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Is South Gate Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Yes! Generally Safe to Drink*

LAST UPDATED: 7:49 pm, August 10, 2022
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Table of Contents

Can You Drink Tap Water in South Gate?

Yes, South Gate's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as South Gate 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, South Gate's water utility, South Gate-City, Water Dept, 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 South Gate was resolved on June 30, 2018. This assessment is based on the South Gate-City, Water Dept 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 South Gate Tap Water

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

South Gate Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years

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

From April 1, 2018 to June 30, 2018, South Gate had 30 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violations 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 Synthetic Organic Chemicals rule code family for the following contaminant codes: Endrin, BHC-GAMMA, Methoxychlor, Toxaphene, Dalapon, Diquat, Endothall, Glyphosate, Simazine, Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, Picloram, Carbofuran, Atrazine, Heptachlor epoxide, 2,4-D, HEXACHLOROBENZENE, Benzo(a)pyrene, Pentachlorophenol, Total Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB), 1,2-DIBROMO-3-CHLOROPROPANE, ETHYLENE DIBROMIDE, Chlordane, Hexachlorocyclopentadiene, OXAMYL, Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, 2,3,7,8-TCDD, Heptachlor, 2,4,5-TP, LASSO, Dinoseb.

From Oct. 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018, South Gate had 21 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violations 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 Volatile Organic Chemicals rule code family for the following contaminant codes: 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, Xylenes, Total, DICHLOROMETHANE, o-Dichlorobenzene, p-Dichlorobenzene, Vinyl chloride, 1,1-Dichloroethylene, 1,2-Dichloroethane, Carbon tetrachloride, Trichloroethylene, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, Styrene, CHLOROBENZENE, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, Tetrachloroethylene, Benzene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene, 1,2-Dichloropropane.

From Oct. 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018, South Gate had 3 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violations 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 Radionuclides rule code family for the following contaminant codes: Radium-226, Radium-228, Combined Uranium.

Is there Lead in South Gate Water?

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

While South Gate 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 South Gate Tap Water?

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

South Gate 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
04/01/2018 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Endrin (2005) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
04/01/2018 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) BHC-GAMMA (2010) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
04/01/2018 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Methoxychlor (2015) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
04/01/2018 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Toxaphene (2020) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
04/01/2018 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Dalapon (2031) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
04/01/2018 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Diquat (2032) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
04/01/2018 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Endothall (2033) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
04/01/2018 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Glyphosate (2034) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
04/01/2018 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Simazine (2037) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
04/01/2018 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (2039) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
04/01/2018 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Picloram (2040) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
04/01/2018 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Carbofuran (2046) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
04/01/2018 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Atrazine (2050) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
04/01/2018 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Heptachlor epoxide (2067) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
04/01/2018 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) 2,4-D (2105) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
04/01/2018 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) HEXACHLOROBENZENE (2274) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
04/01/2018 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Benzo(a)pyrene (2306) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
04/01/2018 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Pentachlorophenol (2326) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
04/01/2018 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Total Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB) (2383) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
04/01/2018 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) 1,2-DIBROMO-3-CHLOROPROPANE (2931) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
04/01/2018 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) ETHYLENE DIBROMIDE (2946) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
04/01/2018 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Chlordane (2959) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
04/01/2018 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Hexachlorocyclopentadiene (2042) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
04/01/2018 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) OXAMYL (2036) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
04/01/2018 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (2035) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
04/01/2018 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) 2,3,7,8-TCDD (2063) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
04/01/2018 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Heptachlor (2065) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
04/01/2018 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) 2,4,5-TP (2110) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
04/01/2018 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) LASSO (2051) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
04/01/2018 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Dinoseb (2041) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
10/01/2017 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310) 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene (2378) Chemicals (300) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310)
10/01/2017 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310) cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene (2380) Chemicals (300) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310)
10/01/2017 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310) Xylenes, Total (2955) Chemicals (300) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310)
10/01/2017 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310) DICHLOROMETHANE (2964) Chemicals (300) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310)
10/01/2017 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310) o-Dichlorobenzene (2968) Chemicals (300) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310)
10/01/2017 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310) p-Dichlorobenzene (2969) Chemicals (300) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310)
10/01/2017 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310) Vinyl chloride (2976) Chemicals (300) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310)
10/01/2017 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310) 1,1-Dichloroethylene (2977) Chemicals (300) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310)
10/01/2017 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310) 1,2-Dichloroethane (2980) Chemicals (300) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310)
10/01/2017 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310) Carbon tetrachloride (2982) Chemicals (300) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310)
10/01/2017 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310) Trichloroethylene (2984) Chemicals (300) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310)
10/01/2017 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310) 1,1,2-Trichloroethane (2985) Chemicals (300) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310)
10/01/2017 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310) Toluene (2991) Chemicals (300) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310)
10/01/2017 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310) Ethylbenzene (2992) Chemicals (300) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310)
10/01/2017 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310) Styrene (2996) Chemicals (300) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310)
10/01/2017 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Radionuclides (340) Radium-226 (4020) Chemicals (300) Radionuclides (340)
10/01/2017 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Radionuclides (340) Radium-228 (4030) Chemicals (300) Radionuclides (340)
10/01/2017 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310) CHLOROBENZENE (2989) Chemicals (300) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310)
10/01/2017 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310) 1,1,1-Trichloroethane (2981) Chemicals (300) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310)
10/01/2017 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Radionuclides (340) Combined Uranium (4006) Chemicals (300) Radionuclides (340)
10/01/2017 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310) Tetrachloroethylene (2987) Chemicals (300) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310)
10/01/2017 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310) Benzene (2990) Chemicals (300) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310)
10/01/2017 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310) trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene (2979) Chemicals (300) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310)
10/01/2017 - 06/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310) 1,2-Dichloropropane (2983) Chemicals (300) Volatile Organic Chemicals (310)

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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.

South Gate Water - Frequently Asked Questions

WHERE DOES MY TAP WATER COME FROM?
Your tap water comes from local, deep groundwater wells that supply our service area shown on the adjacent map. The quality of groundwater delivered to your home is presented in this report. Su agua potable proviene de pozos profundos subterráneos locales que abastecen nuestra área de servicio y que muestra el mapa adjunto. En este informe se presenta la calidad del agua que llega a su hogar.
WHAT ARE DRINKING WATER STANDARDS?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) limits the amount of certain sub- stances allowed in tap water. In California, the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) regulates tap water quality by enforcing limits that are at least as stringent as the Federal EPA’s. Historically, California limits are more stringent than the Federal ones. There are two types of these limits, known as standards. Primary standards protect you from substances that could potentially affect your health. Secondary standards regulate substances that affect the aesthetic qualities of water. Regulations set a Maximum Con- taminant Level (MCL) for each of the primary and secondary standards. The MCL is the highest level of a substance that is allowed in your drinking water.
HOW DO I READ THE WATER QUALITY TABLE?
Although we test for over 100 substances, regulations require us to report only those found in your water. The first column of the water quality table lists substances detected in your water. The next columns list the average concentration and range of concentrations found in your drinking water. Following are columns that list the MCL and PHG or MCLG, if appropriate. The last column describes the likely sources of these substances in drinking water. To review the quality of your drinking water, compare the highest concentration and the MCL. Check for substances greater than the MCL. Exceedence of a primary MCL does not usually constitute an immediate health threat. Rather, it requires testing the source water more frequently for a short duration. If test results show that the water continues to exceed the MCL, the water must be treated to remove the substance, or the source must be removed from service. 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 substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.
HOW DO I CONTACT SOUTH GATE CUSTOMER SERVICE?
To contact customer service for the South Gate water provider, South Gate-City, Water Dept, please use the information below.
By Phone: 323-563-9567
By Email: acervantes@sogate.org
By Mail: 4244 SANTA ANA ST
SOUTH GATE, CA, 90280
HOW TO PAY BILL FOR SOUTH GATE-CITY, WATER DEPT
Already have an account?

Existing customers can login to their South Gate-City, Water Dept account to pay their South Gate water bill by clicking here.

Want to create a new account?

If you want to pay your South Gate-City, Water Dept 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 South Gate 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 South Gate 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 SOUTH GATE WATER SERVICE
Starting Your Service

Moving to a new house or apartment in South Gate means you will often need to put the water in your name with South Gate-City, Water Dept. 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 South Gate means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with South Gate-City, Water Dept. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.

Stop Service Form

USER SUBMITTED RATINGS

South Gate tap water
  • Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility 30% Low
  • Water Pollution 40% Moderate
  • Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility 70% High
  • Water Quality 60% High

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

Related FAQS

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

Water Brochure 2019_Water Brochure 2017 6/9/20 9:24 AM Page 1

2019

Since 1991, California water utilities have been providing information on water served to its consumers. This

report is a snapshot of the tap water quality that we provided last year. Included are details about where your water comes from, how it is tested, what is in it, and how it compares with state and federal limits. We strive to keep you informed about the quality of your water and to provide a reliable and economic supply that meets all regulatory requirements.

Desde 1991, las agencias proveedoras de servicios públicos de Agua de California han emitido

información sobre el agua que se les sirve a sus consumidores. Este informe es una copia de la calidad del agua potable que le proporcionamos este año pasado. Incluimos detalles sobre el origen de su agua, cómo se analiza, que contiene, y cómo se compara con los límites estatales y federales. Nos esforzamos por mantenerle informado sobre la calidad de su agua y de proporcionarle un abastecimiento confiable y económico que cumpla con todos los requisitos reglamentarios.

City of South Gate

Where Does My Tap Water Come From?

Your tap water comes from local, deep groundwater wells that supply our service area shown on the adjacent map. The quality of groundwater delivered to your home is presented in this report.

¿De Dónde Proviene Mi

Agua Potable?

Su agua potable proviene de pozos profundos subterráneos locales que abastecen nuestra área de servicio y que muestra el mapa adjunto. En este informe se presenta la calidad del agua que llega a su hogar.

Water Brochure 2019_Water Brochure 2017 6/9/20 9:24 AM Page 2

How is My Drinking

Water Tested?

Your drinking water is tested regularly for unsafe levels of chemicals, radioactivity and bacteria at the source and in the distribution system. We test weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually or less often depending on the substance. State and federal laws allow us to test some substances less than once per year because their levels do not change frequently. All water quality tests are conducted by specially trained technicians in state-certified laboratories.

What Are Drinking Water Standards?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) limits the amount of certain sub- stances allowed in tap water. In California, the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) regulates tap water quality by enforcing limits that are at least as stringent as the Federal EPA’s. Historically, California limits are more stringent than the Federal ones.

There are two types of these limits, known as standards. Primary standards protect you from substances that could potentially affect your health. Secondary standards regulate substances that affect the aesthetic qualities of water. Regulations set a Maximum Con- taminant Level (MCL) for each of the primary and secondary standards. The MCL is the highest level of a substance that is allowed in your drinking water.

Public Health Goals (PHGs) are set by the California Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). PHGs provide more information on the quality of drinking water to customers, and are similar to their federal counterparts, Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs). PHGs and MCLGs are advisory levels that are nonenforceable. Both PHGs and MCLGs are concentrations of a substance below which there are no known or expected health risks.

How Do I Read the Water Quality Table?

Although we test for over 100 substances, regulations require us to report only those found in your water. The first column of the water quality table lists substances detected in your water. The next columns list the average concentration and range of concentrations found in your drinking water. Following are columns that list the MCL and PHG or MCLG, if appropriate. The last column describes the likely sources of these substances in drinking water.

To review the quality of your drinking water, compare the highest concentration and the MCL. Check for substances greater than the MCL. Exceedence of a primary MCL does not usually constitute an immediate health threat. Rather, it requires testing the source water more frequently for a short duration. If test results show that the water continues to exceed the MCL, the water must be treated to remove the substance, or the source must be removed from service.

Why Do I See So Much Coverage in the News About the Quality of Tap 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 substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.

Contaminants that may be present in source water include:

Microbial contaminants, including 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, 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, 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, which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The State Board regulations also establish limits for contam- inants in bottled water that must provide the same protection for public health.

(USEPA’s web site)

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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 EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791). You can also get more information on tap water by logging on to these helpful web sites:

http://www.epa.gov/dwstandardsregula- tions/2018-drinking-water-standards- and-advisory-tables

https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/drink- ing_water/certlic/drinkingwater/Chemical- contaminants.html (State Water Board web site)

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 South Gate 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/safewater/lead.

Should I Take Additional Precautions?

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised 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. The USEPA/Centers for Disease Control guide- lines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection of Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the USEPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

Source Water Assessment

The City of South Gate conducted an assessment of its groundwater supplies in 2003 and amended the assessment in 2016 to include the new Well 29. Groundwater supplies are considered most vulnerable to water supply wells and the following activities: dry cleaners, car washes, auto repair shops, bus terminals, parking lots/malls, appliance repair, office buildings, rental yards, high density housing, recycling centers, apartments & condominiums, schools, road/streets, storm drains discharge points, and medical/dental offices/clinics. A copy of the approved assessment may be obtained by contacting South Gate Water Operations Foreman, Ramiro Hernandez at (323) 563-5796.

How Can I Participate in

Decisions On Water Issues

That Affect Me?

The public is welcome to attend City Council meetings on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, South Gate City Hall at 8650 California Avenue, South Gate, California 90280.

How Do I Contact My Water

Agency If I Have Any Questions

About Water Quality?

If you have specific questions about your tap water quality, please contact Ramiro Hernandez, South Gate Water Operations Foreman, at (323) 563-5796.

Some Helpful Water

Conservation Tips

Fix leaky faucets in your home – save up to 20 gallons every day for every leak stopped.

Save between 15 and 50 gallons each time by only washing full loads of laundry.

Adjust your sprinklers so that water lands on your lawn/garden, not the sidewalk/driveway – save 500 gallons per month.

Use organic mulch around plants to reduce evaporation – save hundreds of gallons a year.

Visit http://www.epa.gov/watersense for more information.

Visit us on the web at:

www.cityofsouthgate.org

Water Brochure 2019_Water Brochure 2017 6/9/20 9:24 AM Page 4

¿Cómo Se Analiza Mi Agua Potable?

Su agua potable se analiza regularmente revisando niveles peligrosos de sustancias químicas, radioactividad y de bacteria en su origen y en el sistema de distribución. Hacemos estas pruebas cada semana, cada mes, cada trimestre, y cada año o con menos frecuencia, dependiendo de la sustancia. Las leyes estatales y federales nos permiten hacer pruebas a algunas sustancias menos que una vez al año porque sus niveles no cambian frecuentemente. Todos los análisis de calidad de agua se llevan a cabo por técnicos especialmente entrenados en laboratorios estatales certificados.

¿Cuales Son Las Normas del Agua Potable?

La Agencia federal de Protección al Medio Ambiente (USEPA) impone los límites de las cantidades de ciertas substancias permitidas en el agua potable. En California, la Mesa Directiva de Control de Recursos de Agua Estatal (Mesa Directiva Estatal) regula la calidad de agua de la llave haciendo cumplir límites que son al menos tan rigurosos como los de USEPA. Históricamente, los límites de California son más rigurosos que los Federales.

Hay dos tipos de límites conocidos como normas. Las normas primarias lo protegen a usted de sustancias que potencialmente podrían afectar su salud. Las normas secundarias regulan las substancias que afectan la calidad estética del agua. Los reglamentos establecen un Nivel Máximo de Contaminantes (MCL) para cada una de las normas tanto primarias como secundarias. El MCL es el nivel mas alto de substancia permitida en su agua potable.

Las Metas de la Salud Pública (PHGs) son establecidas por la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de California (EPA). Las PHG proporcionan más información con respecto a la calidad del agua potable a clientes, y son similares a los reglamentos equivalentes federales nombrados Metas de Niveles de

Contaminantes Máximos (MCLG). Las PHGs y MCLGs son metas a nivel recomendable que no se pueden hacer cumplir. Ambos niveles PHG y MCLG son concentraciones de una sustancia debajo de la cual no se conoce o se espera haya riesgos para la salud.

¿Cómo Interpreto la Tabla de Información de Calidad de Agua?

Aunque analizamos para más de 100 sustancias, los reglamentos nos requieren que reportemos solo aquellas que se encuentran en su agua. La primera columna en la tabla de la calidad de agua muestra las sustancias detectadas en su agua. Las siguientes columnas muestran la concentración promedio y la variedad de concentraciones que se hayan encontrado en su agua potable. Las siguientes columnas si fuera apropiado, muestran los MCL y PHG o MCLG. La última columna describe el probable origen de estas sustancias en el agua potable.

Para revisar la calidad de su agua potable, compare la concentración más alta y el MCL. Revise las sustancias mas altas que las del MCL. El exceder de un MCL Primario no significa una amenaza inmediata para la salud. Más bien, esto requiere que por un corto periodo se realicen análisis más frecuentes del abastecimiento del agua. Si los resultados muestran que el agua continua sobrepasando el MCL, el agua debe ser tratada para remover esa sustancia o la fuente debe de ser retirada de prestar servicio al público.

¿Por Qué Hay Tanta

Cobertura En Las Noticias

Sobre La Calidad Del Agua

De La Llave?

Los lugares de origen del agua potable (ambas agua de la llave y agua embotellada) incluyen ríos, lagos, arroyos, lagunas, presas, manantiales y pozos. Conforme el agua viaja sobre la superficie de la tierra o a través del suelo, se disuelve naturalmente y ocurren minerales y en algunas ocasiones, material radioactivo y pueden recoger sustancias generadas por la presencia de animales o por actividades humanas.

Los contaminantes que pueden existir en los lugares de origen del agua incluyen:

Contaminantes microbianos, incluyendo los virus y la bacteria que pueden venir de las plantas de tratamiento de aguas negras, de los sistemas sépticos, de las operaciones de ganadería y de la vida silvestre;

Contaminantes inorgánicos, como las sales y metales que pueden ocurrir naturalmente o como resultado del desagüe pluvial, industrial, o de alcantarillado, producción de gas natural y petróleo, minería o agricultura;

Pesticidas y herbicidas, los cuales pueden venir de varias fuentes tales como la agricultura, del desagüpluviale y de usos residenciales;

Contaminantes químico orgánicas, incluyendo químicos orgánicos volátiles y sintéticos que son productos de procesos industriales y de la producción de petróleo y que pueden provenir de las estaciones de gasolina, desagües pluviales urbanos, aplicación de agricultura y de sistemas sépticos;

Contaminantes radioactivos los cuales pueden ocurrir naturalmente o que pueden ser resultados de las actividades de la producción de gas natural y minería.

(página federal de la USEPA)

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Para poder asegurarse de que el agua de la llave sea segura para beberse, la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Los Estados Unidos (USEPA) y la Mesa Directiva de Control de Recursos de Agua Estatal (Mesa Directiva Estatal) ordenan reglamentos que limitan la cantidad de ciertos contaminantes en el agua proporcionada por los sistemas de agua pública. Los reglamentos de la Mesa Directiva Estatal también establecen los límites para contaminantes en el agua embotellada que debe proporcionar la misma protección para la salud pública.

Es muy probable que toda el agua potable, incluyendo el agua embotellada, pueda contener cantidades pequeñas de algunos contaminantes. La presencia de estos contaminantes no necesariamente indica que haya algún riesgo de salud. Usted puede obtener más información acerca de estos contaminantes y los posibles efectos a la salud llamando a la Línea Directa de Agua Potable Segura al teléfono (1-800-426-4791). También puede usted obtener más información sobre el agua potable conectándose a los siguientes sitios web:

http://www.epa.gov/dwstandardsregula- tions/2018-drinking-water-standards-and- advisory-tables

https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/drink- ing_water/certlic/drinkingwater/Chemical- contaminants.html

(sitio Web de la Mesa Directiva Estatal)

Los niveles elevados de plomo, si estos estuvieran presentes, pueden causar serios problemas de salud sobre todo para mujeres embarazadas y niños. El plomo en el agua potable viene principalmente de materiales y componentes asociados con líneas de servicios y plomería residencial. La Ciudad de South Gate es responsable de proporcionar el agua potable de alta calidad pero no puede controlar la variedad de materiales usados en los componentes de plomería. Cuando su agua ha estado asentada durante varias horas, usted puede minimizar el potencial para la exposición de plomo dejando correr su agua de su llave durante 30 segundos a 2 minutos antes de usar el agua para beber o cocinar. Si usted está preocupado por el plomo en su agua, usted puede elegir que le hagan pruebas a su agua. Información acerca del plomo en el agua potable, métodos de las pruebas y pasos que usted puede tomar para minimizar ser expuesto están disponibles en la Línea Directa de Agua Potable Segura o en http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

¿Debo Tomar Precauciones Adicionales?

Algunas personas pueden ser más vulnerables que otros a los contaminantes en el agua potable. Las personas que tienen problemas inmunológicos, tales como personas que estén en tratamiento para el cáncer como la quimioterapia, personas que han tenido trasplantes de órganos, o personas con VIH/SIDA u otros desordenes inmunológicos, personas de edad avanzada y los bebés pueden ser particularmente susceptibles a correr riesgo a ciertas infecciones. Estas personas deben de consultar a sus proveedores de salud médica para que les guien sobre que agua beber. Los centros de la USEPA para el Control de Enfermedades tienen una guía acerca de los medios adecuados para disminuir los riesgos de infección de Cryptosporidium y otros contaminantes microbianos y están disponibles por la USEPA en la Línea Directa de Agua Potable Segura en el teléfono (1-800-426-4791).

EvaluaciónDelOrigenDelAgua

En el 2003, la Ciudad de South Gate condujo una evaluación de su suministro de agua sub- terránea e hizo una enmienda en el 2016 para incluir el nuevo Pozo 29. Los suministros de agua subterránea son considerados como los más vulnerables para los pozos de abastec- imiento de agua y las siguientes actividades: tintorerías, lavado de coches, talleres mecáni- cos, terminales de autobuses, estacionamien- tos/centros comerciales, reparación de auto domésticos, edificios de oficinas, patios de alquiler, viviendas de alta densidad, centros de reciclaje, apartamentos y condominios, es- cuelas, calles/caminos, alcantarillas y drena- jes, y oficinas/clínicas médicas/dentales. Puede obtener una copia de la evaluación aprobada llamando al Gerente de Opera- ciones de Agua de South Gate, Ramiro Hernández, al (323) 563-5796.

¿Cómo Puedo Participar en las Decisiones Que Me Afectan Sobre Asuntos Acerca del Agua?

El público en general está invitado a asistir a reuniones del Concejo Municipal cada segundo y cuarto martes de cada mes a las 6:30 p.m. en la sala principal del Concejo en el Ayuntamiento en el 8650 California Avenue, South Gate, CA 90280.

¿Cómo Me Pongo En Contacto Con Mi Agencia del Agua Si Tengo Preguntas Sobre La Calidad del Agua?

Si tiene preguntas específicas sobre la calidad del agua potable, por favor póngase en contacto con Ramiro Hernández, Encargado de Operaciones de Agua de South Gate, al (323) 563-5796.

Algunos Consejos Útiles Para Conservar Agua

Arregle las llaves que goteen en su casa - ahorre hasta 20 galones de agua diario por cada gotera que evite.

Ahorre entre 15 y 50 galones cada vez que lave porciones máximas al lavar su ropa.

Ajuste su sistema de rociadores para que el agua caiga en su jardín o césped y no en la acera o area de estacionamiento – ahorre 500 gallones de agua por mes.

Use el estiercol orgánico alrededor de plantas para reducir la evaporación – ahorre cientos de galones al año.

Visite http://www.epa.gov/watersense para obtener más información.

Visítenos en la página:

www.cityofsouthgate.org

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Footnotes (Notas al pie de la página)

  1. California Public Health Goal (PHG). Other advisory levels listed in this column are federal Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs).
  2. Combined Radium 226 + Radium 228 has a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 5 pCi/L.
  3. Running annual average used to calculate average, range, and MCL compliance.
  4. Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL)
  5. Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG)
  6. 90th percentile from the most recent sampling at selected customer taps.
  7. The secondary MCL for manganese was exceeded in one well in 2019 but the well was treated prior to distribution. Water after treatment is in compliance and below the secondary MCL. The manganese secondary MCLs are set to protect against unpleasant effects such as color, taste, odor, & staining of laundry/plumbing fixtures. A iron or manganese secondary MCL exceedance does not pose a health risk.
  8. The Notification Level of 1 ug/l for 1,4-Dioxane was exceeded in several wells in 2019. Some people who use water containing
    1,4-dioxane in excess of the Notification Level over many years may experience liver or kidney problems and may have an increased risk of getting cancer, based on studies in laboratory animals. This well system monitors samples quarterly for 1,4-Dioxane.
  9. This well system uses the spray aeration treatment technique to remove Tetrachloroethylene and Trichloroethylene from four (4) of its wells prior to distribution. The data located on the water quality table is representative from the distribution system in 2019. Water after treatment is in compliance and below the MCL.

Notification of PFOA/PFOS: PFOA and PFOS are manmade fluorinated organic chemicals that are part of a larger group of chemicals referred to as per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). These substances have been synthesized for water and lipid resistance and have been used extensively in consumer products such as carpets, clothing, fabrics for furniture, paper packaging for food, and other materials (e.g., cookware) designed to be waterproof, stain-resistant or non-stick. In addition, they have been used in fire-retarding foam and various industrial processes. In May 2016, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) issued a lifetime health advisory for PFOS and PFOA for drinking water, advising municipalities that they should notify their customers of the presence of levels over 70 parts per trillion (PPT) or nanograms per liter (NG/) in community water supplies. In August 2019, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water (DDW), revised the notification levels to 6.5 ppt for PFOS and 5.1 ppt for PFOA. The single health advisory response level (for the combined values of PFOS and PFOA) remained at 70 ppt. On February 6, 2020, DDW issued updated drinking water response levels of 10 ppt for PFOA and 40 ppt for PFOS based on a running four-quarter average.

Exposure to PFOA and PFOS over certain levels may result in adverse health effects, including developmental effects to fetuses during pregnancy or to breastfed infants (e.g., low birth weight, accelerated puberty, skeletal variations), cancer (e.g., testicular, kidney), liver effects (e.g., tissue damage), immune effects (e.g., antibody production and immunity), thyroid effects and other effects (e.g., cholesterol change).”

Abbreviations (Abreviaciones)

< = less than

SI = saturation index

uS/cm = microSiemens per centimeter

mg/l = milligrams per liter or parts per million (equivalent to 1 drop in 42 gallons)

 

NA = constituent not analyzed

ND = constituent not detected at the reporting limit

ng/l = nanograms per liter or parts per trillion (equivalent to 1 drop in 42,000,000 gallons)

pCi/l = picoCuries per liter

NTU = nephelometric turbidity units

 

μg/l = micrograms per liter or parts per billion (equivalent to 1 drop in 42,000 gallons)

Definitions (Definiciones)

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 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

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 microbial contaminants

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG): The level of a disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.

Notification Level: The level at which notification of the public water system governing body is required. A health-based advisory level for an unregulated contaminant.

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.

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

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

Primary Drinking Water Standards (PDWS): MCLs and MRDLs for contaminants that affect health along with their monitoring and reporting requirements, and water treatment requirements

Secondary Drinking Water Standards (SDWS): MCLs and MRDLs for contaminants that affect the aesthetic qualities of drinking water such as taste, odor, or appearance. Contaminants with SDWSs do not affect

the health at the MCL levels.

Variances and Exemptions: Department permission to exceed an MCL or not comply with a treatment technique under certain conditions.

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UNREGULATED CONTAMINANT MONITORING REGULATION (UCMR-4)

The Safe Drinking Water Act requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to identify unregulated contaminants for potential regulations. Every five years, EPA identifies a list of unregulated contaminants to be monitored for by the nation's water utilities over a three year period. This will occur in 2018-2020 with the fourth UCMR (UCMR-4). In 2018, the City of South Gate began monitoring for a total of 30 chemical contaminants from its wells along with a corresponding sampling from the distribution system reflecting water from each well and no detections were found. Once EPA has obtained this occurrence data nationally, they are required to determine if there is a meaningful opportunity for increased health protection of drinking water by regulating these contaminents. The findings from this monitoring will be reported in Consumer Confidence Report through 2020.

REGULACION DE MONITOREO DE CONTAMINANTES NO REGULADOS (UCMR-4)

La Ley de Agua Potable requiere que la Agencia de Protección del Medio Ambiente (EPA) identifique contaminantes no regulados para las regula- ciones potenciales. Cada cinco años, EPA identifica una lista de contaminantes no regulados que deben ser monitoreados por los servicios de agua de la nación durante un periodo de tres años. Esto ocurrirá en 2018-2020 con la cuarta UCMR (UCMR-4). En 2018, la Ciudad de South Gate comenzó a monitorear un total de 30 contaminantes químicos de sus pozos de agua con una muestra correspondiente del sistema de distribución que refleja el agua de cada pozo y no se encontraron detecciones. Una vez que la EPA haya obtenido estos datos de ocurrencia a nivel nacional, están obligados a determinar si existe una oportunidad significativa para aumentar la protección de la salud del agua potable mediante la regulación de estos contaminantes. Los resultados de este seguimiento se informarán en el Informe de Confianza del Consumidor hasta 2020.

Contaminants


South Gate Water Department

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: 96057
  • Data available: 2012-2017
  • Data Source: Groundwater
  • Total: 27

Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines

  • 1%2C4-Dioxane
  • Arsenic
  • Bromodichloromethane
  • Bromoform
  • Chromium (hexavalent)
  • Dibromochloromethane
  • Nitrate
  • Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene)
  • Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
  • Trichloroethylene
  • Uranium

Other Detected Contaminants

  • 1%2C1-Dichloroethylene
  • Barium
  • Chlorate
  • Chloroform
  • Chromium (total)
  • Dibromoacetic acid
  • Dichloroacetic acid
  • Fluoride
  • Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
  • Molybdenum
  • Monobromoacetic acid
  • Monochloroacetic acid
  • Radium%2C combined (-226 & -228)
  • Strontium
  • Trichloroacetic acid
  • Vanadium

Reminder

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

Sources and Resources

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