01. Adopt Reso-Approving & Adopting Water System 2022 Public Health Goals Report

Item No.

TO:

FROM:

DATE:

SUBJECT:

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The City Council will conduct a public hearing regarding the City of Downey Water System 2022 Public Health Goals Report and consider adopting Resolution No. 23-8201, approving and adopting the City of Downey Water System 2022 Public Health Goals Report. As required by the California Health and Safety Code, the City of Downey must complete a Public Health Goals Report every three years. The Report provides information on the “detection” of any contaminants in the public water system that exceed the Public Health Goals for those contaminants. The City’s water system currently meets all State Water Board and USEPA drinking water standards set to protect public health .

RECOMMENDATION

That the City Council:

1. Conduct a public hearing concerning the City of Downey Water System 2022 Public Health Goals Report; and

2. Adopt Resolution No. 23-8201, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Downey Approving and Adopting the City of Downey Water System 2022 Public Health Goals Report.

BACKGROUND

The California Health and Safety Code (HSC) requires public water systems serving more than 10,000 service connections to prepare a Public Health Goals (PHGs) Report every three years that provides information on the “detection” of any contaminants in the public water system that exceed the PHGs for those contaminants. The purpose of the PHGs Report is to provide water customers with access to information on levels of contaminants that fall below the “enforceable mandatory standards” such as Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), but above the PHG level.

APPROVED BY

CITY MANAGER

HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
BY: MATTHEW BAUMGARDNER, P.E., DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS/

CITY ENGINEER
NOVEMBER 14, 2023

ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE CITY
OF DOWNEY WATER SYSTEM 2022 PUBLIC HEALTH GOALS REPORT

2022 PUBLIC HEALTH GOALS REPORT
NOVEMBER 14, 2023
PAGE 2

Drinking Water Standards, PHGs, and MCLGs

MCLs are established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water (State Water Board).

The HSC requires MCLs to be established at a level as close to its PHG as is technologically and economically feasible, placing primary emphasis on the protection of public health .

Adopted MCLs are the criteria utilized to ensure that a public water system is in compliance with drinking water standards.

PHGs are “non-enforceable goals” established by the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal-EPA) Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) and are not required to be met by any public water system. In situations where OEHHA has not adopted a PHG for a particular constituent, water suppliers are to use the Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) adopted by the USEPA in place of the PHG when preparing the PHGs Report.

PHGs and MCLGs are based solely on public health risk considerations. Risk-management factors that are considered by the USEPA or State Water Board when setting enforceable drinking water standards (MCLs) are not considered when setting PHGs or MCLGs. Such factors that are not considered when setting PHGs or MCLGs include: analytical detection capability, availability of treatment technology, benefits, capital costs, and ongoing operational costs. PHGs and MCLGs are, or may be set at, very low levels where health risks are very low, if not zero. Determination of health risks at these low levels are frequently theoretically based on risk assessments with many assumptions and mathematical extrapolat ions.

ANALYSIS

City’s 2022 PHG Report and Water Quality Data

The City of Downey Water System 2022 PHGs Report, included with Attachment A, was prepared in accordance with the above noted requirements and was made available for review on the City’s website, at the City Clerk’s office, and at the Public Works Department counter. A list of all regulated constituents and their MCLs and PHGs (or MCLGs) are included in the PHGs Report. Also included are the numerical public health risks associated with the MCL and the PHG (or MCLG) of each constituent detected, the category or type of risk to health that could be associated with each constituent, the best t reatment technology available that could be used to reduce the constituent level, and an estimate of the annualized cost of a treatment system associated with various constituents.

The water quality data collected from the City’s water system and analyzed by State-certified contract laboratories between Calendar Years 2019 and 2021 for the purpose of determining compliance with drinking water standards were considered in preparing the City’s 2022 PHGs Report. Such water quality data were previously summarized in the City’s 2019, 2020, and 2021 Annual Water Quality Reports (Consumer Confidence Report or CCR), which were made available to all water customers by direct mail and/or on the City’s website before July 1st of each subsequent year.

2022 PUBLIC HEALTH GOALS REPORT
NOVEMBER 14, 2023
PAGE 3

Constituents Detected that Exceeded a PHG or MCLG

The following constituents were detected in one or more of the City’s drinking water sources at levels above the PHG, or if no PHG above the MCLG:

Constituents MCL PHG or
(MCLG)
Detection
Average
Best
Available
Technologies
Arsenic (mg/L) 0.010 0.000004 0.00119 RO
Tetrachloroethylene [PCE] (mg/L) 0.005 0.00006 0.00029 GAC Gross-Alpha (pCi/L) 15 (0) 1.77 RO
Uranium (pCi/L) 20 0.43 0.93 RO
Lead (mg/L) – Action Level 0.015 0.0002 0.0034 CC
Total Coliform (% Positive Samples) 5% (0) 1.21% D

Notes:
mg/L - milligrams per liter (1 milligram = 0.001 grams) pCi/L - picoCuries per liter
CC – corrosion control
D - disinfection
GAC - granular activated carbon
RO - reverse osmosis

More detailed discussion and cost estimates for hypothetical treatment of the above constituents are provided below as well as in the attached PHGs Report.

Treatment Alternatives and Cost Estimates

Both the USEPA and State Water Board have adopted what are known as Best Available Technologies (BATs), which are the best-known methods of reducing contaminant levels to the MCL. Costs can be estimated for such technologies. However, since many PHGs and MCLGs are set much lower than the MCLs, it is not always possible or feasible to determine what treatments are needed to further reduce the constituents down to or near the PHG or MCLG, many of which are set at zero.

Estimating treatment costs to reduce a constituent to a low PHG level (sometimes to laboratory non-detect levels or zero) is difficult, if not impossible, because it is not possible to verify analytically that the level has been lowered to zero. In some cases, installing a treatment facility to further reduce very low levels of one constituent may also cause adverse effects on other aspects of a system’s water quality. Therefore, estimating the actual effectiveness of BATs for PHGs and MCLGs and their effect on overall system water quality has limited value due to the uncertainty of dealing with constituents at such low levels .

2022 PUBLIC HEALTH GOALS REPORT
NOVEMBER 14, 2023
PAGE 4

Where appropriate, the BATs that could be hypothetically used to reduce the levels of the constituents listed in the previous table and estimates of the annualized co sts to design, construct, and operate the treatment facilities have been estimated for the purposes of the PHGs Report. The annualized costs assume that they will be equally shared by each of the approximately 23,500 service connections in the City’s water system.

The costs associated with the BATs included in the PHGs Report do not include other costs, such as costs associated with demolition, property acquisition, groundwater well pump , and motor improvements necessary to overcome the increase in pr essure loss associated with the treatment facilities, and increased electricity costs. Further, the effectiveness of the treatment processes to provide significant reductions in constituent levels at these already low levels are uncertain. The health protection benefits of these further hypothetical reductions are uncertain and may not be quantifiable. Therefore, no further action is recommended other than conducting a public hearing to consider comments as required by the HSC and adopting the resolution, which is included as Attachment A along with the City’s 2022 PHGs Report.

It is important to note that the City’s water system currently meets all State Water Board and USEPA drinking water standards set to protect public health. As provided in the PHGs Report, very costly treatment processes would be required to further reduce the levels of the small number of constituents detected , which are already significantly below the MCLs established to determine compliance with drinking water standards.

CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES

Quality of Life, Safety & Infrastructure
Public Engagement

FISCAL IMPACT

There is no fiscal impact.

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment A – Resolution and City of Downey Water System 2022 Public Health Goals Report

RESOLUTION NO. 23-

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE CITY OF DOWNEY WATER SYSTEM 2022

PUBLIC HEALTH GOALS REPORT

WHEREAS, Section 116470(b) of the California Health and Safety Code specifies that a public water system serving more than 10,000 service connections must prepare a Public Health Goals (PHGs) Report every three years that provides information on the detection of any contaminants in the public water system that exceed the applicable PHGs for those contaminants; and

WHEREAS, the City of Downey is an urban supplier of water providing water to a population of approximately 111,000 through approximately 23,500 service connections; and

WHEREAS, the City provides approximately 14,000 acre-feet of potable water to its customers on an annual basis; and

WHEREAS, the City of Downey Water System 2022 PHG Report (Report) has been prepared; and

WHEREAS, Section 116470(c) requires that the Report be made available for public review and that a public hearing be held prior to adoption of the Report; and

WHEREAS, the City has therefore prepared and made available for public review at the City Clerk’s office, Public Works Department Counter, and on the City’s website, draft copies of the Report, and provided proper notice of the Public Hearing to be held before the City Council of the City of Downey on November 14, 2023; and

WHEREAS, all remarks and suggestions brought to the attention of the City were considered prior to the approval and adoption of the Report.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The City of Downey Water System 2022 Public Health Goals Report, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit A, is hereby approved and adopted.

SECTION 2. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution.

ATTACHMENT A

RESOLUTION NO.

PAGE 2

APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 14th day of November, 2023.

_________________________________
CLAUDIA M. FROMETA, Mayor

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

JOHN M. FUNK
City Attorney

I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was adopted by the City Council of the City of Downey at a Regular meeting held on the 14th day of November, 2023, by the following vote, to wit:

AYES: Council Members:

NOES: Council Member:

ABSENT: Council Member:

ABSTAIN: Council Member:

MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC
City Clerk

City of Downey Water System

2022 Public Health Goals Report
Prepared by

Utilities Division
Department of Public Works
9252 Stewart and Gray Road
Downey, CA 90241

EXHIBIT A

2 Public Health Goals Report
Background
The 2022 Public Health Goals (PHG) Report for the City of Downey Water System has been prepared in accordance with Section 116470 of the California Health and Safety Code, (HSC), which requires public water systems serving more than 10,000 service connections to provide information on the “detection” of any contaminant(s) exceeding a Public Health Goal (PHG) level.

The City’s 2022 PHG Report is based on water quality analyses completed during calendar years 2019, 2020, and 2021, or in cases where water quality analyses during such years were not required, by using the most recent data available.

PHGs are “non-enforceable goals” established by the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) and are not required to be met by any public water system. OEHHA is the primary state entity responsible for the assessment of risks posed by chemical contaminants in the environment.

In situations where OEHHA has not adopted a PHG for a particular constituent, water suppliers are to use the Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs) adopted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) in place of the PHG for that constituent when preparing the Report. MCLGs are the federal equivalent to PHGs.

The purpose of this report is to provide water customers with information on contaminants when their levels are detected above PHGs or MCLGs even though the levels are still in compliance with the enforceable mandatory drinking water standards referred to as Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). In addition to providing information related to water quality, this PHG Report also includes estimated costs to hypothetically reduce or eliminate the trace amount of the contaminant(s) to at or below PHG (or MCLG if there is no PHG) levels without regard to how minimal the risk might be. Cost estimates are theoretical and include design, construction, and operational considerations for treatment facilities using the Best Available Technology (BAT).

Drinking Water Standards, MCLs, PHGs and MCLGs
The USEPA and the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Division of Drinking Water (DDW) establish drinking water standards at very conservative levels to protect consumers from potential health risks. The MCL is the highest level of a contaminant allowed in drinking water. State MCLs cannot be less stringent than federal MCLs. MCLs are set at levels that take into consideration the cost of compliance based on available treatment technology for the contaminant. Adopted MCLs are the criteria utilized to ensure that a public

3 water system is in compliance with drinking water standards. California Health and Safety Code Section 116365(a) requires MCLs to be established at a level as close to its PHG as is technologically and economically feasible, placing primary emphasis on the protection of public health. Therefore, drinking water which meets SWRCB DDW standards is associated with little to no risk.

PHGs set by OEHHA are based solely on public health risk considerations. PHGs and MCLGs are set at very low levels where health risks are very low and in some cases zero. Health risks determined at these low levels are frequently based on theoretical risk assessment with many assumptions and mathematical extrapolations. Practical risk-management factors, such as analytical detection capability, availability of treatment technology, benefits, capital c osts, and ongoing operational costs which are considered by the USEPA and SWRCB DDW when setting enforceable drinking water standards such as MCLs, are not considered when setting PHGs or MCLGs.

PHGs and MCLGs are not regulatory in nature and represent only non-enforceable theoretical goals. A list of all regulated contaminants along with their MCLs and PHGs (or MCLGs) is included as Attachment No. 1 to this Report.

Water Quality Data Considered
All the water quality data collected from the City’s water system between calendar years 2019 and 2021 for the purposes of determining compliance with drinking water standards were considered in preparing this Report. Such water quality data were summarized in the City’s 2019, 2020, and 2021 Annual Water Quality Reports (Consumer Confidence Report or CCR) (Attachment Nos. 2-4), which were each made available to all water customers by direct mail and/or posting on the City’s website.

The 2022 PHG Report provides all information required in accordance with HSC Section 116470 for any constituents that were detected in the City’s water supply at a level above an applicable PHG or MCLG.

Such information included in this Report includes: the numerical public health risk associated with the MCL and PHG (or MCLG) for the constituent in question, the category or type of risk to health that could be associated with each constituent level, and an estimate of the annualized cost of a treatment system for the constituent if feasible.

Best Available Treatment Technology and Cost Estimates
Both the USEPA and the DDW adopt what are known as BATs or Best Available Technologies which are the best known methods of reducing contaminant levels to the MCL. However, since many PHGs and MCLGs are set much lower than the MCLs, it is not always possible or feasible to determine what treatment is needed to further reduce a constituent down to or near the PHG or MCLG for a particular constituent, many of which are set at zero.

4 Estimating the costs to reduce a constituent to a low PHG level (sometimes to non-detect levels or zero) is difficult, if not impossible, and highly speculative because it is not always possible to verify constituents at such low levels. Some constituents considered to be carcinogenic have MCLGs designated as zero, which cannot be measured by practically available analytical methods. In some cases, installing a treatment facility to further reduce levels of one constituent that is already at a very low level may also cause adverse effects on other aspects of a system’s water quality, requiring additional treatment and additional costs.

Where the best available technology that could be used to reduce the constituent level in question exists, the annualized costs to design, install, and operate such treatment equipment have been estimated. The annualized costs assume that they will be equally shared by each of the approximately 23,500 service connections in the City’s water system.

Constituents Detected That Exceed a PHG or a MCLG
The following provides information on constituents that were detected in one or more of the City’s drinking water sources at a level above the PHG, or the MCLG. The table below is a summary of those constituents, BATs, and numerical health risk.

Constituents Units MCL PHG or
(MCLG)*
Detectio
n
Average
Detection
Range
Numerical
Cancer Risk
1 at PHG or
MCLG
Numerica
l Cancer
Risk 1 at
MCL
BATs Aggregate
Cost Per
Year
(Million)
Arsenic mg/L 0.010 0.000004 0.00119 0 - 0.0035 1x10-6 2.5x10-3 RO $10.68 Tetrachloroethylene
(PCE)
mg/L 0.005 0.00006 0.00029 0 - 0.0036 1x10-6 8x10-5 GAC $11.93 Gross-Alpha pCi/L 15 (0) 1.77 0 - 6.0 0 1x10-3 RO $12.57 Uranium pCi/L 20 0.43 0.93 0 – 3.7 1x10-6 5x10-5 RO $7.54 Lead 2 Action Level mg/L 0.015 0.0002 0.0034 NA <1x10-6 (PHG is not
based on
this effect)
2x10-6 CC --
Total Coliform %
Positive
5% (0) 1.21 0 – 15.7 NA NA D --

5 NOTES:
*MCLGs are shown in parenthesis. MCLGs are
provided only when no applicable PHG exists.

1 Cancer Risk= Upper estimate of excess cancer risk
per number of people exposed, resulting from
lifetime exposure. Actual cancer risk may be lower or
zero. Based on the OEHHA PHG technical support
document unless otherwise specified.

2 AL= Action Levels for copper and lead refer to a
concentration measured at the tap. Much of the
copper and lead in drinking water is derived from
household plumbing (The Lead and Copper Rule, Title
22, California Code of Regulations [CCR] Section
64672.3).

TREATMENT/CONTROL TECHNOLOGIES
GAC=Granular Activated Carbon
RO=Reverse Osmosis
CC=Corrosion Control
D=Disinfection
IE= Ion Exchange
RCF= Reduction- Coagulation- Filtration
TERMS/ABBREVIATIONS:

NA=Not Applicable
AL=Action Level
BAT=Best Available Technology
mg/L=milligrams per liter or parts per million
pCi/L= picoCuries per liter
MCL= Maximum Contaminant Level
MCLG= Maximum Contaminant Level Goal
PHG=Public Health Goal
Arsenic
Arsenic has been detected from five water wells in the City water system. The MCL for Arsenic is 0.010 milligrams per liter (mg/L) and the PHG is 0.000004 mg/L (4 parts per trillion or ppt). As provided in the previous table the Arsenic levels detected in the City’s system were below the MCL but above the PHG level.

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element in the earth’s crust and is widely distributed in the environment. All humans are exposed to microgram quantities of arsenic largely from food and to a lesser degree from drinking water and air. The PHG of 0.000004 mg/L for arsenic in drinking water is derived based on the mortality of arsenic-induced lung and urinary bladder cancers observed in the epidemiological studies. Similar unit risks were derived from a mouse bioassay using prenatal exposure to arsenic. The risk estimates were based on a low-dose linear extrapolation approach although the mode of carcinogenic action is not fully understood.

The applicable BAT identified to treat arsenic is Reverse Osmosis (RO) treatment. The City has determined that the cost to install and operate a RO removal system to treat the subject wells in the water system to meet PHG levels would be up to $10.68 Million annually, which includes construction and annual operational cost. This translates into an annual cost of $454 per water service connection.

Tetrachlorethylene (PCE)
There are a total of three wells that have PCE levels below the MCL of 0.005 milligrams per liter (mg/L) but above the PHG of 0.00006 mg/L. The PHG was derived based on research showing incidences of cancer and leukemia in mice and rats exposed to PCE over a lifetime.

Constituents that cause cancer in laboratory animals also may increase the risk of cancer

6 in humans who are exposed over long periods of time. However, per the SWRCB, MCLs are established at levels as close to their PHG as is technologically and economically feasible, placing primary emphasis on the protection of public health therefore water which meets the drinking water standard (the MCL) is associated with little to no risk with respect to PCE.

A feasible BAT for removal of PCE is Granular Activated Carbon (GAC). The estimated cost to install and operate such treatment systems on three wells would be up to $11.93 Million per year including annualized capital and operation and maintenance costs. This would result in an assumed increased cost for each water service connection of $508 per year.

Gross Alpha, Combined Radium, and Uranium.

Gross Alpha has been detected from 11 wells in the system. The MCL for gross alpha is 15 pico Curies per Liter (pCi/L) and the MCLG is 0 pCi/L. The levels detected in the City’s system were below the MCL, but were over MCLG levels set by USEPA. Uranium has been detected from 13 wells in the system. The MCL for uranium is 20 pCi/L and the PHG is 0.43 pCi/L. The levels detected in the City’s system were below the MCL at all times, but were over the PHG level.

These radiological constituents are naturally occurring contaminants in water supplies.

These constituents have been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals such as rats and mice when the animals are exposed to high levels over their lifetimes. These constituents that cause cancer in laboratory animals also may increase the risk of cancer in humans who are exposed over long periods of time.

The BAT for the removal of gross alpha radioactivity in drinking water for large water systems is reverse osmosis, which can also remove uranium. The City has estimated that the cost to install and operate RO systems at the City’s well sites to meet the PHG levels would be up to approximately $20.11 Million annually, which includes construction and annual operational costs. This translates into an annual cost of $856 per water service connection.

Lead
The SWRCB through the DDW enforces the Lead and Copper Rule, which follows the US EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule, and is used to protect the public’s drinking water from metals that can adversely affect public health. Lead and copper are not present in our water sources, but they can leach into drinking water through the resident’s plumbing systems and faucets. The Lead and Copper Rule requires water systems to monitor lead and copper levels at the consumers’ taps.

7 There is no MCL for lead or copper. Instead of MCLs, every three years a set of special samples are collected and the results evaluated to determine whether the City’s water system has achieved “optimized corrosion control. The 90th percentile value of all samples collected from household taps in the distribution system cannot exceed an Action Level of

0.015 mg/L for lead and 1.3 mg/L for copper. If Action Levels for lead or copper are exceeded, installation or modifications to corrosion control treatment is required. The PHG for lead is 0.0002 mg/L and the PHG for copper is 0.3 mg/L. The categories of health risk associated with lead include damage to nervous system (neurobehavioral effects in children) and kidneys, high blood pressure, and cancer.

Based on the last round of sampling for lead and copper in 2020, the 90th percentile value for lead was 0.0039 mg/L and 0.2 mg/L for copper. The value for copper was lower than the PHG, but the level of lead was higher than its corresponding PHG. However, both lead and copper results were below the Action Levels, which means the City’s system continued to meet water quality standards and is in full compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule.

Therefore, the City system is considered by the DDW to have “optimized corrosion control.” Optimizing corrosion control is considered to be the BAT to deal with corrosion issues and any lead or copper findings. The City continues to monitor its water quality parameters that relate to corrosivity, such as the pH, hardness, alkalinity, and total dissolved solids, and will take action if necessary to maintain the system in an “optimized corrosion control” condition.

Since the City is meeting the “optimized corrosion control” requirements, it is not prudent to initiate additional corrosion control treatment as it involves the addition of other chemicals and there could be additional water quality issues created as a result of doing so.

Therefore, no estimate of cost has been included.

Coliform Bacteria
The MCL for coliform bacteria is 5% positive samples of the total system samples collected per month and the MCLG is zero. The reason for the coliform drinking water standard is to minimize the possibility of water containing pathogens which are organisms that cause waterborne disease. Coliform is only a surrogate indicator of the potential presence of pathogens, therefore, it is not possible to quantify a specific numerical health risk.

Coliform bacteria are an indicator organism that are ubiquitous in nature and are not generally considered harmful. They are used because of the ease in monitoring and analysis. If a positive sample is found, it indicates a potential problem that needs to be investigated. It is not at all unusual for a system to have an occasional positive sample. It is difficult, if not impossible to assure that a system will never detect a positive sample. Per the California Total Coliform Rule and the Federal Revised Total Coliform Rule, the City collects 25 total coliform samples weekly throughout the distribution system. During the

8 3 year period from 2019 to 2021, monthly positive total coliform percentage results had an average detection of 1.21% and ranged from 0% to 15.7%. All positive samples were followed by corresponding actions including collecting confirmation samples, investigating, and correcting the cause of positive samples. In response to positive samples, precautionary flushing and/or chlorination was performed as considered appropriate until samples determined that the water was total coliform free.

Although USEPA set the MCLG for total coliform at zero percent positive, there is no commercially available technology that will guarantee zero percent positive every single month, therefore, the cost of achieving the PHG cannot be estimated.

The City has implemented and will continue to utilize proactive measures and BATs to prevent any microbiological contamination. These include protection of wells by appropriate construction and maintenance, proper preventative maintenance of the distribution system by flushing, maintaining an effective cross-connection control program, maintaining positive pressures in the water distribution system, and conducting an effective sampling program that includes water quality monitoring of the distribution system and City wells.

All contaminants
All contaminants listed in the attached table may be removed to non-detectable levels, with the exception of lead and total coliform, which can be introduced anywhere in the distribution system regardless of treatment. The cost estimate to treat the water produced by the City to remove contaminants detected above the PHGs or MCLGs was calculated using reverse osmosis for the removal of arsenic, gross alpha, and uranium, and GAC treatment for the removal of PCE. Achieving the water quality goals for these four constituents could cost up to $42.72 Million per year, or $1,818 per service connection per year. It is important to note that this cost estimate is for treatment of only the four constituents noted above and does not include costs associated with demolition, property acquisition, groundwater well pump and motor improvements necessary to overcome the increase in pressure loss associated with the treatment facilities, and increased electricity costs. Therefore, the estimated total cost to treat arsenic, gross alpha, uranium, and PCE to PHG levels would be even greater than the estimate noted above.

Recommendations for Further Action
The drinking water quality of the City of Downey’s water system meets all State and Federal drinking water standards set to protect public health. Additional costly treatment processes would be required to further reduce the levels of the constituents identified in this Report, which are already significantly below the MCLs established to provide drinking water with primary emphasis placed on public health. The effectiveness of the treatment

9 processes to provide significant reductions in constituent levels at these already low values is uncertain. The health protection benefits of these further hypothetical reductions are not all clear and may not be quantifiable. Therefore, no action is proposed.

Attachments

1. Table of Regulated Contaminants with MCLs, PHGs or MCLGs

2. Water Quality Report for 2019.

3. Water Quality Report for 2020.

4. Water Quality Report for 2021.

Copper and Lead, 22 CCR §64672.3
Values referred to as MCLs for lead and copper are not actually MCLs; instead, they are called "Action Levels" under the lead and copper rule
Copper 1.3 0.05 0.3 2008
Lead 0.015 0.005 0.0002 2009
Selenium 0.05 0.005 0.03 2010
Thallium 0.002 0.001 0.0001 1999
(rev2004)
Nitrate + Nitrite (as N)10 as N --10 as N 2018
Perchlorate 0.006 0.002 0.001 2015
Nitrate (as nitrogen, N)10 as N 0.4 45 as
NO3 (=10
as N)
2018
Nitrite (as N)1 as N 0.4 1 as N 2018
Mercury (inorganic)0.002 0.001 0.0012 1999
(rev2005)*
Nickel 0.1 0.01 0.012 2001
Cyanide 0.15 0.1 0.15 1997
Fluoride 2 0.1 1 1997
Chromium, Total - OEHHA withdrew the 0.0025-mg/L
PHG

0.05 0.01 withdrawn
Nov. 2001
1999
Chromium, Hexavalent - 0.01-mg/L MCL & 0.001-
mg/L DLR repealed September 2017
----0.00002 2011

0.1 2 2003
Beryllium 0.004 0.001 0.001 2003
Cadmium 0.005 0.001 0.00004 2006
California's maximum contaminant levels (MCLs)
Detection limits for purposes of reporting (DLRs)
Public health goals (PHGs) from the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) Also, the PHG for NDMA (which is not yet regulated) is included at the bottom of this table.

Regulated Contaminant MCL DLR PHG Date of PHG
Chemicals with MCLs in 22 CCR §64431 —Inorganic Chemicals Aluminum 1 0.05 0.6 2001
Antimony 0.006
MCLs, DLRs, and PHGs for Regulated Drinking Water Contaminants (Units are in milligrams per liter (mg/L), unless otherwise noted.) Last Update: January 1, 2022
This table includes:

0.006 0.001 2016
Arsenic 0.010 0.002 0.000004 2004
Asbestos (MFL = million fibers per liter; for fibers >10 microns long)
7 MFL 0.2 MFL 7 MFL 2003
Barium 1
1 ATTACHMENT NO. 1

Xylenes 1.75 0.0005 1.8 1997
1,1,2-Trichloro-1,2,2-Trifluoroethane (Freon 113)1.2 0.01 4 1997 (rev2011)
Vinyl chloride 0.0005 0.0005 0.00005 2000
Trichloroethylene (TCE)0.005 0.0005 0.0017 2009
Trichlorofluoromethane (Freon 11)0.15 0.005 1.3 2014
1,1,1-Trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCA)0.2 0.0005 1 2006
1,1,2-Trichloroethane (1,1,2-TCA)0.005 0.0005 0.0003 2006 Toluene 0.15 0.0005 0.15 1999
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene 0.005 0.0005 0.005 1999
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane 0.001 0.0005 0.0001 2003
Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)0.005 0.0005 0.00006 2001
Monochlorobenzene 0.07 0.0005 0.07 2014
Styrene 0.1 0.0005 0.0005 2010
Ethylbenzene 0.3 0.0005 0.3 1997
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE)0.013 0.003 0.013 1999 1,2-Dichloropropane 0.005 0.0005 0.0005 1999
1,3-Dichloropropene 0.0005 0.0005 0.0002 1999
(rev2006)
trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene 0.01 0.0005 0.05 2018
Dichloromethane (Methylene chloride)0.005 0.0005 0.004 2000 1,1-Dichloroethylene (1,1-DCE)0.006 0.0005 0.01 1999
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene 0.006 0.0005 0.013 2018
1,1-Dichloroethane (1,1-DCA)0.005 0.0005 0.003 2003
1,2-Dichloroethane (1,2-DCA)0.0005 0.0005 0.0004 1999
(rev2005)
1,2-Dichlorobenzene 0.6 0.0005 0.6 1997
(rev2009)
1,4-Dichlorobenzene (p-DCB)0.005 0.0005 0.006 1997
Chemicals with MCLs in 22 CCR §64444 —Organic Chemicals (a) Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs)
Benzene 0.001 0.0005 0.00015 2001
Carbon tetrachloride 0.0005 0.0005 0.0001 2000
Tritium 20,000 1,000 400 2006
Uranium 20 1 0.43 2001
Radium-226 + Radium-228 5 ------
Strontium-90 8 2 0.35 2006
Radium-226 --1 0.05 2006
Radium-228 --1 0.019 2006
Radionuclides with MCLs in 22 CCR §64441 and §64443 —Radiological [units are picocuries per liter (pCi/L), unless otherwise stated; n/a = not applicable] Gross alpha particle activity - OEHHA concluded in
2003 that a PHG was not practical
15 3 none n/a
Gross beta particle activity - OEHHA concluded in
2003 that a PHG was not practical
4 mrem/yr
4 none n/a
2 Trichlorofluoromethane (FC-11)0.15 0.00015 1.3 2014
2,4,5-TP (Silvex)0.05 0.001 0.003 2014
1,2,3-Trichloropropane 0.000005 0.000005 0.0000007 2009 2,3,7,8-TCDD (dioxin)3x10-8 5x10-9 5x10-11 2010
Thiobencarb 0.07 0.001 0.042 2016
Toxaphene 0.003 0.001 0.00003 2003
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)0.0005 0.0005 0.00009 2007 Simazine 0.004 0.001 0.004 2001
Pentachlorophenol 0.001 0.0002 0.0003 2009
Picloram 0.5 0.001 0.166 2016
Molinate 0.02 0.002 0.001 2008
Oxamyl 0.05 0.02 0.026 2009
Lindane 0.0002 0.0002 0.000032 1999
(rev2005)
Methoxychlor 0.03 0.01 0.00009 2010
Hexachlorobenzene 0.001 0.0005 0.00003 2003
Hexachlorocyclopentadiene 0.05 0.001 0.002 2014
Heptachlor 0.00001 0.00001 0.000008 1999
Heptachlor epoxide 0.00001 0.00001 0.000006 1999
Ethylene dibromide (EDB) (1,2-Dibromoethane)0.00005 0.00002 0.00001 2003 Glyphosate 0.7 0.025 0.9 2007
Endothal 0.1 0.045 0.094 2014
Endrin 0.002 0.0001 0.0003 2016
Dinoseb 0.007 0.002 0.014 1997
(rev2010)
Diquat 0.02 0.004 0.006 2016
Di(2-ethylhexyl)adipate 0.4 0.005 0.2 2003
Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)0.004 0.003 0.012 1997
1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP)0.0002 0.00001 0.000003 2020 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)0.07 0.01 0.02 2009 Chlordane 0.0001 0.0001 0.00003 1997
(rev2006)
Dalapon 0.2 0.01 0.79 1997
(rev2009)
Chlorobenzene 0.07 0.00085 0.07 2014
Benzo(a)pyrene 0.0002 0.0001 0.000007 2010
Carbofuran 0.018 0.005 0.0007 2016
Atrazine 0.001 0.0005 0.00015 1999
Bentazon 0.018 0.002 0.2 1999
(rev2009)
(b) Non-Volatile Synthetic Organic Chemicals (SOCs)
Alachlor 0.002 0.001 0.004 1997
3 0.010 0.0050**0.0001 2009
*OEHHA's review of this chemical during the year indicated (rev20XX) resulted in no change in the PHG. **The DLR for Bromate is 0.0010 mg/L for analysis performed using EPA Method 317.0 Revision 2.0, 321.8, or 326.0.

Chlorite 1.0 0.020 0.05 2009
Chemicals with PHGs established in response to DDW requests. These are not currently regulated drinking water contaminants.

N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA)----0.000003 2006
Dibromoacetic Acid
Monobromoacetic Acid --0.0010 ----
--0.0010 ----
Dichloroacetic Adic --0.0010 ----
Trichloroacetic Acid --0.0010 ----
Haloacetic Acids (five) (HAA5)0.060 ------
Monochloroacetic Acid --0.0020 ----
Chloroform --0.0010 0.0004 2020
Dibromochloromethane --0.0010 0.0001 2020
Bromodichloromethane --0.0010 0.00006 2020
Bromoform --0.0010 0.0005 2020
Chemicals with MCLs in 22 CCR §64533 —Disinfection Byproducts Total Trihalomethanes 0.080 ------
Bromate
4 This report is available for electronic viewing at http://www.downeygis.org/wqr/2019.pdf To request a paper copy of the 2019 report be mailed to your home, please call (562) 904-7202 2019 Annual
Water Quality
Report
ATTACHMENT NO. 2

A Message from the Downey Utilities Division
We are once again proud to present our annual water quality report covering all testing performed between January 1 and December 31, 2019. Over the years, we have dedicated ourselves to producing drinking water that meets all state and federal standards. As new challenges to drinking water quality emerge, we remain vigilant in meeting the goals of source water protection, water conservation, and community education while continuing to serve the needs of all our water users. This report summarizes information regarding water sources used, any detected contaminants, compliance, and educational information. We are always available to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have about your water by calling us at 562-904-7202.

In 2019 the City of Downey water system delivered 4.6 billion gallons of potable (i.e. drinking) water for domestic use and fire protection to approximately 112,900 residential, commercial, and industrial customers via 23,600 metered connections. In an eff ort to conserve water, the City utilizes recycled water to off set potable water needs by as much as 4.3% of the City’s overall water demand through the application of recycled water for landscaping irrigation, dual-plumbed buildings, lakes, and ponds at 90 sites located throughout the City.

Committed to Providing Quality Water
The City’s water supply and distribution system is operated by the City of Downey Department of Public Works Utilities Division. Our water supply and distribution system is composed of 20 groundwater wells located throughout the City and approximately 276 miles of distribution pipeline with diameters ranging from 4 to 24 inches. Our groundwater wells provide one hundred percent of our domestic water supply. As a result, City of Downey residents are able to enjoy one of the least expensive water rates in Southern California.

Prevent Pollution
Polluted runoff flows to storm drains directly into our rivers, bays, beaches, and the ocean. Contaminated runoff can pollute our beaches, and also harm fish and wildlife. As a community it is important to prevent chemicals, automobile fluid, and trash from entering our storm drains.

Source Water Assessment
An assessment of the City’s drinking water sources was completed in 2003 by the State Department of Drinking Water. The sources are considered most vulnerable to the following activities: automobile gas stations, dry cleaners, injection wells, dry wells, sumps, finishing, fabricating, metal plating, fleet truck, bus terminals, furniture repair, manufacturing, machine shops, and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)/ Waste Discharge Requirement permitted discharges. A copy of the complete assessment is available by contacting the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Drinking Water (DDW) at (818) 551-2004 or by calling the City of Downey Utilities Division at (562) 904-7202.

Contaminants That May Be Present in Source Water Include The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and groundwater 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.

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

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

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

Radioactive contaminants, that can be
naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and
gas production and mining activities.

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.

Downey’s groundwater is pumped from the Central
Groundwater Basin. The Central Basin is a series of large natural aquifers below the ground that stretch from Los Angeles to Orange County.

The City of Downey conveniently overlies the Central Basin.

Groundwater from the Central Basin is pumped from 20
wells located within the City’s boundaries and provides the City with its principal source of potable water. The City’s service area is shown on the map to the le .

The Central Basin receives natural inflows from the
conservation of rainfall and snow melt, artificial inflows from imported and recycled water, as well as groundwater underflow from adjacent basins. Surface water slowly
percolates through the ground to the aquifers and the
ground acts as a natural filter to clean the water.

YOUR WATER SUPPLY
Spreading Grounds
Spreading grounds located at the major inflows from the Rio Hondo and San Gabriel Rivers of the Montebello Forebay, allow water from various sources to artificially seep down into the Central Basin aquifers. The ground acts as a natural filter to clean the water as it percolates through the aquifers. 276
Miles of Potable
Water Main
5,500
Isolation Valves
23,600
Water Meters
1,800
Fire Hydrants
Trained water distribution
system operators operate,
inspect, repair, and replace
critical components of our
drinking water infrastructure.

Federal and State Water
Quality Regulations
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. EPA and the SWRCB prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The SWRCB regulations also establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that provide the same protection for public health.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations and California law also establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that provide the same protection for public health. Additional information on bottled water is available on the California Department of Public Health website:
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DFDCS/Pages/FDBPrograms/FoodSafetyProgram/ Water.aspx
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health eff ects can be obtained by calling U.S. EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

Lead
Lead can cause serious health problems if present at elevated levels, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. Lead can be released when your tap water comes in contact with pipes and plumbing fixtures containing lead. The City of Downey 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 do so, you may wish to collect the flushed water and reuse it for another beneficial purpose, such as watering plants. 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 800-426-4791 or at https://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead .

Important Health Information
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. U.S. EPA Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline 800-426-4791.

Did you know
Protect Your Home With Air Vacuum Breakers
Over half of the Nation’s cross-connections involve
unprotected garden hoses. Check to see if you have air
vacuum breakers installed on each of your hose bibbs. They prevent water from getting back into the drinking water system. These simple devices are inexpensive and can be purchased from your local hardware store. They are easy to install, you just simply screw them onto the hose bibb.

Protecting Our
Water from Cross
Connections:

Avoid connecting your
garden hose to a plant
fertilizer or bug spray unit.

This can cause harmful
chemicals to flow back
into your home.

Avoid putting the garden
hose down the drain to
flush debris when it’s
backed up. This can cause
a serious health hazard.

Contaminated water can
be drawn back into your
home’s water supply.

Avoid putting the garden
hose into swimming pools
or buckets to fill. Water
can flow back into the
hose and into your home.

Common hazards in and around
your house can contaminate your
drinking water? The City’s Public
Works Department Utilities Division,
through its Backflow Prevention
Program, goes to great lengths to
protect the water entering your home.

However, we need your help to protect
the water on your home’s property.

FALL/WINTER: October 1 - April 30 SPRING/SUMMER: May 1 - September 30 No more than 2 days per week No more than 3 days per week ODD Numbered Addresses: (Ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9)
Mondays, Wednesdays and/or Fridays
EVEN Numbered Addresses: (Ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, 8)
Tuesday, Thursday, and/or Saturdays
NO WATERING BETWEEN 8AM AND 7PM
*Penalties up to $500 per day for noncompliance may be enforced Benefi ts of Adding Mulch in Gardens
Applying mulch to the top of the soil around plants will increase water retention and reduce the amount of water lost to evaporation by blocking the sun which evaporates water from your soil. This keeps your soil cooler. Organic mulches may also fertilize the soil, provide visual appeal, and help cut down on weeds. The best water savings advantages are gained by applying between 2 to 4 inches of mulch around plant beds.

Making Long-Term Changes to Water Use
During the most recent drought, many residents living in the City of Downey instituted long-term changes to their water use by replacing turf areas with low-water using plants, replacing older appliances and fixtures with water and energy eff icient models, and making changes in everyday water use habits.

Quick Method to Detect Toilet Leaks
Toilet leaks may be easy to repair, but detecting them can be a challenge. Here is a very quick and easy method to help you detect a toilet leak.
1: Take off the tank lid.
2: Add 10 drops of food coloring liquid or a commercially available blue leak detector tablet into tank.
3: Wait 15 to 20 minutes (do not flush the toilet)
4: Check toilet bowl. If there is colored water in the toilet bowl, you have a leak! City of Downey Outdoor Water Schedule
How to Check Your Water Meter
A water meter is a device that measures the volume of water delivered to a property.

Checking the water meter can help you determine if there is a water leak. (Note: Make sure no water is being used inside or outside your home while performing this test). 1: Locate your water meter box and carefully remove the lid. (Be cautious of insects or other small animals). 2: Check your water meter to see if the flow indicator or sweep hand is moving. 3: A moving leak indicator or sweep hand shows that water is either being used or wasted. 4: Be sure to securely reattach the meter lid to prevent trip hazards. 5: If leak is detected, repair leak within 48 hours.

Water Conservation Tips
The City of Downey is committed to supporting conservation eff orts as part of our plan to provide a reliable water supply for today and tomorrow. The City encourages everyone to look closely at their water usage habits and for ways to use less water. Whether we are in a dry or wet year, there are always actions we can take to increase long-term water use eff iciency.

Substance (Unit)
MCL
(SMCL)
PHG
(MCLG) Average
Range
(Low-High) Violation Typical Source of Contaminant
Primary Standards (Monitored for Health Concerns)
Radiologicals
Gross Alpha Particle Activity (pCi/L) 15 (0) ND ND - 6.0 NO Erosion of natural deposits Uranium (pCi/L) 20 0.43 1.2 ND - 3.7 NO Erosion of natural deposits Volatile Organic Compounds
Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) (ppb) 5 0.06 ND ND - 3.0 NO
Discharge from factories, dry cleaners, and auto shops
(metal degreaser)
Trichloroethylene (TCE) (ppb) 5 1.7 ND ND - 1.0 NO
Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other
factories
Inorganic Compounds
Arsenic (ppb) 10 0.004 ND ND - 3.5 NO
Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards; glass and electronics production wastes
Barium (ppm) 1 2 ND ND - 0.11 NO
Discharge of oil drilling wastes and from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits
Fluoride (ppm) 2 1 0.34 0.25 - 0.41 NO
Erosion of natural deposits; water additive which
promotes strong teeth; discharge from fertilizer and
aluminum factories
Nitrate as N (ppm) 10 10 3.3 1.1 - 4.9 NO
Runoff and leaching from fertilizer use; leaching from
septic tanks and sewage; erosion of natural deposits
Secondary Standards (Monitored for aesthetic qualities) 2 Chloride (ppm) (500)n/a 77 31 - 93 NO Runoff and leaching of natural deposits Odor (Units) (3)n/a ND ND - 1.0 NO Naturally occurring organic materials Specific Conductance (µS/cm) (1600)n/a 729 290 - 900 NO Substances that form ions when in water; seawater
influence
Sulfate (ppm) (500)n/a 106 33 - 180 NO Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; industrial wastes Total Dissolved Solids (ppm) (1000)n/a 471 220 - 680 NO Runoff/leaching from natural deposits Turbidity (NTU) (5)n/a 0.1 ND - 0.5 NO Soil runoff
Water Characteristics (No MCL or MRDL but state or federal monitoring required) Alkalinity (ppm) n/a n/a 163 49 - 260 NO
Runoff and leaching from natural deposits; carbonate,
bicarbonate, hydroxide,and occasionally borate,
silicate and phosphate
Calcium (ppm)n/a n/a 76 15 - 120 NO Abundant naturally occurring element Magnesium (ppm)n/a n/a 15 3.3 - 24 NO Abundant naturally occurring element pH (units) (6.5 - 8.5)n/a 7.5 7.2 - 8.1 NO Hydrogen ion concentration Potassium (ppm)n/a n/a 4.3 2.8 - 5.5 NO Runoff or leaching from natural deposits Sodium (ppm)n/a n/a 57 40 - 68 NO Erosion of natural deposits Total Hardness (grains per gallon)n/a n/a 15 3.0 - 24 NO “Hardness” is the sum of polyvalent cations present
in the water, generally magnesium and calcium. The
cations are usually naturally occurring
Water Quality Sample Testing Results
During 2019, we tested our water for over 100 regulated contaminants in order to determine the presence of any biological, inorganic, volatile organic or synthetic organic, and radioactive contaminants. The following table includes those contaminants that were detected in the water. Both federal and state regulations require us to monitor for certain substances less than once per year because the concentrations of these substances do not change frequently. In these cases, the most recent sample data are included.

City of Downey 2019 Groundwater Data1

Lead and Copper Levels at Residential Taps 4
Substance (Unit)
Action
Level (AL) PHG
90th
Percentile Above AL Violation Typical Source of Contaminant Lead and Copper analyses are based on triennial monitoring within residential taps throughout the community. Results are based on 2017 monitoring.

Lead (ppb) 15 0.2 3.4 0 out of 52 NO
Internal corrosion of household water plumbing systems; discharges from industrial manufacturers; erosion of
natural deposits
Copper (ppm) 1.3 0.3 0.26 0 out of 52 NO
Internal corrosion of household water plumbing
systems; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives
Substance (Unit)
MCL
(SMCL)
PHG
(MCLG)
Highest
Monthly
Average
Range
(Low-High)Violation Typical Source of Contaminant
Microbiological
Total Coliform Bacteria (%)
(State Total Coliform Rule)5 (0) 15.7 0 - 15.7 YES 3 Naturally present in the environment Footnotes:

1. The State allows us to monitor for some contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these
contaminants do not change frequently. In these cases the most recent data available is used.

2. There are no PHGs, MCLGs, or mandatory health effects language for these constituents because secondary MCLs
are set on the basis of aesthetics.

3. During the month of April of 2019, bacteriological quality of water served did not meet the requirements of the
Total Coliform Rule. Coliform bacteria were detected in small portions of the distribution system. Repeat samples eventually determined that the water was total coliform free. Appropriate public notification was provided at
the time, in compliance with regulations. Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment
and are used as an indicator that other, potentially
harmful, waterborne pathogens may be present or that
a potential pathway exists through which contamination
may enter the drinking water distribution system. We
found coliforms indicating the need to look for potential problems in water treatment or distribution. When this occurs, we are required to conduct assessment(s) to
identify problems and to correct any problems that were found during these assessments. During the past year one Level 2 Assessment was required to be completed for our water system. One Level 2 Assessment was completed. In addition, we were required to take 6 corrective actions and we completed all 6 of these actions.

4. Lead and Copper testing results are based on triennial monitoring within residential taps. Results are based on 2017 monitoring.

5. Data from City of Downey Wells were collected in 2018 and 2019 for Unregulated Chemical Monitoring Rule 4.

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

For additional questions about
your water quality please contact:

Bridgeth Tapia at (562) 904-7202
9252 Stewart & Gray Rd, Downey, CA 90241
Glossary of Terms/Abbreviations
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 (SMCLs) are set to protect odor, taste, and appearance of drinking water.

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

Detection Limits for Purposes of Reporting (DLR):

The DLR is a parameter that is set by regulation by each reportable analyte. It is not laboratory specific and it is independent of the analytical method used (in cases
where several methods are approved). It is expected that a laboratory can achieve a Reporting Limit that is lower than or equal to the DLR set by the State. This is also known as the Minimum Reporting Level (MRL).

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

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

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

Level 1 Assessment: A Level 1 Assessment is a study of a water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in the water system.

Level 2 Assessment: A Level 2 Assessment is a detailed
study of a water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an (Escherichia coli) (E. coli) MCL violation has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria have been found in the water system on multiple occasions.

NA: Contaminant or property was not analyzed.

ND: Contaminant was not detected. The contaminant is less than the DLR.

NTU: Nephelometric Turbidity Units
Units of Measurement:
ppm: parts per million
ppb: parts per billion
pCi/L: picocuries per liter
µS/cm: micro Siemens per centimeter
%: percent
City of Downey 2019 Distribution System Water Data
Federal Unregulated Contaminants Rule 4 (UCMR 4) 5
Substance (Unit)
MCL
(SMCL)
PHG
(MCLG) Average
Range
(Low-High)Violation Typical Source of Contaminant
Manganese (ppb) (50)n/a 1.1 ND - 1.4 NA Leaching from natural deposits

Questions? We are Available to Assist You!
Important Information
Important Information Inside
Water Quality
Bridgeth Tapia at (562) 904-7202
9252 Stewart & Gray Rd,
Downey, CA 90241
Rebates & Conservation Tips:
bewaterwise.com (888) 376-3314
Report Water Waste
Public Works Utilities Division (562) 904-7202
USEPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline
https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-
water/safe-drinking-water-hotline
(800) 426-4791
Public Health Related Issues
www.publichealth.lacounty.gov
www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water
www.cdc.gov
State Water Resources Control Board
http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/drinking_water/
(818) 551-2004
City of Downey Water Conservation &
Restrictions
www.downeyca.org/our-city/departments/
public-works/utilities/water-conservation
This report contains important information about your drinking water.

Please contact the City of Downey Public Water System at 562-904-7202 for assistance.

Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua para beber. Favor de comunicarse con City of Downey Water System al numero 562-904-7202 para asistirlo en español.

Ang pag-uulat na ito ay naglalaman ng ma-halagang impormasyon tungkol sa inyong inuming tubig. Mangyaring makipag-ugnayan sa City of Downey Water System o tumawag sa 562-904-7202 para matulungan sa wikang Tagalog. 이 보고서는 당신의 식수에 관한 중요한 정보를 포함하고 있습니다한
국어로 된 도움을 원하시면 City of Downey
Public Involvement
You are welcome to attend the following public meetings at City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Ave.

City Council Meetings
Held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

Public Works Committee Meetings
Held on the third Thursday of each month at 4:00pm.

City of Downey | Department of Public Works
Utilities Division
11111 Brookshire Ave | Downey, CA 90241

2020 Annual
Water Quality
Report
This report is available for electronic viewing at
http://www.downeygis.org/wqr/2020.pdf
To request a paper copy of the 2020 report be
mailed to your home, please call (562) 904-7202
ATTACHMENT NO. 3

A Message from the Downey Utilities Division
We are once again proud to present our annual water quality report covering all testing performed between January 1 and December 31, 2020. Over the years, we have dedicated ourselves to producing drinking water that meets all state and federal standards. As new challenges to drinking water quality emerge, we remain vigilant in meeting the goals of source water protection, water conservation, and community education while continuing to serve the needs of all our water users. This report summarizes information regarding water sources used, any detected contaminants, compliance, and educational information. We are always available to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have about your water by calling us at 562-904-7202.

In 2020 the City of Downey water system delivered 4.4 billion gallons of potable (i.e. drinking) water for domestic use and fire protection to approximately 112,200 residential, commercial, and industrial customers via 23,000 metered connections. In an effort to conserve water, the City utilizes recycled water to offset potable water needs by as much as 4.9% of the City’s overall water demand through the application of recycled water for landscaping irrigation, dual-plumbed buildings, lakes, and ponds at 90 sites located throughout the City.

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

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

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

Radioactive contaminants, that can be
naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and
gas production and mining activities.

Downey’s groundwater is pumped from the Central
Groundwater Basin. The Central Basin is a series of
large natural aquifers below the ground that stretch
from Los Angeles to Orange County.

The City of Downey conveniently overlies the Central
Basin. Groundwater from the Central Basin is pumped
from 20 wells located within the City’s boundaries
and provides the City with its principal source of
potable water. The City’s service area is shown on the
map to the left.

The Central Basin receives natural inflows from the
conservation of rainfall and snow melt, artificial
inflows from imported and recycled water, as well
as groundwater underflow from adjacent basins.

Surface water slowly percolates through the ground
to the aquifers and the ground acts as a natural filter to clean the water.

The ground acts as a natural filter to clean the water as it percolates through the aquifers.
276
Miles of Potable
Water Main
5,500
Isolation Valves
23,000
Water Meters
1,800
Fire Hydrants
Trained water distribution
system operators operate,
inspect, repair, and replace
critical components of our
drinking water infrastructure.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations and California law also establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that provide the same protection for public health. Additional information on bottled water is available on the California Department of Public Health website:
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DFDCS/Pages/FDBPrograms/FoodSafetyProgram/ Water.aspx
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least 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 U.S. EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

Protecting Our
Water from
Avoid connecting your
garden hose to a plant
fertilizer or bug spray unit.

This can cause harmful
chemicals to flow back
into your home.

Avoid putting the garden hose
down the drain to flush debris
when it’s backed up. This can
cause a serious health hazard.

Contaminated water can be
drawn back into your home’s
water supply.

Avoid putting the garden
hose into swimming pools
or buckets to fill. Water
can flow back into the
hose and into your home.

However, we need your help to protect
the water on your home’s property.

Cross
Connections:

FALL/WINTER: October 1 - April 30 SPRING/SUMMER: May 1 - September 30 No more than 2 days per week No more than 3 days per week ODD Numbered Addresses: (Ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9)
Mondays, Wednesdays and/or Fridays
EVEN Numbered Addresses: (Ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, 8)
Tuesday, Thursday, and/or Saturdays
NO WATERING BETWEEN 8AM AND 7PM
*Penalties up to $500 per day for noncompliance may be enforced Benefits of Adding Mulch in Gardens
Applying mulch to the top of the soil around plants will increase water retention and reduce the amount of water lost to evaporation by blocking the sun which evaporates water from your soil. This keeps your soil cooler. Organic mulches may also fertilize the soil, provide visual appeal, and help cut down on weeds. The best water savings advantages are gained by applying between 2 to 4 inches of mulch around plant beds.

Making Long-Term Changes to Water Use
During the most recent drought, many residents living in the City of Downey instituted long-term changes to their water use by replacing turf areas with low-water using plants, replacing older appliances and fixtures with water and energy efficient models, and making changes in everyday water use habits.

City of Downey Outdoor Water Schedule
Water Conservation Tips
The City of Downey is committed to supporting conservation efforts as part of our plan to provide a reliable water supply for today and tomorrow. The City encourages everyone to look closely at their water usage habits and for ways to use less water.

Whether we are in a dry or wet year, there are always actions we can take to increase long-term water use efficiency.

Quick Method to Detect Toilet Leaks
Toilet leaks may be easy to repair, but detecting them can be a challenge. Here is a very quick and easy method to help you detect a toilet leak.
1: Take off the tank lid.
2: Add 10 drops of food coloring liquid or a commercially available blue leak detector tablet into tank.
3: Wait 15 to 20 minutes (do not flush the toilet)
4: Check toilet bowl. If there is colored water in the toilet bowl, you have a leak! How to Check Your Water Meter
A water meter is a device that measures the volume of water delivered to a property.

Substance (Unit)
MCL
(SMCL)
PHG
(MCLG)Average
Range
(Low-High)Violation Typical Source of Contaminant
Primary Standards (Monitored for Health Concerns)
Radiologicals
Gross Alpha Particle Activity (pCi/L)15 (0)3.31 3 - 6.01 NO Erosion of natural deposits Uranium (pCi/L)20 0.43 0.3 0 - 3.6 NO Erosion of natural deposits Volatile Organic Compounds
Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) (ppb)5 0.06 0.69 ND - 3.6 NO Discharge from factories, dry cleaners, and auto shops (metal degreaser)
Trichloroethylene (TCE) (ppb)5 1.7 0.54 ND - 1.3 NO Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories
Inorganic Compounds
Arsenic (ppb)10 0.004 0.002 .0017 - .0023 NO Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards; glass and electronics production wastes
Barium (ppm)1 2 0.09 ND - 0.11 NO Discharge of oil drilling wastes and from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits
Fluoride (ppm) 2 1 0.32 0.25 - 0.41 NO
Erosion of natural deposits; water additive which
promotes strong teeth; discharge from fertilizer and
aluminum factories
Nitrate as N (ppm)10 10 3.33 1.4 - 5.4 NO Runoff and leaching from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks and sewage; erosion of natural deposits
Secondary Standards (Monitored for aesthetic qualities) 2 Chloride (ppm)(500)n/a 85 58 - 100 NO Runoff and leaching of natural deposits Odor (Units) (3)n/a 1 ND - 1.0 NO Naturally occurring organic materials Specific Conductance (μS/cm)(1600)n/a 777 580 - 900 NO Substances that form ions when in water; seawater influence
Sulfate (ppm)(500)n/a 115 70 -180 NO Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; industrial wastes Total Dissolved Solids (ppm)(1000)n/a 485 300 - 580 NO Runoff/leaching from natural deposits Turbidity (NTU)(5)n/a 0.1 ND - 0.16 NO Soil runoff
Water Characteristics (No MCL or MRDL but state or federal monitoring required) Alkalinity (ppm) n/a n/a 208.5 150 - 320 NO Naturally occurring soluble mineral Calcium (ppm)n/a n/a 82 51.1 - 100 NO Abundant naturally occurring element Magnesium (ppm)n/a n/a 16 9.8 - 19.6 NO Abundant naturally occurring element pH (units)(6.5 - 8.5)n/a 7.5 7.19 - 7.9 NO Hydrogen ion concentration Potassium (ppm)n/a n/a 4.3 2.8 - 5.5 NO Runoff or leaching from natural deposits Sodium (ppm)n/a n/a 57..9 42 - 687 NO Erosion of natural deposits Total Hardness (grains per gallon)n/a n/a 19 11.78 - 32.3 NO “Hardness” is the sum of polyvalent cations present
in the water, generally magnesium and calcium. The
cations are usually naturally occurring
Water Quality Sample Testing Results
During 2020, we tested our water for over 100 regulated contaminants in order to determine the presence of any biological, inorganic, volatile organic or synthetic organic, and radioactive contaminants. The following table includes those contaminants that were detected in the water. Both federal and state regulations require us to monitor for certain substances less than once per year because the concentrations of these substances do not change frequently. In these cases, the most recent sample data are included.

Lead and Copper Levels at Residential Taps 3
Lead and Copper analyses are based on triennial monitoring within residential taps throughout the community. Results are based on 2020 monitoring.

Substance (Unit)
Action
Level (AL)PHG
90th
Percentile Above AL Violation Typical Source of Contaminant Lead (ppb)15 0.2 3.9 0 out of 52 NO
Internal corrosion of household water plumbing systems; discharges from industrial manufacturers; erosion of
natural deposits
Copper (ppm)1.3 0.3 0.29 0 out of 52 NO
Internal corrosion of household water plumbing
systems; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives
City of Downey 2018 Distribution System Water Data
Substance (Unit)
MCL
(SMCL)
PHG
(MCLG)
Highest
Monthly
Average
Range
(Low-High)Violation Typical Source of Contaminant
Microbiological
Total Coliform Bacteria (%)
(State Total Coliform Rule)5 (0)1.9 0 - 1.9 NO Naturally present in the environment Footnotes:

1. The State allows us to monitor for some
contaminants less than once per year because
the concentrations of these contaminants do
not change frequently. In these cases the most
recent data available is used.

2. There are no PHGs, MCLGs, or mandatory
health effects language for these constituents
because secondary MCLs are set on the basis of
aesthetics.

3. Lead and Copper testing results are based on
triennial monitoring within residential taps.

Results are based on 2020 monitoring.

4. Data from City of Downey Wells were collected
in 2019 and 2020 for Unregulated Chemical
Monitoring Rule 4. Unregulated contaminant
monitoring helps USEPA and the State Water
Resources Control Board to determine where
certain contaminants occur and whether the
contaminants need to be regulated.

5. Data from City of Downey Wells were collected
in 2019 and 2020 for PFOS/PFOA. PFOS/PFOA
monitoring helps USEPA and the State Water
Resources Control Board to determine where
certain contaminants occur and whether the
contaminants need to be regulated.

Glossary of Terms/Abbreviations
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 (SMCLs) are set to protect odor, taste, and appearance of drinking water.

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

Detection Limits for Purposes of Reporting (DLR):

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

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

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

Level 1 Assessment: A Level 1 Assessment is a study of a water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in the water system.

NA: Contaminant or property was not analyzed.

ND: Contaminant was not detected. The contaminant is less than the DLR.

NTU: Nephelometric Turbidity Units
Units of Measurement:
ppm: parts per million
ppb: parts per billion
pCi/L: picocuries per liter
μS/cm: micro Siemens per centimeter
%: percent
City of Downey 2020 Distribution System Water Data
Federal Unregulated Contaminants Rule 4 (UCMR 4) 4
Substance (Unit)
MCL
(SMCL)
PHG
(MCLG)Average
Range
(Low-High)Violation Typical Source of Contaminant
Manganese (ppb)(50)n/a 1.4 ND - 1.4 NA Leaching from natural deposits Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances 5
Substance (Unit)
MCL
(SMCL)
PHG
(MCLG)Average
Range
(Low-High)Violation Typical Source of Contaminant
Perfluorooctanoic Acid
(PFOA) (ppt)n/a n/a 14.47 6 - 20 NA
PFOA can be found in air, water and soil, as well as products such as: stain resitant coatings on carpet, clothing, furniture, paper packaging for food, personal care and beauty products, firefighting foam, non-stick coatings on cookware; and surface water, runoff and soil that have been in contact with firefighting foam.

Perfluorooctanesulfonic
Acid (PFOS) (ppt)n/a n/a 37.08 22 - 63 NA
PFOS can be found in air, water and soil, as well as products such as: stain resitant coatings on carpet, clothing, furniture, paper packaging for food, personal care and beauty products, firefighting foam, non-stick coatings on cookware; and surface water, runoff and soil that have been in contact with firefighting foam.

For additional questions about
your water quality please contact: (562) 904-7202
9252 Stewart & Gray Rd, Downey, CA 90241

Questions? We are Available to Assist You!
Important Information
Water Quality
(562) 904-7202
9252 Stewart & Gray Rd,
Downey, CA 90241
Rebates & Conservation Tips:
bewaterwise.com (888) 376-3314
Report Water Waste
Public Works Utilities Division (562) 904-7202
USEPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline
https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-
water/safe-drinking-water-hotline
(800) 426-4791
Public Health Related Issues
www.publichealth.lacounty.gov
www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water
www.cdc.gov
State Water Resources Control Board
http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/drinking_water/
(818) 551-2004
City of Downey Water Conservation & Restrictions
www.downeyca.org/our-city/departments/
public-works/utilities/water-conservation
This report contains important
information about your drinking water.

Please contact the City of Downey
Public Water System at 562-904-7202
for assistance.

Este informe contiene información
muy importante sobre su agua para
beber. Favor de comunicarse con City of
Downey Water System al numero 562-
904-7202 para asistirlo en español.

Ang pag-uulat na ito ay naglalaman ng
ma-halagang impormasyon tungkol
sa inyong inuming tubig. Mangyaring
makipag-ugnayan sa City of Downey
Water System o tumawag sa 562-904-7202
para matulungan sa wikang Tagalog.
이 보고서는 당신의 식수에 관한 중요
한 정보를 포함하고 있습니다한국어
로 된 도움을 원하시면 City of Downey
Public Involvement
You are welcome to attend the
following public meetings at City
Hall, 11111 Brookshire Ave.

City Council Meetings
Held on the second and fourth Tuesday
of each month at 6:30 p.m.

Public Works Committee Meetings
Held on the third Thursday of each
month at 4:00pm.

City of Downey | Department of Public Works
Utilities Division
11111 Brookshire Ave | Downey, CA 90241
Important Information Inside

2021 Annual
Water Quality
Report
This report is available for electronic viewing at
http://www.downeygis.org/wqr/WQReport.pdf
To request a paper copy of the 2021 report be
mailed to your home, please call (562) 904-7202
ATTACHMENT NO. 4

A Message from the Downey Utilities Division
We are once again proud to present our annual water quality report covering all testing performed between January 1 and December 31, 2021. Over the years, we have dedicated ourselves to producing drinking water that meets all state and federal standards. As new challenges to drinking water quality emerge, we remain vigilant in meeting the goals of source water protection, water conservation, and community education while continuing to serve the needs of all our water users. This report summarizes information regarding water sources used, any detected contaminants, compliance, and educational information. We are always available to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have about your water by calling us at 562-904-7202.

In 2021 the City of Downey water system delivered 4.7 billion gallons of potable (i.e. drinking) water for domestic use and fire protection to approximately 112,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers via 23,500 metered connections. In an eff ort to conserve water, the City utilizes recycled water to off set potable water needs by as much as 5% of the City’s overall water demand through the application of recycled water for landscaping irrigation, dual-plumbed buildings, lakes, and ponds at 91 sites located throughout the City.

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

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

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

Radioactive contaminants, that can be
naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and
gas production and mining activities.

Downey’s groundwater is pumped from the Central
Groundwater Basin. The Central Basin is a series of
large natural aquifers below the ground that stretch
from Los Angeles to Orange County.

The Central Basin receives natural inflows from the
conservation of rainfall and snow melt, artificial
inflows from imported and recycled water, as well
as groundwater underflow from adjacent basins.

Surface water slowly percolates through the ground
to the aquifers and the ground acts as a natural filter to clean the water.

The ground acts as a natural filter to clean the water as it percolates through the aquifers.
276
Miles of Potable
Water Main
5,500
Isolation Valves
23,500
Water Meters
1,800
Fire Hydrants
Trained water distribution
system operators operate,
inspect, repair, and replace
critical components of our
drinking water infrastructure.

Protecting Our
Water from
Avoid connecting your
garden hose to a plant
fertilizer or bug spray unit.

This can cause harmful
chemicals to flow back
into your home.

Avoid putting the garden hose
down the drain to flush debris
when itʼs backed up. This can
cause a serious health hazard.

Contaminated water can be
drawn back into your homeʼs
water supply.

Avoid putting the garden
hose into swimming pools
or buckets to fill. Water
can flow back into the
hose and into your home.

Protecting Our
Common hazards in and around
your house can contaminate your
drinking water? The City’s Public
Works Department Utilities Division,
through its Backflow Prevention
Program, goes to great lengths to
protect the water entering your home.

However, we need your help to protect
the water on your home’s property.

Cross
Connections:

City of Downey Outdoor Water Schedule
Water Conservation Tips
The City of Downey is committed to supporting conservation eff orts as part of our plan to provide a reliable water supply for today and tomorrow. The City encourages everyone to look closely at their water usage habits and for ways to use less water.

Whether we are in a dry or wet year, there are always actions we can take to increase long-term water use eff iciency.

Quick Method to Detect Toilet Leaks
Toilet leaks may be easy to repair, but detecting them can be a challenge. Here is a very quick and easy method to help you detect a toilet leak.
1: Take off the tank lid.
2: Add 10 drops of food coloring liquid or a commercially available blue leak detector tablet into tank.
3: Wait 15 to 20 minutes (do not flush the toilet)
4: Check toilet bowl. If there is colored water in the toilet bowl, you have a leak! How to Check Your Water Meter
A water meter is a device that measures the volume of water delivered to a property.

Substance (Unit)
MCL
(SMCL)
PHG
(MCLG)Average
Range
(Low-High)Violation Typical Source of Contaminant
Primary Standards (Monitored for Health Concerns)
Radiologicals
Gross Alpha Particle Activity (pCi/L)15 (0)1.99 ND - 6.01 NO Erosion of natural deposits Radium - 228 (pCi/L)5 0.019 0.01 ND - 0.126 NO Erosion of natural deposits Combined Uranium (pCi/L)20 0.43 1.3 ND - 3.6 NO Erosion of natural deposits Volatile Organic Compounds
Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) (ppb)5 0.06 0.17 ND - 3.1 NO Discharge from factories, dry cleaners, and auto shops (metal degreaser)
Trichloroethylene (TCE) (ppb)5 1.7 0.05 ND - 1.1 NO Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories
Inorganic Compounds
Arsenic (ppb)10 0.004 0.0008 ND - .0023 NO Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards; glass and electronics production wastes
Nickel (ppb)100 12 0.12 ND - 2.4 NO Erosion of natural deposits; discharge from metal factories
Barium (ppm)1 2 0.006 ND - 0.11 NO Discharge of oil drilling wastes and from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits
Fluoride (ppm) 2 1 0.32 0.21 - 0.41 NO
Erosion of natural deposits; water additive which
promotes strong teeth; discharge from fertilizer and
aluminum factories
Nitrate as N (ppm)10 10 3.47 1.4 - 6 NO Runoff and leaching from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks and sewage; erosion of natural deposits
Secondary Standards (Monitored for aesthetic qualities) 2 Chloride (ppm)(500)n/a 86 58 - 100 NO Runoff and leaching of natural deposits Odor (Units) (3)n/a 1 ND - 1.0 NO Naturally occurring organic materials Specific Conductance (μS/cm)(1600)n/a 778 580 - 900 NO Substances that form ions when in water; seawater influence
Sulfate (ppm)(500)n/a 115 70 -180 NO Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; industrial wastes Total Dissolved Solids (ppm)(1000)n/a 489 300 - 680 NO Runoff/leaching from natural deposits Turbidity (NTU)(5)n/a 0.02 ND - 0.2 NO Soil runoff
Water Characteristics (No MCL or MRDL but state or federal monitoring required) Alkalinity (ppm) n/a n/a 171 120- 160 NO Naturally occurring soluble mineral Calcium (ppm)n/a n/a 81.4 51.1 - 123 NO Abundant naturally occurring element Magnesium (ppm)n/a n/a 15.9 9.8 - 24.1 NO Abundant naturally occurring element pH (units)(6.5 - 8.5)n/a 7.4 6.9 - 7.8 NO Hydrogen ion concentration Potassium (ppm)n/a n/a 4.5 3.5 - 5.5 NO Runoff or leaching from natural deposits Sodium (ppm)n/a n/a 57.7 42 - 67 NO Erosion of natural deposits Total Hardness (grains per gallon)n/a n/a 15.7 9.8 - 23.7 NO “Hardness” is the sum of polyvalent cations present
in the water, generally magnesium and calcium. The
cations are usually naturally occurring
Water Quality Sample Testing Results
During 2021, we tested our water for over 100 regulated contaminants in order to determine the presence of any biological, inorganic, volatile organic or synthetic organic, and radioactive contaminants. The following table includes those contaminants that were detected in the water. Both federal and state regulations require us to monitor for certain substances less than once per year because the concentrations of these substances do not change frequently. In these cases, the most recent sample data are included.

Lead and Copper Levels at Residential Taps 5
Lead and Copper analyses are based on triennial monitoring within residential taps throughout the community. Results are based on 2020 monitoring.

Substance (Unit)
Action
Level (AL)PHG
90th
Percentile Above AL Violation Typical Source of Contaminant Lead (ppb)15 0.2 3.9 0 out of 50 NO
Internal corrosion of household water plumbing systems; discharges from industrial manufacturers; erosion of
natural deposits
Copper (ppm)1.3 0.3 0.23 0 out of 50 NO
Internal corrosion of household water plumbing
systems; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives
City of Downey 2018 Distribution System Water Data
Substance (Unit)
MCL
(SMCL)
PHG
(MCLG)
Highest
Monthly
Average
Range
(Low-High)Violation Typical Source of Contaminant
Microbiological
Total Coliform Bacteria (%)
(State Total Coliform Rule)5 (0)10.8 0 - 10.8%YES 4 Naturally present in the environment Footnotes:

1. The State allows us to monitor for some contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. In these cases the most recent data available is used.

2. There are no PHGs, MCLGs, or mandatory health effects language for these constituents because secondary MCLs are set on the basis of aesthetics.

3. This Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) reflects changes in drinking water regulatory requirements during 2021. These revisions add the requirements of the federal Revised Total Coliform Rule, effective since April 1, 2016, to the existing state Total Coliform Rule. The revised rule maintains the purpose to protect public health by ensuring the integrity of the drinking water distribution system and monitoring for the presence of microbials (i.e., total coliform and E. coli bacteria).

The U.S. EPA anticipates greater public health protection as the rule requires water systems that are vulnerable to microbial contamination to identify and fix problems. Water systems that exceed a specified frequency of total coliform occurrences are required to conduct an assessment to determine if any sanitary defects exist. If found, these must be corrected by the water system. The state Revised Total Coliform Rule became effective July 1, 2021.

4. During the month of November 2021 , bacteriological quality of water served did not meet the requirements of the Total Coliform Rule.

Coliform bacteria were detected in small portions of the distribution system. Repeat samples eventually determined that the water was total coliform free. Appropriate public notification was provided at the time, in compliance with regulations. Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful, waterborne pathogens may be present or that a potential pathway exists through which contamination may enter the drinking water distribution system. We found coliforms indicating the need to look for potential problems in our water distribution system.

When this occured, we were required to conduct a level 1 assessment to identify problems and to correct any problems that were found during the assessment. During the year 2021 we were required to conduct one Level 1 Assessment. One Level 1 assessment was completed in November 2021. In addition, we were required to take two corrective actions and we completed the two required actions.

5. Lead and Copper testing results are based on triennial monitoring within residential taps. Results are based on 2020 monitoring.

6. Data from City of Downey Wells were collected from Jan. 1, 2018 to Dec.31, 2020 for Unregulated Chemical Monitoring Rule 4. Unregulated contaminant monitoring helps USEPA and the State Water Resources Control Board to determine where certain contaminants occur and whether the contaminants need to be regulated.

7. Four Quarters of data were collected from the City of Downeys’ water wells in 2021 for PFOS/PFOA. PFOS/PFOA monitoring helps USEPA and the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to determine where certain contaminants occur and whether the contaminants need to be regulated. In August 2019, the SWRCB Division of Drinking Water (DDW) revised the notification levels to 6.5 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOS and

5.1 ppt for PFOA. The single health advisory 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. In July of 2021, OEHHA released proposed Public Health Goals (PHGs) for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water of 0.007 (ppt) and 1 ppt respectively.

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

Detection Limits for Purposes of Reporting (DLR): The DLR is a parameter that is set by regulation by each reportable analyte. It is not laboratory specific and it is independent of the analytical method used (in cases where several methods are approved). It is expected that a laboratory can achieve a Reporting Limit that is lower than or equal to the DLR set by the State. This is also known as the Minimum Reporting Level (MRL).

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

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

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

Level 1 Assessment: A Level 1 Assessment is a study of a water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in the water system.

Level 2 Assessment: A Level 2 Assessment is a detailed study of a water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an (Escherichia coli) (E. coli) MCL violation has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria have been found in the water system on multiple occasions.

NA: Contaminant or property was not analyzed.

ND: Contaminant was not detected. The contaminant is less than the DLR.

NTU: Nephelometric Turbidity Units
Units of Measurement:
ppm: parts per million
ppb: parts per billion
ppt: parts per trillion
pCi/L: picocuries per liter
μS/cm: micro Siemens per centimeter
%: percent
City of Downey 2021 Distribution System Water Data3
Federal Unregulated Contaminants Rule 4 (UCMR 4) 6
Substance (Unit)
MCL
(SMCL)
PHG
(MCLG)Average
Range
(Low-High)Violation Typical Source of Contaminant
Manganese (ppb)(50)n/a 1.4 ND - 1.4 NA Leaching from natural deposits Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances 7
Substance (Unit)
MCL
(SMCL)
PHG
(MCLG)Average
Range
(Low-High)Violation Typical Source of Contaminant
Perfluorooctanoic Acid
(PFOA) (ppt)n/a n/a 12.4 5.2 - 17 NA
PFOA can be found in air, water and soil, as well as products such as: stain resitant coatings on carpet, clothing, furniture, paper packaging for food, personal care and beauty products, firefighting foam, non-stick coatings on cookware; and surface water, runoff and soil that have been in contact with firefighting foam.

Perfluorooctanesulfonic
Acid (PFOS) (ppt)n/a n/a 29.9 18 - 48 NA
PFOS can be found in air, water and soil, as well as products such as: stain resitant coatings on carpet, clothing, furniture, paper packaging for food, personal care and beauty products, firefighting foam, non-stick coatings on cookware; and surface water, runoff and soil that have been in contact with firefighting foam.

For additional questions about
your water quality please contact:
(562) 904-7202
9252 Stewart & Gray Rd, Downey, CA 90241

Please contact the City of Downey
Public Water System at 562-904-7202
for assistance.

Este informe contiene información
muy importante sobre su agua para
beber. Favor de comunicarse con City of
Downey Water System al numero 562-
904-7202 para asistirlo en español.

Ang pag-uulat na ito ay naglalaman ng
ma-halagang impormasyon tungkol
sa inyong inuming tubig. Mangyaring
makipag-ugnayan sa City of Downey
Water System o tumawag sa 562-904-7202
para matulungan sa wikang Tagalog.
이 보고서는 당신의 식수에 관한 중요
한 정보를 포함하고 있습니다한국어
로 된 도움을 원하시면 City of Downey
Public Involvement
You are welcome to attend the
following public meetings at City
Hall, 11111 Brookshire Ave.

City Council Meetings
Held on the second and fourth Tuesday
of each month at 6:30 p.m.

Public Works Committee Meetings
Held on the third Thursday of each
month at 4:00pm.

City of Downey | Department of Public Works
Utilities Division
11111 Brookshire Ave | Downey, CA 90241
Important Information Inside

Downey City CouncilNovember 14, 2023

Downey City Council
November 14, 2023