Layer 1

Is Salinas Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Yes! Generally Safe to Drink*

LAST UPDATED: 7:49 pm, August 11, 2022
+

Table of Contents

Can You Drink Tap Water in Salinas?

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

According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Salinas's water utility, Cwsc Salinas, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. The last violation for Salinas was resolved on Dec. 31, 2012. This assessment is based on the Cwsc Salinas 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 Salinas Tap Water

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

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

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

From Jan. 1, 2012 to Dec. 31, 2012, Salinas had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Regular which falls into the Chemicals rule code group, and the Inorganic Chemicals rule code family for the following contaminant code: Nitrate.

Is there Lead in Salinas Water?

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

While Salinas 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 Salinas 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 - Fort Ord - near Salinas 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 Salinas 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.

Salinas SDWA Violation History Table - Prior 10 Years

Compliance Period Status Health-Based? Category Code Code Rule Code Contaminant Code Rule Group Code Rule Family Code
01/01/2012 - 12/31/2012 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Nitrates (331) Nitrate (1040) Chemicals (300) Inorganic Chemicals (330)

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.

Salinas Water - Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DO I CONTACT SALINAS CUSTOMER SERVICE?
To contact customer service for the Salinas water provider, Cwsc Salinas, please use the information below.
By Phone: 408-367-8314
By Email: sjames@calwater.com
By Mail: 1720 North First Street
SAN JOSE, CA, 95112
HOW TO PAY BILL FOR CWSC SALINAS
Already have an account?

Existing customers can login to their Cwsc Salinas account to pay their Salinas water bill by clicking here.

Want to create a new account?

If you want to pay your Cwsc Salinas 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 Salinas 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 Salinas 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 SALINAS WATER SERVICE
Starting Your Service

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

Is Salinas Tap Water Safe to Drink? Tap water & safety quality

The estimated price of bottled water

$2 in USD (1.5-liter)

USER SUBMITTED RATINGS

Salinas tap water
  • Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility 50% Moderate
  • Water Pollution 50% Moderate
  • Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility 50% Moderate
  • Water Quality 50% Moderate

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

Related FAQS

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

2020

Water Quality Report

Salinas DISTRICT

Country Meadows System



Tradúzcalo o hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.

Quality. Service.Value.®

Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua potable.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME

YOUR WATER

2020 RESULTS

MORE INFO

Table of Contents

WELCOME

YOUR WATER SYSTEM

2020 TEST RESULTS

MORE INFORMATION

From the Manager

Your Water System

Fluoride

Online Resources

 

The Water Quality Lab

Water Hardness

 

 

Cross-Connection Control

Possible Contaminants

 

 

DWSAPP

About Lead

 

 

 

PFOA and PFOS

 

 

 

Key Definitions

 

 

 

Water Quality Table

 

2

Quality. Service.Value.®

CM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME

YOUR WATER

2020 RESULTS

MORE INFO

Welcome

Since 1926, California Water Service (Cal Water) has been committed to providing safe, reliable, high-quality water to our customers and communities. When the coronavirus pandemic began in 2020, access to clean water became particularly top of mind. During these difficult times, our commitment to our customers remained as strong as ever.

In this system in 2020, we conducted 273 tests on 53 water samples for 34 constituents. We are pleased to confirm that we met every primary and

secondary federal and state water quality standard last year.

Our promise to provide quality, service, and value means more than just treatment and testing. It means having expert professionals available to assist with routine services in a safe and efficient manner. It means having personnel available to handle emergencies 24 hours per day. It means maintaining and upgrading the infrastructure needed to transport water through a network

of pumps, tanks, and pipes to your tap. It also means that, even with costs increasing across the country, we do everything we can to operate as efficiently as possible to keep your water affordable.

I encourage you to review this annual water quality report, also called your Consumer Confidence Report, as it details any constituents detected in your water supply in 2020 and shows how your water compares to federal and state standards. It also provides information on current water quality issues and steps we are taking to protect your health and safety.

If you have any questions, we are here to assist you. You can reach us by phone or email at our local Customer Center, or online at www.calwater.com. You can also get water service news on our web site, via our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages, and in your monthly bill. And, please be sure your contact information with Cal Water is up to date by visiting ccu.calwater.com, to ensure we can reach you with important emergency and other information.

Sincerely,

Marc Bloom, Interim District Manager, Salinas District

[Salinas District  254 Commission Street  Salinas, CA 93901-3737  (831) 757-3644]

3

Quality. Service.Value.®

CM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME

YOUR WATER

2020 RESULTS

MORE INFO

Your Water System

Cal Water has provided high-quality water utility services in the Salinas area since 1962, and has provided water service to Country Meadows since 1997. Our Country Meadows customers receive groundwater produced by two wells and delivered to customers through a distribution system that includes five storage tanks and three booster pump stations.

Our company-wide water quality assurance program includes vigilant monitoring throughout our systems and testing at our state-of-the-art laboratory. Additionally, we proactively maintain and upgrade our facilities to ensure a reliable, high-quality supply.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns, please contact our local Customer Center, either by phone at (831) 757-3644 or through the Contact Us link at www.calwater.com.

WATER RESOURCE SUSTAINABILITY

Cal Water helps our customers conserve water by offering programs and incentives to reduce indoor and outdoor water use, develop more efficient habits, and educate the next generation about the importance of managing water resources sustainably. We also continue to invest diligently in our infrastructure to reduce the amount of water lost to pipeline leaks and are updating our assessment of the impacts of climate change on water supply and demand. As we await more information on the long-term water-use regulations from the State of California, it’s important that we make water-use efficiency a way of life. Using water wisely will ensure that we have enough water in dry years and for generations to come.

Visit www.calwater.com/conservation for details.

4

Quality. Service.Value.®

CM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME

YOUR WATER

2020 RESULTS

MORE INFO

Water Quality

THE WATER QUALITY LAB

Water professionals collect samples from throughout the water system for testing at our state-of-the-art water quality laboratory, which

is certified each year through the stringent Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP). Scientists, chemists, and microbiologists test the water for 326 constituents with equipment so sensitive it can detect levels as low as one part per trillion. In order to maintain the ELAP certification, all of our scientists must pass blind-study proficiency tests for every water quality test performed. Water quality test results are entered into our Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), a sophisticated software program that enables us to react quickly to changes in water quality and analyze water quality trends in order to plan effectively for future needs.

5

CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL

To ensure that the high-quality water we deliver is not compromised in the distribution system, Cal Water has a robust cross-connection control program in place. Cross- connection control is critical to ensuring that activities on customers’ properties do not affect the public water supply. Our cross-connection control specialists ensure that all of the existing backflow prevention assemblies are tested annually, assess all connections, and enforce and manage the installation of new commercial and residential assemblies.

Backflow can occur when certain pressure conditions exist either in our distribution system or within the customer’s plumbing, so our customers are our first line of defense. A minor home improvement project—without the proper protections—can create a potentially hazardous situation, so careful adherence to plumbing codes and standards will ensure the community’s water supply remains safe. Please be sure to utilize the advice or services of a qualified plumbing professional.

Many water-use activities involve substances that, if allowed to enter the distribution system, would be aesthetically displeasing or could even present health concerns. Some common cross-connections are:

  • Garden hoses connected to a hose bib without a simple hose-type vacuum breaker (available at a home improvement store)
  • Improperly installed toilet tank fill valves that do not have the required air gap between the valve or refill tube
  • Landscape irrigation systems that do not have the proper backflow prevention assembly installed on the supply line

The list of materials that could potentially contaminate the water system is vast. According to the EPA, a wide variety of substances have contaminated drinking water systems throughout the country as a result of poor cross-connection control. Examples include:

  • Antifreeze from a heating system
  • Lawn chemicals from a garden hose or sprinkler head
  • Blue water from a toilet tank
  • Carbonated water from a soda dispenser

Customers must ensure that all plumbing is in conformance with local plumbing codes. Additionally, state law requires certain types of facilities to install and maintain backflow prevention assemblies at the water meter. Cal Water’s cross-connection control staff will determine whether you need to install a backflow prevention assembly based on water uses at your location.

Quality. Service.Value.®

CM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME

YOUR WATER

2020 RESULTS

MORE INFO

DWSAPP

By the end of 2002, Cal Water had submitted to the Division of Drinking Water (DDW) a Drinking Water Source Assessment and Protection Program (DWSAPP) report for each water source in the water system. The DWSAPP report identifies possible sources of contamination to aid in prioritizing cleanup and pollution prevention efforts. All reports are available for viewing or copying at our Customer Center.

The water sources in the Country Meadows system are considered most vulnerable to:

  • Stormwater
  • Agriculture
  • Wastewater
  • Agricultural/irrigation wells

We encourage customers to join us in our efforts to prevent water pollution and protect our most precious natural resource.

6

Quality. Service.Value.®

CM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME

YOUR WATER

2020 RESULTS

MORE INFO

2020 Results

FLUORIDE

State law requires Cal Water to add fluoride to drinking water if public funding is available to pay for it, and it is a practice endorsed by the American Medical Association and the American Dental Association to prevent tooth decay. In this area, low levels of fluoride occur naturally, and Cal Water doesn’t add any to the water supply. Show the table in this report to your dentist to see if he or she recommends giving your children fluoride supplements.

More information about fluoridation, oral health, and related issues can be found on the DDW web site at www.waterboards.ca.gov/ drinking_water/certlic/drinkingwater/Fluoridation.html. For general information on water fluoridation, visit us online at www.calwater.com.

7

WATER HARDNESS

Hardness is a measure of the magnesium, calcium, and carbonate minerals in the water. Water is considered soft if its hardness is less than 75 parts per million (ppm), moderately hard at 75 to 150 ppm, hard between 150 and 300 ppm, and very hard at 300 ppm or higher.

Hard water is generally not a health concern, but it can have an impact on how well soap lathers and is significant for some industrial and manufacturing processes. Hard water may also lead to mineral buildup in pipes or water heaters.

Some people with hard water opt to buy a water softener for aesthetic reasons; however, some water softeners add salt to the water, which can cause problems at wastewater treatment plants. Additionally, people on low-sodium diets should be aware that some water softeners increase the sodium content of the water.

For more information on water hardness, visit www.calwater.com/video/hardness.

The current water quality table for your service area shows an average hardness of 190 ppm.

Quality. Service.Value.®

CM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME

YOUR WATER

2020 RESULTS

MORE INFO

Possible 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 water poses a health risk.

More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

The sources of drinking water (both tap and bottled) 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 substances resulting from the presence of animals or human activity.

CONTAMINANTS THAT MAY BE PRESENT IN SOURCE WATER INCLUDE:

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

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

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

Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which 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, which can be naturally occurring or the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the EPA and DDW prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same protection for public health.

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised people, such as those with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, those who have undergone organ transplants, and those with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders; some elderly people; and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice from their health care providers about drinking water. EPA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (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.

8

Quality. Service.Value.®

CM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME

YOUR WATER

2020 RESULTS

MORE INFO

About Lead

As the issue of lead in water continues to be top of mind for many Americans, Cal Water wants to assure you about the quality of your water. We are compliant with health and safety codes mandating use of lead-free materials in water system replacements, repairs, and new installations. We have no known lead service lines in our systems. We test and treat (if necessary) water sources to ensure that the water delivered to customer meters meets all water quality standards and is not corrosive toward plumbing materials.

The water we deliver to your home meets lead standards. However, 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 (for example, lead solder used to join copper plumbing, and brass and other lead-containing fixtures).

Cal Water is responsible for providing high-quality drinking water to our customers’ meters, 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 by a certified lab. More information about lead in drinking water can be found on the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

In your system, results from our lead monitoring program, conducted in accordance with the Lead and Copper Rule, were below the action level for the presence of lead.

Testing for Lead in Schools

The State of California required that all public schools built before 2010 test for lead in their drinking water by July 1,

2019. We are committed to supporting our school districts’ efforts to protect students and ensure that the drinking water at their school sites are below lead limits. We worked with all school districts in our service area that serve kindergarten through 12th grade to develop sampling plans, test samples, and conduct follow-up monitoring, if needed, for corrective actions.

For more information, please see our Testing for Lead in Schools web page. For specific information regarding local school data, see the state web portal.

Lead and Copper Rule

The lead and copper rule requires us to test water inside a representative number of homes that have plumbing most likely to contain lead and/or lead solder to determine the presence of lead and copper or any action level exceedance (AL). An action level is the concentration of a contaminant which, when exceeded,

triggers corrective actions before it becomes a health concern. If action levels are exceeded, either at a customer’s home or system-wide, we work with the customer to investigate the issue and/or implement corrosion control treatment to reduce lead levels.

Lead Service Line Inventory (LSLI)

Protecting our customers’ health and safety is our highest priority. As part of this commitment, we have been working to identify and replace any old customer water service lines and fittings that may contain lead. California Senate Bill (SB) 1398 required all water utilities in California to develop an inventory of all distribution service line materials, and submit a list of known service lines to the state by 2018. A list of unknown service lines that may contain lead, along with a plan for replacement, was due to the state by July 1, 2020. Known lines are replaced as soon as possible.

More information regarding LSLI and specific data for each water system can be found on the state web site.

9

Quality. Service.Value.®

CM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME

YOUR WATER

2020 RESULTS

MORE INFO

PFOA and PFOS

PFOS and PFOA are manmade compounds used prevalently in firefighting foams and to make carpets, clothing, fabrics for furniture, paper packaging for food, cookware, and other items resistant to water, grease, fire, or stains. They are also used in a number of industrial processes. They are part of a larger group of chemicals referred to as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

In early 2020, DDW announced lower response levels for PFOA and PFOS (10 ppt for PFOA, and 40 ppt for PFOS) from the previous level of 70 ppt combined. The notification levels (5.1 ppt for PFOA, and 6.5 ppt for PFOS) were not changed.

Knowing that these are constituents of emerging concern, Cal Water had identified and tested water sources in 2019 and earlier that would be more likely to have these compounds present. With the updated response levels, we have conducted additional testing for these constituents in all of our water systems.

Studies indicate that long-term exposure to PFOS and PFOA over certain levels could have adverse health effects, including developmental effects to fetuses during pregnancy or infants; cancer; or liver, immunity, thyroid, and other effects. Potential health impacts related to PFAS compounds are still being studied, and research is still evolving on this issue.

10

Although there is no Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) set for these substances, we have proactively monitored sources and will continue to do so. Even though it is not required by the state, we believe it is the right thing to do. When an MCL is established by DDW for these compounds, we will continue to ensure our water sources are in compliance with any set standard.

While we are doing our part to treat the water and meet the standards the public

 

health experts have set, it’s important that our population as a whole focuses on

 

being good stewards of the environment and takes steps to prevent impacting

 

the water supply. Additionally, Cal Water has filed a lawsuit against a group of

 

companies that manufactured and sold firefighting foam products that released

 

the PFOS and PFOA into the environment, to ensure the responsible parties

 

bear the costs of treating for these chemicals, not our customers. We are also

 

encouraging the EPA to establish a consistent, science-based standard as

 

quickly as feasible, and strongly support state legislation prohibiting the sale

 

and use of certain products that contain PFAS and requiring the certification of

 

accurate testing methods for PFAS.

 

More information on PFOS and PFOA is available on the DDW web site.

 

Quality. Service.Value.®

CM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME

YOUR WATER

2020 RESULTS

MORE INFO

Key Definitions

MAXIMUM CONTAMINANT LEVEL (MCL)

The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. Primary MCLs protect public health and are set as close to the PHGs (or MCLGs) as are economically and technologically feasible. Secondary MCLs (SMCLs) relate to the odor, taste, and appearance of drinking water.

IN COMPLIANCE

Does not exceed any applicable MCL, SMCL, or action level, as determined by DDW. For some compounds, compliance is determined by averaging the results for one source over a one-year period.

REGULATORY ACTION LEVEL (AL)

The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other required action by the water provider.

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 EPA.

MAXIMUM RESIDUAL DISINFECTANT LEVEL (MRDL)

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

11

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 are set by the EPA and do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.

NON-DETECT (ND)

The constituent was not detected.

 

NOTIFICATION LEVEL (NL) AND RESPONSE LEVEL (RL)

Health-based advisory levels for unregulated contaminants in drinking water. They are used by DDW to provide guidance to drinking water systems.

PRIMARY DRINKING WATER STANDARD (PDWS)

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

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’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment without regard to cost or available detection and treatment technologies.

TREATMENT TECHNIQUE (TT)

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

Quality. Service.Value.®

CM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME

YOUR WATER

2020 RESULTS

MORE INFO

Table Introduction

CAL WATER TESTS YOUR WATER FOR MORE THAN 140 REGULATED CONTAMINANTS AND DOZENS OF UNREGULATED CONTAMINANTS. THIS TABLE LISTS ONLY THOSE CONTAMINANTS THAT WERE DETECTED.

In the table, water quality test results are divided into three major sections: “Primary Drinking Water Standards,” “Secondary Drinking Water Standards,” and “Unregulated Compounds.” Primary standards protect public health

by limiting the levels of certain constituents in drinking water. Secondary standards are set for substances that don’t impact health but could affect the water’s taste, odor, or appearance. Some unregulated substances (hardness and sodium, for example) are included for your information. 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.

SUBSTANCE SOURCES

DI

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

DS

Drinking water disinfectant added for treatment

EN

Naturally present in the environment

ER

Erosion of natural deposits

FE

Human and animal waste

FL

Water additive that promotes strong teeth; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum

 

factories

FR

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

IC

Internal corrosion of household plumbing systems

IM

Discharge from industrial manufacturers

IO

Substances that form ions when in water

IW

Industrial waste

OM

Naturally occurring organic materials

PH

Inherent characteristic of water

RU

Runoff/leaching from natural deposits

SO

Soil runoff

SW

Seawater influence

WD

Leaching from wood preservatives

UR

Unregulated constituents with no source listed and that do not have standardized

 

“source of substance” language

Our testing equipment is so sensitive, it can

detect mineral traces as small as 1 part per trillion. That is equivalent to 1 inch in over 15 million miles.

12

Quality. Service.Value.®

CM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME

YOUR WATER

2020 RESULTS

MORE INFO

2020 Water Quality

Primary Drinking Water Standards

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution System-Wide

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Microbiological

Year Tested

Unit

MCL

PHG (MCLG)

In Compliance

Highest Monthly

Source

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total coliform

2020

Positive

1

(0)

Yes

 

0

EN

 

 

 

samples

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fecal coliform and E. coli

2020

Positive

1*

(0)

Yes

 

0

FE

 

 

 

samples

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Groundwater

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inorganic Chemicals

Year Tested

Unit

MCL

PHG (MCLG)

In Compliance

Range

 

Average

Source

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fluoride

2018–2019

ppm

2

1 (4.0)

Yes

0.26

 

0.26

ER, FL

 

 

Nitrate as N

2020

ppm

10

10 (10)

Yes

1.4–2.7

 

2.0

ER, FR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution System-Wide

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lead and Copper

Year Tested

Unit

AL

PHG (MCLG)

In Compliance

90th Percentile

 

Samples > AL

Source

 

Copper

2020

ppm

1.3

0.3

Yes

0.62

 

0 of 10

IC, ER, WD

 

Lead

2020

ppb

15

0.2

Yes

ND

 

0 of 10

IC, IM, ER

 

Schools that requested lead sampling in 2020: 0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution System-Wide

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Highest Annual

 

 

Disinfection Byproducts

Year Tested

Unit

MCL

PHG (MCLG)

In Compliance

Range

 

Average

Source

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Haloacetic acids

2019

ppb

60

n/a

Yes

ND

 

ND

DI

 

Total trihalomethanes

2019

ppb

80

n/a

Yes

ND

 

ND

DI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution System-Wide

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disinfectants

Year Tested

Unit

MRDL

MRDLG

In Compliance

Range

 

Average

Source

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free chlorine

2020

ppm

4

4

Yes

0.56–1.5

 

0.93

DS

 

* This means one total coliform-positive routine sample and one repeat sample, with one of these also being E. coli-positive.

13

Quality. Service.Value.®

CM

TABLE OF CONTENTS WELCOME YOUR WATER 2020 RESULTS MORE INFO

2020 Water Quality

(Continued)

Secondary Drinking Water Standards

 

 

 

 

 

 

Groundwater

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contaminants

Year Tested

Unit

SMCL

PHG (MCLG)

In Compliance

Range

Average

Source

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chloride

2018–2019

ppm

500

n/a

Yes

68–74

71

RU, SW

 

Specific conductance

2018–2019

US

1600

n/a

Yes

530–600

565

SW, IO

 

Odor

2018–2019

T.O.N.

3

n/a

Yes

ND–2.0

1.0

OM

 

Sulfate

2018–2019

ppm

500

n/a

Yes

7.2–14

11

RU, IW

 

Total dissolved solids

2018–2019

ppm

1000

n/a

Yes

330–350

340

RU

 

Turbidity (groundwater)

2018–2019

NTU

5

n/a

Yes

0.32–0.45

0.39

SO

Zinc

2018–2019

ppm

5

n/a

Yes

ND–0.06

ND

RU, IW

 

State Regulated Contaminants with Notification Levels

 

 

 

 

 

 

Groundwater

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contaminants

Year Tested

Unit

NL

PHG (MCLG)

In Compliance

Range

Average

Source

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chromium (hexavalent)*

2014

ppb

n/a

0.02

n/a

2.1–2.5

2.3

UR

Unregulated Compounds

 

 

 

 

 

 

Groundwater

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Constituents

Year Tested

Unit

MCL

PHG (MCLG)

In Compliance

Range

Average

Source

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alkalinity (total)

2018–2019

ppm

n/a

n/a

n/a

150–160

155

UR

Calcium

2018–2019

ppm

n/a

n/a

n/a

52–56

54

UR

Hardness (total)

2018–2019

ppm

n/a

n/a

n/a

180–200

190

UR

Potassium

2018–2019

ppm

n/a

n/a

n/a

2.0–2.1

2.1

UR

Magnesium

2018–2019

ppm

n/a

n/a

n/a

12–14

13

UR

Sodium

2018–2019

ppm

n/a

n/a

n/a

36–39

38

UR

pH

2020

STD U

n/a

n/a

n/a

7.0–7.4

7.2

PH

* The previous MCL of 0.010 mg/L (10 ppb) for hexavalent chromium was withdrawn on September 11, 2017, and there is currently no MCL in effect.

14

Quality. Service.Value.®

CM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME

YOUR WATER

2020 RESULTS

MORE INFO

Thank you.

Thanks for taking the time to learn more about your water quality! Even more information awaits you at www.calwater.com.

Visit our web site to get information about your account, water-use history, water rates, and water system.

You will also find water-saving tips and news about water conservation programs and rebates available in your area.

> Conservation resources > Lead in water

> Water treatment and disinfection > Protecting the water supply

15

Quality. Service.Value.®

CM

Contaminants


California Water Service (CWS) - Salinas

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: 106858
  • Data available: 2012-2017
  • Data Source: Groundwater
  • Total: 28

Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines

  • Arsenic
  • Chromium (hexavalent)
  • Nitrate
  • Nitrate and nitrite
  • Radon
  • Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene)
  • Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
  • Uranium

Other Detected Contaminants

  • 1%2C4-Dioxane
  • 4-Androstene-3%2C17-dione
  • Aluminum
  • Antimony
  • Barium
  • Beryllium
  • Bromoform
  • Cadmium
  • Chlorate
  • Chromium (total)
  • DCPA mono- and di-acid degradates
  • Dibromochloromethane
  • Fluoride
  • Manganese
  • Molybdenum
  • MTBE
  • Radium%2C combined (-226 & -228)
  • Selenium
  • 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

Salinas Tap Water

Salinas California tap water is a bit of a mystery. The municipal water treatment plants that are supposed to treat it are so overridden with contaminants that they can’t keep it out of the groundwater. They also add chlorine and other harmful chemicals to kill bacteria and prevent algae from forming. The result is always the same. Salinas become an unhealthy, green-stained waterway.

So, what can be done? Some companies are producing ultra-pure water that can be used in most homes for drinking purposes and even bathing. It’s deionized water that has been through a unique process called ion exchange. This process removes the impurities from the tap water while leaving the valuable, necessary trace minerals intact. This deionized water is cleaner than tap water, and you know it.

Other companies offer a home water filtration system that will remove the harmful toxins found in tap water. Some even guarantee that your pipes will never be clogged again. That’s a comforting thought. I’m not sure if that’s true or not, but it’s comforting to know that there is life out there beyond the safe, gray water of my home.

Salinas Drinking Water

Salinas, California, is situated in Southern California, between the Los Angeles and San Diego counties. They are home to millions of inhabitants who are deeply concerned about the quality of the drinking water they receive. The vast majority of Californian residents live in areas where governing agencies highly regulate the quality of their drinking water. These agencies work closely with scientists and public health officials from all over the country to determine the contaminant levels and how to keep them under control. Unfortunately, though, these agencies cannot monitor everything. The result is contamination.

In the past, people in Southern California have dealt with severe problems involving contaminants in the water. Chlorine, for one, was often used as a disinfectant. Still, the chemical was shown to be carcinogenic. It resulted in many cases of cancer in those who had worked near chlorinated water. There was a substantial public health scare after reports of stomach illnesses and other illnesses were attributed to drinking this water. While researchers continue to look for solutions, in Southern California, two significant threats are more immediate.

The first major problem that happens when you turn your nose up at the quality of Southern California drinking water is that it is hard to purify water for consumption. While several ways can remove contaminants from drinking water, none of them are as effective and affordable as reverse osmosis or distillation. Salinas, California, needs to invest in better filtering technology, but until that day comes, what they can do is take every reasonable step toward ensuring that they have the cleanest drinking water possible.

Salinas Water Quality

Salinas is the coastal area surrounding the Pacific Ocean in southern California. They are home to some of the most gorgeous, clear-cut water on Earth. The natural water quality in this area is top-notch because it is so pure. You see, from June and July to October, this water is the absolute best. This is because this is the time of year when storms from the north came in, and when it rains, they wash away the pollutants and garbage that had accumulated in the ocean. This water quality is perfect for swimming, sailing, fishing, boating, and just relaxing in the sunshine.

Unfortunately, this same water quality also has a significant drawback. That is, if you happen to want to take a swim or go fishing in Salinas, you are in for a bit of a challenge. The reason for this is that all the lakes and oceans surrounding this glorious region of California are full of factories and other pollution-producing businesses that pour their waste into the water. As a result, when you go fishing in Salinas, you must be extremely careful. You may want to avoid catching your limit or more than you can handle.

Fortunately, some professionals can help you monitor this water quality in Salinas. These are the people who work at the county offices and at local boat brokerage companies trained to look over the water and tell you what kind of quality it has. In most cases, they will be able to give you an accurate answer of whether or not you can catch anything. Still, if you do happen to catch something, you need to be sure that you can process it safely before you can release it into the sea. You don’t want to have any problems releasing large fish into the sea when they die because they could cause significant issues, such as sinking or hitting a tourist’s vessel. So if you go on a vacation in Salinas, it would be a great idea to hire someone who knows how to check the water quality so that you can enjoy yourself and your trip instead of getting stuck out at sea with your gear and fishing gear all tangled up in your mess.

Salinas Water

There are many reasons why you should have a look at the Salinas California water features in and around Aspen. If you live out here, you will need plenty of water for your livestock, gardens, and even if you plan on taking a dip in the famous Green Lagoon or the Colorado River. There are so many things that you can do at Salinas, California waterfalls, and other water features in and around Aspen. You may also want to take a trip to the Copper Mountain and witness one of the most spectacular falls in the world right in this very home of the legendary Pikes Peak. This area is also home to a trendy ski area.

You will be amazed by the variety of wildlife you will find in Salinas, California waterfalls, and other natural attractions. The area has been named one of the top 10 places to go green by the Environmental Protection Agency. It is essential to protect the environment. You may not think of organic foods when you hear the word “green.” Still, you will be surprised at the many organic products that are grown and produced in this area and the animals and wildlife that are protected from pesticides and other harmful chemicals. You may even be able to find a few local farms in the area that will grow and produce organic food and raise animals and fish for you to enjoy.

One of the favorite activities in Salinas, California, waterfalls, and other natural attractions is rafting down the famous Yampa River. You can find rafts that you can purchase and tow yourself on as well as rent them. You will find that this is a very relaxing way to spend a day and an enjoyable sport. The Yampa River runs through several towns and can be seen from a road known as Highway 36 on your way to Aspen.

Salinas Drinking Water Standards

Salinas, California, has long been a hotbed for controversy. The rich and wealthy population in this area makes sure that they stay that way by buying and consuming expensive wines and champagnes. However, most people in the working class and middle-class neighborhoods in Southern California pay attention to the environmental impact of their lifestyle choices. For them, drinking tap water is a serious matter. It is poisoning their bodies and poisoning the ground.

If you live in an area that has long had a reputation for bad drinking water, it is time for you to take control of the quality of your drinking water. You can do this easily. You need to buy a home water purifier. These are pretty affordable and can do a great job of getting rid of harmful toxins that seep into your drinking supply through your tap water. Plus, some even feature unique filtering systems that block chemicals like herbicides, pesticides, benzene, and PCBS from entering your glass.

Unfortunately, there is no law in California requiring the drinking water standards for any individual company to meet. This means that many companies take advantage of the ignorance of the California public. They know that the state doesn’t regulate itself very well. And as a result, a lot of the regulations don’t apply to them. That’s why it’s critical to make sure that what you’re purchasing is designed to filter out toxins, not just taste nice.

Salinas Water treatment

Salinas, California water treatment facilities are responsible for removing all kinds of pollutants from the water, then sent to homes or businesses. These treatment plants can be found in urban and rural areas, but especially in coastal areas where there is a lot of sand. They are not usually large enough to treat an entire city, but they are better than relying on groundwater. Unfortunately, as California’s population continues to grow, the amount of groundwater needed to operate these facilities will increase, making problems even worse.

A water treatment plant in San Diego can remove chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), lead, herbicides, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, benzene, cysts, nitrates, bacteria, and other chemicals from the water. The costs associated with treating all of this water can be staggering, but controlling it will make considerable-scale pollution much less critical. It will also lower costs for various industries because they won’t need to rely heavily on imported water or deal with the kind of cleaning that often needs to occur.

The best way to ensure that the Salinas California water supply remains clean is to have the correct filtration system installed. This way, salinas will not need to be cleaned often, which will help keep the algae growth down. It is vital to have a system that removes VOCs but leaves the helpful minerals in the water. When people drink the water, they do not suffer from health issues that often come with unfiltered tap water.

Layer 1
Layer 1
Layer 1
Layer 1