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Is Redlands Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Yes! Generally Safe to Drink*

LAST UPDATED: 7:47 pm, July 23, 2022
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Table of Contents

Can You Drink Tap Water in Redlands?

Yes, Redlands's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Redlands 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, Redlands's water utility, Redlands City Mud-Water Div, 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 Redlands City Mud-Water Div 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 Redlands Tap Water

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

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

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

Is there Lead in Redlands Water?

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

While Redlands 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 Redlands 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 - Norton Air Force Base - near Redlands 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 Redlands 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.

Redlands Water - Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DO I CONTACT REDLANDS CUSTOMER SERVICE?
To contact customer service for the Redlands water provider, Redlands City Mud-Water Div, please use the information below.
By Phone: 909-798-7658
By Email: jharris@cityofredlands.org
By Mail: P.O. Box 3005
REDLANDS, CA, 92373
HOW TO PAY BILL FOR REDLANDS CITY MUD-WATER DIV
Already have an account?

Existing customers can login to their Redlands City Mud-Water Div account to pay their Redlands water bill by clicking here.

Want to create a new account?

If you want to pay your Redlands City Mud-Water Div 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 Redlands 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 Redlands 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 REDLANDS WATER SERVICE
Starting Your Service

Moving to a new house or apartment in Redlands means you will often need to put the water in your name with Redlands City Mud-Water Div. 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 Redlands means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with Redlands City Mud-Water Div. 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

The estimated price of bottled water

$2 in USD (1.5-liter)

USER SUBMITTED RATINGS

Redlands tap water
  • Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility 33% Low
  • Water Pollution 46% Moderate
  • Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility 67% High
  • Water Quality 54% Moderate

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

Related FAQS

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

2021

CITY OF REDLANDS

CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT

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Last year, as in years past, your tap water exceeded all U.S. EPA and State drinking water health standards. The City of Redlands vigilantly safeguards its water supplies and once again, we are proud to report that our system has never violated a maximum contaminant level or any other water quality standard. This brochure is a snapshot of last year’s water quality. Included are details about where your water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to State standards. We are

committed to providing you with information because informed customers are our best allies.

WATER SOURCE PROTECTION

The City of Redlands is committed to protecting our water sources from possible contamination. Source water assessments were completed in 2002 for all of our drinking water supplies. You can view the source water assessments at our office (location listed on back page). The assessments help to identify the vulnerability of drinking water supplies. These assessments are intended to provide basic information necessary for us to develop programs to protect our drinking water supplies. Possible contaminants can originate from: agricultural drainage, urban runoff, septic systems, sewer collection systems, junk/scrap/salvage operations, crop irrigation, underground storage tanks at automobile gas stations and illegal dumping.

Anyone interested in receiving a copy of the source water assessment should contact the City’s water system contact:

Kevin Watson, Utilities Operations Manager (909) 798-7588 ext. 1

IMPORTANT FACTS FROM THE U.S. EPA

ABOUT DRINKING WATER

The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally- occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up contaminants from the presence of animals or from human activity.

Contaminants that may be present in source water include:

  • Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, that may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
  • Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, that can be naturally-occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
  • Pesticides and herbicides, that may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
  • Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, that are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, agricultural application, and septic systems.
  • Radioactive contaminants, that can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

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 Water Board) prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. State Water Board regulations also establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that provide the same protection for public health.

SOURCES OF WATER

The City of Redlands was incorporated in 1888 and has developed extensively from its origin as an agricultural area. More than 75,000

residents in Redlands, Mentone, parts of Crafton Hills and San Timoteo Canyon, and small parts of Loma Linda and San Bernardino depend on the Redlands Municipal Utilities & Engineering Department to provide water service to their homes and businesses.

The City of Redlands water system is supported by groundwater and surface water sources. Surface water sources include the Santa Ana River Watershed, Mill Creek Watershed and California State Water Project. Approximately 50% of the of the drinking water produced is treated surface water delivered by the Horace P. Hinckley and Henry Tate conventional surface water treatment plants. The remaining 50% is produced by 23 local groundwater wells located

within the Bunker Hill Groundwater Basin.

Pictured: Mill Creek, looking northeast from Morton Peak. Mill Creek provides approximately 25% of the CIty’s water supply.

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the U.S. EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations and California law also establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that provide the same protection for public health. Additional information on bottled water is available on California Department of Public Health’s website at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/ DFDCS/Pages/FDBPrograms/FoodSafetyProgram/Water.aspx

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. U.S. EPA/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 (1-800-426-4791).

For information on ground water and drinking water, please visit:

https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water

TERMS USED IN THIS REPORT

MAXIMUM CONTAMINANT LEVEL (MCL):

The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. Primary MCLs are set as close to the PHGs (or MCLGs) as is economically and technologically feasible. Secondary MCLs are set to protect the 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 US Environmental Protection Agency (US 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. MRDLG’s do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.

N/A:

Not applicable

ND:

Not detectable at testing limit.

NS:

No standards

NT:

Not tested

PUBLIC HEALTH GOAL (PHG):

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

PRIMARY DRINKING WATER STANDARDS (PDWS):

MCLs and MRDLs for contaminants that affect health, along with their monitoring, reporting and water treatment requirements.

REGULATORY ACTION LEVELS (AL):

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

NEPHELOMETRIC TURBIDITY UNIT (NTU):

Nephelometric Turbidity Unit is a measure of the clarity of water. Turbidity in excess of 5 NTU is just noticeable to the average person.

TREATMENT TECHNIQUE (TT):

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

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This report contains important information about your drinking water. Please contact the City of Redlands at 35 Cajon Street, Suite 15A, Redlands CA 92373 or 909-798-7698 for assistance.

Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua para beber. Favor de comunicarse City of Redlands a 909-798- 7698 para asistirlo en español.

CITY OF REDLANDS WATER SERVICE AREA

UNITS OF MEASURE

Parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/L).

Parts per billion (ppb) or Micrograms per liter (µg/L).

Parts per Trillion (ppt) or nanograms per liter (ng/L).

Picocuries per liter (pCi/L): a measurement of the radioactivity in water.

Umhos/cm: A measure of conductivity in water.

UNITS: A COMPARISON TO TIME

mg/L (milligrams per liter) OR ppm (parts per million) = 1 second in 11.5 days

µg/L (micrograms per liter) OR ppb (parts per billion) = 1 second in nearly 32 years ng/L (nanograms per liter) OR ppt (parts per trillion) = 1 second in nearly 32,000 years

pg/L (picograms per liter) OR ppq (parts per quadrillion) = 1 second in nearly 32,000,000 years

MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS

SAMPLING YEAR: 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SURFACE

 

MAJOR

CONTAMINANT

TRADITIONAL MCL

PHG

DISTRIBUTION

WATER

VIOLATION

SOURCES IN

(CCR UNITS)

SUPPLY

SUPPLY

DRINKING

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(TREATED)

 

WATER

Total Coliform

MCL: Systems that

0

1%

ND

No

Naturally

Bacteria

collect ≥40 samples/

 

 

 

 

present

(state Total

month: 5.0% of monthly

 

 

 

 

in the

Coliform Rule)

samples are positive;

 

 

 

 

environment

 

Systems that collect

 

 

 

 

 

 

<40 samples/month: 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

positive monthly sample

 

 

 

 

 

Total Coliform

TT

N/A

1%

ND

No

Naturally

Bacteria

 

 

 

 

 

present

(federal Revised

 

 

 

 

 

in the

Total Coliform

 

 

 

 

 

environment

Rule)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turbidity [1]

TT

N/A

0.19 (average)

".03

No

Soil runoff

 

 

 

 

(average)"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[1] Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of the water. We monitor it because it is a good indicator of water

 

quality. High turbidity can hinder the effectiveness of disinfectants.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONVENTIONAL SURFACE WATER TREATMENT PLANT FILTER PERFORMANCE

CONTAMINANT

MCL

PHG

LEVEL

RANGE

SAMPLE DATE

VIOLATION

TYPICAL

FOUND

SOURCE

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turbidity

TT = 1 NTU

N/A

0.25 NTU

.03 - .28

2020

No

Soil runoff

 

TT = 95% of

 

100%

.03 - .28

 

 

 

 

samples ≤0.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NTU

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

ABBREVIATIONS

KEY

AL = Regulatory Action Level

MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level

MCLG = Maximum Contaminant Level Goal

MRDL = Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level

MRDLG = Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal

PHG = Public Health Goal

  1. = Treatment Technique
    MFL = million fibers per liter

HEALTH EFFECTS LANGUAGE

Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially-harmful, bacteria may be present. Coliforms were found in more samples than allowed and this was a warning of potential problems.

Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful, waterborne pathogens may be present or that a potential pathway exists through which contamination may enter the drinking water distribution system. We found coliforms indicating the need to look for potential problems in water treatment or distribution. When this occurs, we are required to conduct assessment(s) to identify problems and to correct any problems that were found during these assessments.

Turbidity has no health effects. However, high levels of turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.

This Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) reflects changes in drinking water

regulatory requirements during 2016. All water systems are required to comply with the state Total Coliform Rule. Effective April 1, 2016, all water systems are also required to comply with the federal Revised Total Coliform Rule. The new federal rule maintains the purpose to protect public health by ensuring the integrity of the drinking water distribution system and monitoring for the presence of microbials (i.e., total coliform and E. coli bacteria). The U.S. EPA anticipates greater public health protection as the new rule requires water systems that

are vulnerable to microbial contamination to identify and fix problems. Water systems that exceed a specified frequency of total coliform occurrences are

required to conduct an assessment to determine if any sanitary defects exist. If found, these must be corrected by the water system.

NTU = Nephelometric Turbidity Units

N/A = not applicable

pCi/L = picocuries per liter (a measure of radioactivity)

mrem/year = millirems per year (a measure of radiation absorbed by the body)

ppm = parts per million, or milligrams per liter (mg/L)

ppb = parts per billion, or micrograms per liter (µg/L)

ppt = parts per trillion, or nanograms per liter (ng/L)

ppq = parts per quadrillion, or picograms per liter (pg/L)

INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS

 

 

MCL IN

PHG

GROUNDWATER

GROUNDWATER

SURFACE

SURFACE

CONTAMINANT

 

WATER

WATER

YEAR

CCR

(MCLG) IN

SUPPLY

SUPPLY

(CCR UNITS)

SUPPLY

SUPPLY

 

UNITS

CCR UNITS

AVERAGE

RANGE

 

 

AVERAGE

RANGE

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aluminum (mg/L)

2019

1

0.6

0.01

.02 - .13

ND

ND

Barium (mg/L)

2019

1

2

0.02

.01 - .04

0.02

.01 - .02

Chromium

2019

50

(100)

1.5

ND - 7.1

0.32

ND - .63

[Total] (µg/L)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fluoride

2020

2

1

0.6

.3 - 1.6

0.5

.2 - .8

(naturally occurring)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(mg/L)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nickel (µg/L)

2019

100

12

2.3

2.0 - 2.5

ND

ND

Nitrate (mg/L)

2020

"10

"10

3.1

ND-6.5

ND

ND - .7

 

 

(as N)"

(as N)"

 

 

 

 

Perchlorate (µg/L)

2020

6

1

ND

ND - 4.7

ND

ND

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No violations occurred as a result of these contaminant testings in 2019 and 2020.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES

City Council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of every month and the Municipal Utilities /Public Works Commission (MUPWC) meetings are held the first Monday of even numbered months. All items that are heard by the City Council or the MUPWC are placed on the required agendas and posted at City Hall located at 35 Cajon Street, Redlands, California.

PLEASE NOTE:

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, ARE MORE THAN ONE YEAR OLD.

MAJOR SOURCES IN

HEALTH EFFECTS LANGUAGE

DRINKING WATER

 

Erosion of natural deposits; residue from some

Some people who drink water containing aluminum in excess

surface water treatment processes

of the MCL over many years may experience short-term

 

gastrointestinal tract effects.

Discharges of oil drilling wastes and from metal

Some people who drink water containing barium in excess

refineries; erosion of natural deposits

of the MCL over many years may experience an increase in

 

blood pressure.

Discharge from steel and pulp mills and chrome

Some people who use water containing chromium in excess of

plating; erosion of natural deposits

the MCL over many years may experience allergic dermatitis.

Erosion of natural deposits; water additive that

Some people who drink water containing fluoride in excess

promotes strong teeth; discharge from fertilizer

of the federal MCL of 4 mg/L over many years may get bone

and aluminum factories

disease, including pain and tenderness of the bones. Children

 

who drink water containing fluoride in excess of the state MCL

 

of 2 mg/L may get mottled teeth.

Erosion of natural deposits; discharge from

Some people who drink water containing nickel in excess of

metal factories

the MCL over many years may experience liver and heart

 

effects.

Runoff and leaching from fertilizer use; leaching

Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing

from septic tanks and sewage; erosion of

nitrate in excess of the MCL may quickly become seriously ill

natural deposits

and, if untreated, may die because high nitrate levels can

 

interfere with the capacity of the infant’s blood to carry

 

oxygen. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blueness

 

of the skin. High nitrate levels may also affect the oxygen-

 

carrying ability of the blood of pregnant women.

Perchlorate is an inorganic chemical used in sol-

Perchlorate has been shown to interfere with uptake of iodide

id rocket propellant, fireworks, explosives, flares,

by the thyroid gland, and to thereby reduce the production of

matches, and a variety of industries. It usually

thyroid hormones, leading to adverse effects associated with

gets into drinking water as a result of environ-

inadequate hormone levels. Thyroid hormones are needed

mental contamination from historic aerospace

for normal prenatal growth and development of the fetus, as

or other industrial operations that used or use,

well as for normal growth and development in the infant and

store, or dispose of perchlorate and its salts.

child. In adults, thyroid hormones are needed for normal me-

 

tabolism and mental function.

A NOTE ABOUT NITRATE

 

Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 mg/L is a health risk for

NO3

infants of less 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 10 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.

REGULATED CONTAMINANTS WITH SECONDARY DRINKING WATER STANDARDS

Monitoring required by section 64449 of the California Code of Regulations, Title 22.

CONSTITUENT

YEAR

SECONDARY

GROUNDWATER

GROUNDWATER

SURFACE WATER SUPPLY

MCL (UNITS)

SUPPLY

RANGE

(TREATED)

 

 

Aluminum

2019

0.2 mg/L

11

ND - 130

ND

Foaming Agents

2019

0.5 mg/L

0.01

ND - .04

0.04

[MBAS]

 

 

 

 

 

Iron

2019

0.3 mg/L

0.03

ND - .17

0.01

Turbidity

2020

5 Units

0.4

.1 - 1.6

0.03

Total Dissolved Solids

2020

1,000 mg/L

237

180 - 400

230

[TDS]

 

 

 

 

 

Specific Conductance

2020

1,600 µS/cm

396

280 - 660

375

Chloride

2020

500 mg/L

19

5 - 55

27

Sulfate

2020

500 mg/L

18

18 - 75

36

NOTE: There are no PHGs, MCLGs, or mandatory standard health effects language for these constituents because secondary MCLs are set on the basis of aesthetic concerns.

SODIUM(mg/L)*

2020

GROUNDWATER

Supply: 25

Range: 10-86

SURFACE WATER SUPPLY (TREATED)

Supply: 27

Range: 10-44

“Sodium” refers to the salt present in the water and is

Generally naturally occurring.

HARDNESS(mg/L)*

2020

GROUNDWATER

Supply: 146

Range: 98-200

SURFACE WATER SUPPLY (TREATED)

Supply: 133

Range: 95-170

“Hardness” is the sum of polyvalent cations present in the water, generally magnesium and calcium. The cations are usually naturally occurring.

*Sodium and Hardness do not have a Maximum Contaminant Level, Public Health Goal

SURFACE WATER

 

SUPPLY (TREATED)

TYPICAL SOURCE OF CONTAMINANT

RANGE

 

ND

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

0.04

Municipal and industrial waste discharges

.01

- .02

Leaching from natural deposits; industrial wastes

.03

- .28

Soil runoff

230

- 230

Runoff/leaching from natural deposits

360

- 390

Substances that form ions when in water; seawater influence

6 - 47

Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; seawater influence

33

- 39

Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; industrial wastes

HELP US PROTECT OUR WATER SOURCES!

Protection of drinking water is everyone’s responsibility. You can help protect your community’s drinking water source in several ways:

  • Eliminate excess use of lawn and garden fertilizers and pesticides – they contain hazardous chemicals that can reach your drinking water source.
  • Pick up after your pets.
  • If you have your own septic system, properly maintain your system to reduce leaching to water sources or consider connecting to a public water system.
  • Dispose of chemicals properly; take used motor oil to a recycling center.

UCMR 4

SAMPLING YEAR: 2019

CYANOTOXINS

MINIMUM

SYSTEM

SYSTEM

TYPICAL SOURCE OF

 

REPORTING LEVEL

AVERAGE

RANGE

CONTAMINANT

Manganese

0.4 µg/L

0.41

ND - 1.5

Leaching from natural deposits

Total Organic

Carbon N/A

1

0 - 3.7

Various natural and manmade

(TOC) *

 

 

 

sources

Bromide *

N/A

0.02

ND - 1.1

N/A

* Raw surface water sources

Unregulated contaminant monitoring helps U.S. EPA and the State Water Resources Control Board to determine where certain contaminants occur and whether the contaminants need to be regulated.

DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS, DISINFECTANT RESIDUALS, AND PRECURSORS

SAMPLING YEAR: 2020

 

 

 

 

 

CONTAMINANT (CCR

MCL OR

PHG,

DISTRIBUTION

DISTRIBUTION

MAJOR SOURCES

[MRDL] IN

(MCLG) OR

SYSTEM

SYSTEM

IN DRINKING

UNITS)

CCR UNITS

[MRDLG]

AVERAGE

RANGE

WATER

 

TTHMs [Total

 

 

 

 

Byproduct of

80

N/A

31

ND - 70

drinking water

Trihalomethanes] (µg/L)

 

 

 

 

disinfection

 

 

 

 

 

HAA5 [Sum of 5

 

 

 

 

Byproduct of

60

N/A

23

ND - 47

drinking water

Haloacetic Acids] (µg/L)

 

 

 

 

disinfection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drinking water

Chlorine (mg/L)

[MRDL = 4.0 [MRDLG = 4 (as

0.9

.3 - 1.7

disinfectant

(as Cl2)]

Cl2)]

added for

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

treatment

Control of DBP Precursors

 

 

 

 

Various natural

TT

N/A

1.1

.5 - 2.3

and manmade

(TOC)

 

 

 

 

sources

 

 

 

 

 

There were no violations in 2020 for the above listed contaminants.

HEALTH EFFECTS LANGUAGE

Manganese exposures resulted in neurological effects. High levels of manganese in people have been shown to result in adverse effects to the nervous system.

Total organic carbon (TOC) has no health effects. Howev- er, TOC provides a medium for the formation of disinfec- tion byproducts. These byproducts include trihalometh- anes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). Drinking water containing these byproducts in excess of the MCL may lead to adverse health effects, liver, or kidney problems, or nervous system effects, and may lead to an increased risk of getting cancer.

N/A

BACKGROUND

The 1996 Amendments to the SDWA required the U.S. EPA to establish criteria for a monitoring program for unregulated contaminants, and to publish, once every five years, a list of no more than 30 contaminants to be monitored by public water systems (PWS).

Section 64450 of the California Code of Regulations also required certain water systems to monitor a number of unregulated contaminants, with contaminant lists that were published or revised in 1990, 1996, 2000, and 2003. This section of the California Code of Regulations was repealed effective October 18, 2007. Water systems that continued to monitor for state unregulated contaminants are encouraged, but not required, to include the information regarding detected contaminants in the CCR.

Although Section 64450 of the California Code of Regulations was repealed, the State Water Board may request water systems to monitor for specific contaminants per HSC section 116375(b).

DISINFECTION BYPRODUCT

HEALTH EFFECTS LANGUAGE

Some people who drink water containing trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many years may experience liver, kidney, or central nervous system problems, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Some people who drink water containing haloacetic acids in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Some people who use water containing chlorine well in excess of the MRDL could experience irritating effects to their eyes and nose. Some people who drink water containing chlorine well in excess of the MRDL could experience stomach discomfort.

Total organic carbon (TOC) has no health effects. However, total organic carbon provides a medium for the formation of disinfection byproducts. These byproducts include trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). Drinking water containing these byproducts in excess of the MCL may lead to adverse health effects, liver or kidney problems, or nervous system effects, and may lead to an increased risk of cancer.

LEAD & COPPER

SAMPLE DATE: 2020

CONTAMINANT

MCL

PHG

AVERAGE

RANGE

NUMBER OF SCHOOLS

REQUESTING LEAD SAMPLING

 

 

 

 

 

Lead (µg/L)

AL = 15

0.2

ND

34 sites sampled; 0 sites over AL

0

Copper (mg/L)

AL =

0.3

ND

34 sites sampled; 0 sites over AL

N/A

1.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were no violations in 2020 for the above listed contaminants.

RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINANTS

SAMPLE DATE: 2019

 

MCL IN

 

GROUNDWATER

GROUNDWATER

SURFACE

SURFACE

MAJOR SOURCES

CONTAMINANT

 

WATER

WATER

CCR

PHG

SUPPLY

SUPPLY

IN DRINKING

(CCR UNITS)

SUPPLY

SUPPLY

UNITS

 

AVERAGE

RANGE

WATER

 

 

AVERAGE

RANGE

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Beta

 

 

 

 

 

1.49 -

Decay of natural

Particle Activity

50 [1]

0

4.8

1.05 - 13.3

1.54

and man-made

1.58

(pCi/L)

 

 

 

 

 

deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Strontium-90

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decay of natural

8

0.35

0.56

ND - 2.1

0.34

.2 - .48

and man-made

(pCi/L)

 

 

 

 

 

 

deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Alpha

 

 

 

 

 

 

Erosion of natural

Particle Activity

15

0

7

3 - 15

2

0 - 4

deposits

(pCi/L)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Combined

5

(0)

0.06

.04 - .08

ND

ND

Erosion of natural

Radium (pCi/L)

[2]

deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uranium (pCi/L)

20

0.43

3

ND - 12

0.4

ND - 1

Erosion of natural

deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Effective June 11, 2006, the gross beta particle activity MCL is 4 millirem/year annual dose equivalent to the total body or any internal organ. 50 pCi/L is used as a screening level.
  2. If reporting results for Ra-226 and Ra-228 as individual constituents, the PHG is 0.05 pCi/L for Ra-226 and 0.019 pCi/L for Ra-228. “The State Water Resources Control Board considers 50 pCi/L to be the level of concern for beta particles.”

There were no violations in 2019 for the above listed contaminants.

TYPICAL SOURCE

Internal corrosion of household water plumbing systems; discharges from industrial manufacturers; erosion of natural deposits

Internal corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives

HEALTH EFFECTS LANGUAGE

Certain minerals are radioactive and may emit forms of radiation known as photons and beta radiation. Some people who drink water containing beta and photon emitters in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Some people who drink water containing strontium-90 in excess

of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of

getting cancer.

Certain minerals are radioactive and may emit a form of radiation known as alpha radiation. Some people who drink water containing alpha emitters in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Some people who drink water containing radium 226 or 228 in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Some people who drink water containing uranium in excess of the MCL over many years may have kidney problems or an increased risk of getting cancer.

82

Pb

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. The City of Redlands 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 2 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 on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/lead.

CONTACT US

CITY OF REDLANDS, MUNICIPAL UTILITIES & ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT P.O. BOX 3005 35 CAJON STREET, SUITE 15A

REDLANDS, CA 92373 (909)798-7698

CITYOFREDLANDS.ORG/MUED

PO BOX 3005

Redlands, CA 92373

POSTAL CUSTOMER

Contaminants


Redlands City

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: 80000
  • Data available: 2012-2017
  • Data Source: Surface water
  • Total: 28

Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines

  • Bromodichloromethane
  • Bromoform
  • Chloroform
  • Chromium (hexavalent)
  • Dibromochloromethane
  • Dichloroacetic acid
  • Nitrate
  • Nitrate and nitrite
  • Radium%2C combined (-226 & -228)
  • Radon
  • Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
  • Trichloroacetic acid
  • Uranium

Other Detected Contaminants

  • 1%2C2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP)
  • Aluminum
  • Bromochloroacetic acid
  • Chlorate
  • Chromium (total)
  • Dibromoacetic acid
  • Fluoride
  • Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
  • Manganese
  • Molybdenum
  • Monobromoacetic acid
  • Monochloroacetic acid
  • Perchlorate
  • Strontium
  • Vanadium

Reminder

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

Sources and Resources

The Environmental Protection Agency has determined that there are two main sources of contamination in the City of Redlands, CA. They are runoff from the Los Angeles River and from wastewater. Although each of these sources can be treated separately and both should be cleaned by a professional company, the combination of these two pollutants is what causes the most health risks to those who live there.

The main source of contamination from the Los Angeles River is from industrial runoff, since the majority of this water comes from factories that are located on or near the river. The waste water that has accumulated on the riverbanks since the beginning of time also has traces of industrial waste and toxins.

The major concern about the Los Angeles River is that it carries a heavy amount of industrial waste. In fact, it carries so much waste that it has become a major problem for the fish in the Redlands River, which is used as the primary drinking wate

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