[DATE]
The Honorable Sheila Hanson
Presiding Judge of the Superior Court
Orange County Grand Jury
700 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701
RE: City of Fullerton Response to the 2025-2026 Orange County Grand Jury Report: “PFAS and Public Awareness: A Closer Look at Orange County Drinking Water” Dear Presiding Judge Hanson:
The City of Fullerton has reviewed the 2025-2026 Orange County Grand Jury Report titled “PFAS and Public Awareness: A Closer Look at Orange County Drinking Water.” We appreciate the Grand Jury’s thorough study, investigation, and analysis, including sharing the findings and providing recommendations. As required by the California Penal Code Sections 933.05 (a) and (b), the City of Fullerton submits the following responses to the finding and recommendation relevant to our jurisdiction.
FINDINGS:
F2. PFAS is widespread, and contamination has been detected in Orange County groundwater sources. Community water systems are required to report PFAS monitoring results in their annual Consumer Confidence Reports.
Response: The respondent agrees with the finding.
The City agrees to report PFAS monitoring results in our annual Consumer Confidence Reports.
F4. OCWD has taken a proactive leadership role in addressing PFAS in Orange County Groundwater Basin; PFAS treatment implementation varies across local cities and water districts.
Response: The respondent agrees with the finding.
F6. Orange County drinking water meets or exceeds state federal standards and is safe for consumption without additional home filtration.
Response: The respondent agrees with the finding.
F8. There are limited online PFAS education and outreach programs among Orange County water retailers. Most retailers rely on OCWD for PFAS education and outreach. PFAS advisories were included in approximately 55% of the Orange County water retailers’ annual water quality reports in 2025.
Response:
The City of Fullerton provided PFAS advisories on the 2026 Annual Water Quality Report and will continue to work with OCWD on agency specific fact sheets and other information for public distribution.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
R2. By July 1, 2029, OCWD and its member agencies should monitor PFAS in groundwater and surface water sources and promptly implement PFAS treatment when response levels are exceeded.
Response: The respondent agrees with the recommendation.
R4. By July 1, 2029, all Orange County water retailers should consistently include a PFAS advisory, treatment facility status, and compliance information in consumer confidence reports and on agencies websites, using clear and understandable language for the public.
Response: The respondent agrees with the recommendation.
R5. By September 30, 2026, OCWD and all Orange County water retailers should enhance coordinated public education efforts to reassure their customers about drinking water safety.
Response:
OCWD has and will continue providing the public with educational PFAS information, resources, and updates on OCWD website and distributed in monthly newsletter. The City of Fullerton will continue to coordinate public education efforts to reassure customers of drinking water safety.
CONCLUSION:
The City of Fullerton welcomes the Grand Jury’s effort to assist in providing a clear understanding of how Orange County drinking water agencies are responding to the new regulatory actions related to PFAS, which have created significant operational, financial, and communication challenges for drinking water agencies. The City agrees with Findings F2, F4, F6, and F8 and Recommendation R2, R4, and R5 and commits to implementing Recommendation R5 by the specified deadline.
Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Eddie Manfro, City Manager, at (714) 738-6310 or via email at HYPERLINK "mailto:[email protected]"[email protected].
Respectfully,
Fred Jung
Mayor
cc: Orange County Grand Jury
700 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Eddie Manfro, City Manager
Mayor, Fred Jung
Mayor Pro Tem, Nicholas Dunlap
Council Member, Dr. Shana Charles
Council Member, Jamie Valencia
Council Member, Ahmad Zahra
City Council Office
303 West Commonwealth Avenue, Fullerton, California 92832-1775 (714) 738-6311 [email protected] www.cityoffullerton.com