2020 WATER QUALITY RESULTS

PRIMARY STANDARDS - Mandatory Health Related Standards, Sampled 2019 - 2020, No MCL Violations

INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS

PRIMARY STANDARDS - Mandatory Health Related Standards, Sampled 2019 - 2020, No MCL Violations

MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS, No MCL Violation

Footnotes: (a): Fecal coliform and E. coli MCL = a routine sample and a repeat sample are total coliform positive, and one of these is also fecal coliform or E. coli positive. The MCL was not violated in 2020. (b) = Aluminum has both primary and secondary standards.

3. = Arsenic MCL is based on running annual average. *Trihalomethanes (TTHM’s) and Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) are a collection of sample results taken throughout the City from imported and blended water as a blended supply of water. Average is highest location running annual average.

The Water Quality table lists all drinking water contaminants that were detected during the 2020 calendar year. The presence of the contaminants in the water does not necessarily indicate that the water poses or did pose a health risk. Unless otherwise noted, the data presented in this table is from testing conducted January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. The State allows us to monitor for some contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Some of our data, though representative, is more than one year old.

HOW SAFE DRINKING WATER LEVELS ARE SET

The Federal Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, and its 1986 amendment, are intended to ensure the quality of our nation’s water supplies. In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. EPA and the SWRCB prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems.

SPECIAL NOTE TO PERSONS WITH COMPROMISED IMMUNE SYSTEMS

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, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. U.S. EPA and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1 (800) 426-4791.

2020 WATER QUALITY RESULTS

SECONDARY STANDARDS - Aesthetic Standards, Sampled 2019 - 2020, No MCL Violations

WATER QUALITY TERMS

Blending: The mixing of high-quality water with lower quality water to a calculated ratio to meet approved standards before delivery to customers.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. Primary MCLs are set as close to the Primary Health Goal (PHG) or the Maximum Contaminant Level Goal [MCLG] as is economically and technologically feasible. Secondary MCLs are set to protect the odor, taste, and appearance of drinking water.

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal [MCLG]: The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs are set by the U.S. EPA.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL): The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that 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 and MRDLs for contaminants that affect health along with their monitoring and reporting requirements and water treatment requirements.

Public Health Goal (PHG): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected health risk. PHGs are set by the California Environment Protection Agency.

Regulatory Action Level (AL): The concentration of a contaminant, which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow.

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

Turbidity: A measure of the cloudiness of the water. We monitor it because it is a good indicator of the effectiveness of our filtration system.

Units: A unit of measurement is a definite magnitude of a physical quantity, defined and adopted by convention and/or by law, that is used as a standard for measurement of the same physical quantity.

COMMONLY ASKED GENERAL WATER QUESTIONS

If I have a leak, who is responsible for repairing it?

It depends on the location of the leak. If the leak on a waterline is located on any line after the water meter, it is the customer’s responsibility to have it repaired. If the leak is located at, or prior to, the water meter, it is the City's responsibility to repair it.

Who do I call if I have a water emergency in the middle of the night?

The City has personnel on-call 24-hours a day, seven (7) days a week, to assist customers with water and sewer emergencies. For any water or sewer related emergency, call the City office at (909) 364-2800 during normal business hours and at (909) 364-2860 after 4:45 p.m. and on weekends.

I need to make repairs to my plumbing or irrigation. How do I shut-off my water?

The City recommends that all customers use their house isolation valve to shut off the water supply to their home to make repairs. If you cannot locate your house isolation valve or it is necessary to shut the water off at the water meter, call the City office (day or night) for a customer service representative to shut off the water at the meter. You can reach the City office at (909) 364-2800 during normal business hours, and at (909) 364-2860 after 4:45 p.m. and on weekends. Please note that a specialized tool is required to shut the water off at the meter. Attempting to turn the water off at the meter without this tool may result in damage to the mechanism and additional repair charges will be assessed.

Am I responsible for the condition of the plumbing system where it is connected to the City's meter?

Yes, in fact the City from time to time will make improvements to its system by replacing older water service laterals and meters with new components. During the course of this work, if reconnection to the customer's plumbing is difficult or impossible due to its deteriorated condition, the customer will be responsible for making any necessary upgrades. The City will provide notification when this situation arises.

For general water questions or questions regarding leaks, please call the Public Works Department during normal business hours at (909) 364-2800.

DRINKING WATER AND YOUR HEALTH

CITY OF CHINO HILLS ASSESSMENT OF SOURCE WATER

The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) conducted a source water assessment of all operable City water wells in May 2002. The assessment was designed to make the public and the City aware of contaminants detected in the City’s groundwater supply. In addition, the assessment highlights possible sources of these and future contaminants. The focus of the program was information gathering with attention to activities that may affect drinking water quality. The program enables public water systems to better protect and manage surface and groundwater resources. A copy of the complete assessment is available at SWRCB’s San Bernardino District Office at 464 West 4th Street, Suite 437, San Bernardino, California, 92401. You may request a summary of the assessment by contacting SWRCB at (909) 383-4320.

The active sources are considered most vulnerable to the following activities associated with contaminants detected in the water supply: known contaminant plumes, agricultural drainage, furniture repair/manufacturing, electrical/electronic manufacturing, sewer collection systems, appliance/electronic repair, chemical/petroleum processing/storage, and metal plating/finishing/fabricating. The sources are considered most vulnerable to the following activities not associated with any detected contaminants: fleet/truck/bus terminals, furniture repair/manufacturing, railroad yards/maintenance/fueling areas, chemical/petroleum processing/storage, and airport maintenance/fueling areas. As all potable water in existence continues to recycle for our use, pure quality does not exist; all water contains chemicals, organic and inorganic. While this lists chemicals detected in City-owned well water, no chemicals at or above allowable limits enter the water distribution system or reach our customers. Water from the wells is treated by trained and certified City staff using approved treatment processes and approved blending plans.

WATER USE RESTRICTIONS ARE IN EFFECT!

OUTDOOR WATERING IS LIMITED TO THREE DAYS PER WEEK

Residents and businesses are limited to three watering days per week

and shall not exceed 15 minutes (use multiple start times) per watering-station,

except for drip or micro-spray irrigation systems, which shall not exceed 30 minutes per station;

and are prohibited from watering between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

YOUR OUTDOOR IRRIGATION WATERING DAYS

ARE ASSIGNED BASED ON YOUR STREET ADDRESS

The following designated watering days for outdoor irrigation are:

Residential addresses ending in an EVEN number may use water on Mondays, Wednesdays & Saturdays (except from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)

Residential addresses ending in an ODD number may use water on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays (except from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)

NON-RESIDENTIAL addresses may use water on

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays (except from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)

THESE REGULATIONS DO NOT APPLY TO PROPERTIES USING RECYCLED WATER.

MANAGE YOUR IRRIGATION!

Set the controller for multiple start times at each watering station/zone.

For sprinkler zones do not exceed 15 minutes total;

for drip or micro-spray systems do not exceed 30 minutes total.

The multiple start times will allow you to water more effectively and avoid water runoff.

Adjust sprinkler heads to avoid overspray.

Remember that your turf will be stressed when you reduce consumption.

Use mulch around trees and planting beds to retain moisture.

If there is a power outage, don’t forget to reset the irrigation controller.

CHECK YOUR WATER USAGE

Water customers can check their water consumption and compare it with previous month’s and/or year’s usage levels. Visit www.chinohills.org/BillPay and click the online bill pay system icon. Once you have an account and are logged in, click on “Account Summary” to the left, then scroll down to the “Services” section and find the “Water Consumption” row. Click on the “View Consumption” hyperlink.

Later in 2021, the City of Chino Hills will be transitioning to a new easier-to-use and more convenient bill payment system. To check your water consumption using the new system, view a paper copy or download a PDF copy of your bill online and find the “Your Water Consumption” section.

You will be able to see the number of days in the billing cycle and your usage measured in CCF (hundred cubic feet). To determine the number of gallons used, multiply the usage in CCF by 748.

1 CCF = 748 Gallons

#CCF x 748 = # Gallons