43.3

Site 5

20.5

19.5

17.3

17.3

LRAA

 

 

 

 

LRAA

 

 

 

 

Site 6

45.0

52.0

42.0

44.0

Site 6

24.0

21.0

15.0

16.0

Site 6

45.8

47.8

45.3

45.8

Site 6

22.7

22.8

20.3

19.0

LRAA

 

 

 

 

LRAA

 

 

 

 

Constituent

Type MCL

Violation

Max Level Det

Units

DLR

EPA MCL

CA

Source

 

 

 

Results

 

 

 

PHG

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aluminum

Secondary

No

.077

mg/L

0.050

0.2

600

Erosion of natural deposits; residue from

some surface water treatment processes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barium

Primary

No

Not

mg/L

0.050

1000

200

Discharges of oil drilling wastes and from

Detected

metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manganese

Unregulated

No

0

mg/L

0.010

N/A

N/A

Naturally occurring in the environment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flouride

Primary

No

0.81

mg/L

0.100

2.0

1.0

Erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arsenic

Primary

No

2.1

PPB

2.0ppb

6.0ppb

1.0ppb

Erosion of natural deposits, runoff from

orchards; glass and electronics wastes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thalium

Primary

No

Not

PPB

1.0ppb

2.0

0.1

Leaching from ore-processing sites:

discharge from electronics, glass and drug

Detected

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

factories

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chloride

Secondary

No

7.0

mg/L

1.0

500

N/A

Runoff/leaching from natural deposits;

seawater influence

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Odor

Secondary

No

6.0

TON

N/A

3.0

N/A

Naturally -occurring organic materials

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

umhos/

1.0

 

 

Substances that form ions when in water;

Conductivity

Secondary

No

190

umhos/

1600

N/A

cm

seawater influence

 

 

 

 

cm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sulfate

Secondary

No

5.70

mg/L

0.5

500

N/A

Runoff/leaching from natural deposits;

industrial wastes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Dissolved

Secondary

No

120

mg/L

5.0

1000

N/A

Runoff/leaching from natural deposits

Solids

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Silver

Secondary

No

Not

PPB

10.0

0.1

N/A

Industrial discharge

Detected

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Calcium

Secondary

No

12.0

mg/L

0.10

N/A

N/A

Runoff/leaching from natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Magnesium

Secondary

No

7.0

mg/L

0.10

N/A

N/A

Runoff/leaching from natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Site 7

39.0

54.0

46.0

56.0

Site 7

19.0

24.0

16.0

20.0

Site 7

47.0

47.3

45.5

48.8

Site 7

23.0

22.0

19.3

19.8

LRAA

 

 

 

 

LRAA

 

 

 

 

Site 8

34.0

49.0

48.0

49.0

Site 8

12.0

22.0

17.0

18.0

Site 8

44.3

44.5

42.5

45.0

Site 8

20.8

20.5

18.0

17.3

LRAA

 

 

 

 

LRAA

 

 

 

 

TURBIDITY

Contaminant

MCL

PHG

Level

Sample

Violation

Source

 

Found

Data

 

 

 

 

 

Turbidity

TT = 1 NTU

N/A

0.071 NTU

12/8/20

No

Soil runoff

 

TT = 95%

 

 

 

 

 

 

of samples

 

100%

 

 

 

 

≤0.3 NTU

 

 

 

 

 

DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS

Contaminant

TTHM (PPB)

HAA5(PPB)

 

 

 

Type MCL

Primary

Primary

 

 

 

MCL

80

60

 

 

 

Average

50.5

20.4

 

 

 

Range

34.0-77.0

12.0-29.0

 

 

 

Sample Date

2020

2020

 

 

 

Violation

No

No

 

 

 

Source

Byproduct

Byproduct

 

of drinking

of drinking

 

water disin-

water disin-

 

fection

fection

 

 

 

2020 WEST SACRAMENTO WATER HARDNESS

Grains per gallon

Miligrams per litre

Classification

 

 

(mg/L) parts per

 

 

 

million (PPM)

 

3.4

 

58

 

Slightly Hard

 

 

 

 

^ WATER HARDNESS SCALE ^

Less than 1.0

 

Less than 17.1

 

Soft

 

 

 

 

 

1.0 - 3.5

 

17.1 - 60

 

Slightly Hard

 

 

 

 

 

3.5 - 7.0

 

60 - 120

 

Moderately Hard

 

 

 

 

 

7.0 - 10.5

 

120 - 180

 

Hard

 

 

 

 

 

Over 10.5

 

over 180

 

Very Hard

 

 

 

 

 

HARDNESS

There is no MCL for hardness. We are frequently asked for the hardness of West Sacramento water in grains per gallon. One grain/gallon is equal to 17.1 mg/L of hardness

The City of West Sacramento routinely monitors your drinking water according to federal and state laws. The following table shows selected results of our monitoring tests for the period of January 1st to December 31st, 2018. To help you better understand the terms and abbreviations used in the report, we’ve provided the following definitions:

HAA5 - Haloacetic acids

DDW - Division of Drinking Water

Detection Limit For Purposes Of Reporting (DLR) - the concentration of a contaminant in drinking water at or above which is reported to the California Department of Public Health

Parts Per Million (PPM) Or Milligrams Per Liter (MG/L) - a measurement of chemical concentration.

Parts Per Billion (PPB) Or Micrograms Per Liter (MG/L) - a measurement of chemical concentration.

Picocuries Per Liter (PCI/L) - a unit of measurement of a chemical concentration. Regulatory Action Level (AL) - the concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirement that a water system must follow.

LRAA - Locational running annual average

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

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) - the maximum level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. It is set as close to the maximum contaminant level goal as feasible, using the best available treatment technology.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) - the highest level of disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that 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 Micro Ohms Per Centimeter (UMHOS/CM) – a unit of measurement.

N/A - not applicable.

Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU) - a measurement of the clarity of water. Turbidity in excess of 5 ntu is noticeable to the average person.

Primary Drinking Water Standard (PDWS) - MCLs for contaminants that affect health along with their monitoring and reporting requirements, and water treatment techniques. Public Health Goal (PHG) - the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. The California Environmental Protection Agency sets public health goals.

Secondary Drinking Water Standard - MCLs for contaminants that may influence consumer acceptance of water, but are not otherwise harmful. These standards relate to taste, odor, color, mineral content and clarity.

SWRCB - State Water Resources Control Board

TON - Threshold Odor Number - Greatest dilution of a sample with odor-free water that still yields a just-detectable odor.

TTHM - total trihalometlanes

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

Running Annual Average (RAA) - a cumulative running average.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT...

 

 

PHG

Amount

Sites Above

 

 

 

 

AL

(MCGL)

Detected (90th

AL/Total

Year Sampled

Violation

Typical Source of Constituent

 

 

 

Percentile)

Sites

 

 

 

Copper (mg/L)

1300

300

71

0/30

2019

No

Internal corrosion of housegold p;umbing systems;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

preservatives.

Copper is an essential nutrient, but some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over a relatively short amount of time may experience gastrointestinal distress. Some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over many years may suffer liver or kidney damage. People with Wilson’s Disease should consult their personal doctor.

Lead (mg/L)

15

0.2

ND

0/30

2019

No

Internal corrosion of household water plumbing

 

 

 

NON-Detected

 

 

 

systems; discharges from industrial manufacturers;

 

 

 

 

 

 

errosion of natural deposits

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

FOR IMMUNO-COMPROMISED PERSONS

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer and 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 healthcare providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by cryptosporidium and other microbiological contaminants are available from the USEPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline, (800) 426-4791.

FLUORIDE

The City’s water plant adds fluoride to the naturally occurring level in order to promote dental health to consumers. The fluoride levels in the treated water for 2020weremaintainedwithinanaveragemonthlyrangeof0.68to0.85mg/L.The maximum level of Fluoride measured in West Sacramento during 2020 was 0.81 mg/L. A Public Health Goal (PHG) of 1 ppm is developed for fluoride in drinking water. This level is intended to be an approximate year-round average. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (U.S. EPA’s) Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for fluoride is 2.0 mg/L. U.S. EPA’s MCL was set to protect against crippling skeletal fluorosis, to protect against dental fluorosis (in mild cases, fluorosis is a slight discoloration of teeth, in more severe cases it can lead to pitting and breaking of the teeth). Moderate to severe dental fluorosis is rare when the drinking water fluoride level is in the range of 1 mg/L, but begins to become significant at concentrations close to 2 mg/L. The California MCL for fluoride is

2.0 mg/L. The PHG is based on a no-observed-adverse effect-level (NOAEL) of 1 mg/L for dental fluorosis in children. A relative source contribution of 100% (1) was applied yielding a calculated PHG of 1 mg/L. This level is judged to be the optimum level for reducing the prevalence of dental fluorosis while providing protection against dental caries. In reviewing the available data on health effects of fluoride, studies have been found which provide some indication that there may be a causative relationship between lifetime consumption of fluoridated drinking water and increased incidence of hip fracture in the elderly. However, this health endpoint is not sufficiently established at present to provide the basis for calculating a PHG. Therefore, OEHHA calculates a PHG of 1 mg/L (1 ppm) for fluoride in drinking water.

SODIUM

We are frequently asked about the sodium content of the West Sacramento water. Sodium is a naturally occurring chemical element and is present in our source water. The maximum level of sodium measured in West Sacramento water during 2020 was 1.0 mg/L. At this level an individual will ingest 15.0 mg of sodium for every liter of water consumed. There is no MCL for sodium in drinking water. Sodium in the diet is also measured in milligrams (mg). There is no recommended dietary allowance for sodium. However, the National Academy of Sciences states that a person should consume at least 500 mg a day and healthy adults should stay within the range of 1,100 to 3,300 mg a day. Individuals concerned with the effect of West Sacramento treated water in their daily intake of sodium should consult a healthcare professional. Additional information about potential health effects of drinking water can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

TURBIDITY

Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of the water. We monitor it because it is a good indicator of the effectiveness of our filtration system. The EPA’s Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule requires that the Combined Filter Effluent(CFE)turbiditybelessthan0.3NTUinatleast95%ofthemeasurements taken each month, and that the maximum CFE turbidity not exceed 1 NTU. In 2020, the city achieved 100% and the highest CFE turbidity was 0.071 NTU. (12/8/2020)

TOTAL COLIFORMS AND E COLI

There are a variety of bacteria, parasites, and viruses which can potentially cause health problems if humans ingest them in drinking water. Testing water foreachofthesepotentialpathogens(diseasecausingagents)wouldbedifficult and expensive. Instead, water quality and public health workers measure coliform levels. The presence of any coliforms in drinking water suggests that there may be a pathway for pathogens and/or fecal contamination to enter the drinking water distribution system (pipes, storage facilities, etc.). For drinking water, total coliforms are used to determine the adequacy of water treatment andtheintegrityofthedistributionsystem.Theabsenceoftotalcoliformsinthe distribution system minimizes the likelihood that fecal pathogens are present. Thus, total coliforms are used to determine the vulnerability of a system to fecal contamination. The MCL for total coliforms is no more than 5% of the samples collected in any month positive for total coliforms. In 2020the City collected 795 samples for total coliforms and E coli and did not exceed the 5% rule for any month sampled.

NITRATE

Nitratein drinkingwater at levels above45 mg/Lisahealthrisk forinfantsofless than six months of age. Such nitrate levels in drinking water can interfere with the capacity of the infant’s blood to carry oxygen, resulting in a serious illness; symptoms include shortness of breath and blueness of the skin. Nitrate levels above 45 mg/L may also affect the ability of the blood to carry oxygen in other individuals, such as pregnant women and those with certain specific enzyme deficiencies. If you are caring for an infant, or you are pregnant, you should ask advice from your health care provider. The George Kristoff Water Treatment Plant drinking water results for nitrate was non-detectable (ND).

DRINKING WATER CONTAMINANTS

All 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 the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential heath effects can be obtained by calling the USEPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottle 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 materials and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants in source water may include:

  • Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria that may come fromsewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operation,and wildlife.
  • Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, that can be naturally occurring or result from urban storm water 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 asagriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses.
  • Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals that are by-products of industrial processes and petroleumproduction, and can also come from gas stations, urban storm water 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.

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems.

WATER QUALITY

All public water supplies must meet stringent federal and state standards. Treated water that is delivered to you and your family not only meets but surpasses state and federal standards for quality and safety. We know this because we continually test or water using modern equipment and procedures in our own laboratory and State approved commercial laboratories. This regular program of water analysis, including sampling at over thirty-five representative sample stations throughout the City, assures safe drinking water for you and your family.

Contaminants


City of West Sacramento

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: 46500
  • Data available: 2012-2017
  • Data Source: Surface water
  • Total: 12

Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines

  • Bromodichloromethane
  • Chloroform
  • Chromium (hexavalent)
  • Dibromochloromethane
  • Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)

Other Detected Contaminants

  • Aluminum
  • Barium
  • Chromium (total)
  • Fluoride
  • Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
  • 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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