*Contact information is available on the last page of this report.
TO DOWNLOAD THIS REPORT VISIT
WATERQUALITY.SMGOV.NET
ANNUAL
WATER
QUALITY
REPORT
JUNE 2022
WATER RESOURCES DIVISION
*Contact information is available on the last page of this report. *Contact information is available on the last page of this report.
Dear Community Members,
The City of Santa Monica strives to provide safe, reliable, and clean drinking water to our residents. On behalf of the City, I am pleased to present this Annual Drinking Water Quality Report which provides a summary of water quality data for 2021. All federal and state drinking water standards were met by the City of Santa Monica.
The City’s Water Resources Division prioritizes sustainable, clean and high-quality drinking water for its residents today and for the future. As we enter the 3rd year of the current drought cycle, water conservation continues to be of
significant importance for the City and our community has done an amazing job conserving water to date. However,
more work will likely be needed due to the lack of rain/snow in the State this year to recharge our groundwater aquifers and replenish other water supplies.
Looking to the future and addressing climate change
impacts on our water supply, we are well underway
implementing the water self-sufficiency projects outlined in our 2018 Sustainable Water Master Plan Update to
enhance the reliability and drought resiliency of our
water supply. Notable projects include completion of the Sustainable Water Infrastructure Project (SWIP) in summer of 2022 to increase the City’s recycled water supply and groundbreaking on the expansion of our Arcadia Water
Treatment Plant in January 2022.
The City continues to invest in our water infrastructure through new water supply projects, advanced treatment
technologies, infrastructure upgrades and modernization, all culminating in a sustainable and drought resilient water supply portfolio for the community.
On behalf of the City of Santa Monica Public Works
Department and the employees of the Water Resources
Division, thank you for allowing us to serve you.
Sincerely,
Sunny Wang
Water Resources Manager
The City of Santa Monica currently obtains up to 75% of its water from local groundwater wells within the City and in West Los Angeles. The City extracts its water from three sub-basins within the Santa Monica Basin (Charnock,
Olympic, and Arcadia Sub-basins), with the Charnock
Sub-basin being a local supply since 1924!
Over 20 years ago, Methyl tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) and
tert-Butyl Alcohol (TBA), compounds once used as
gasoline additives, were detected in three of the Charnock Sub-basin wells. These contaminants found their way into the groundwater via Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
from various gasoline stations within the Charnock Subbasin. In response, the City of Santa Monica established the Charnock Well Field Restoration Project. The treatment from this project uses virgin Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filtration, from coconut shells, to successfully treat MTBE and TBA concentrations to levels well below the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 5 ppb.
TO PUT THESE UNITS INTO CONTEXT:
One part per billion (ppb) = 1 second in 31.7 years
= 1 teaspoon in 1.3 million gallons
One part per million (ppm) = 1 second in 11.6 days
= 1 teaspoon in 1,302 gallons
The treated water from the Charnock Well Field is then
sent to the Arcadia Treatment Plant, and along the way it blends with water from the Olympic and Arcadia Sub-basin wells. Once the water arrives at the Arcadia Treatment
Plant, it undergoes a treatment process that includes Iron/ Manganese removal, filtration, Reverse Osmosis (RO)
softening, aeration, disinfection, and fluoridation.
Softening is the process of removing scale-forming calcium and magnesium from hard water. RO performs softening
by forcing hard water through membranes with very small Santa Monica’s Water Source
And Treatment System
The City of Santa Monica Water Resources Division values transparency, we hope that you find this report clear and easy to understand. If you have any questions, please call us at (310) 434-2672.
El Departamento de Recursos de Agua de la ciudad
de Santa Monica valora una gestión transparente; por
consiguiente, esperamos que encuentre este informe claro y fácil de entender. Si usted tiene alguna pregunta, por favor comuníquese al (310) 434-2672.
Arcadia Water Treatment Plant
*Contact information is available on the last page of this report. *Contact information is available on the last page of this report.
SANTA MONICA WATER TREATMENT PROCESS
Charnock Well Field
Charnock Wells
Groundwater contaminated
with the gasoline additive
MTBE is pumped
up from 400 feet below
ground surface.
Greens and Filtration
The well water is
filtered through greens and
media to remove iron and
manganese which would
foul the
carbon filters.
GAC Filtration
The MTBE is removed by
filtering through
Granular Activated
Carbon (GAC) filters.
Pump to Treatment
Plant
The filtered water is
combined with the flow of
other wells and pumped to
the Santa Monica Water
Treatment Plant.
Santa Monica
Water Treatment
Plant
Pretreatment
To protect the sensitive Reverse Osmosis (RO) filters, the combined well flow is filtered again through greensand and cartridge filters to remove more iron, manganese and any remaining sediment.
Reverse Osmosis Filtration
Filtration through a three-stage Reverse Osmosis
(RO) membrane system softens the water by removing
minerals (calcium and magnesium). RO uses pressure to
force water through membranes with pores so small the
minerals can’t pass through.
Water Quality
Adjustments
The mineral content is adjusted to
the desired softness. The pH is
adjusted, fluoride is added and
the water undergoes final
disinfection with chloramine.
Aeration and Storage
The final step, aeration, uses the existing
air stripping technology in the five million
gallon reservoir to remove any remaining
volatile groundwater
contaminants as
trichloroethene (TCE).
REVERSE
OSMOSIS
FILTRATION
Final Delivery
Santa Monica residents and businesses
receive water for everyday use. Water
conservation by end users is key to ensuring
water reliability and sustainability.
4 *Contact information is available on the last page of this report. *Contact information is available on the last page of this report. pores, sized from 0.0001 - 0.001micrometers.The complete treatment process is further outlined on the following pages.
The remaining 25% of Santa Monica’s drinking water is
purchased from Metropolitan Water District (MWD). Treated MWD water is blended with our locally produced water,
and then distributed to our residents. MWD imports water from two separate sources. One is the Colorado River
water, which is delivered from Lake Havasu through a
242-mile-long aqueduct and originates as snowmelt from
mountainous regions in Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado.
The second is from the State Water Project, which is
delivered through the 441-mile-long California Aqueduct and originates in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. MWD water is filtered at their treatment plants and undergoes extensive treatment before entering Santa Monica’s water system.
For more information about the City’s treatment facilities, please call the Water Resources Division (see back cover for contact information).
Background on
Drinking Water Contaminants
The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water include:
Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria that may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems,
agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, that can be naturally-occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.**
Pesticides and herbicides that may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and
volatile organic chemicals, that are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come
from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, agricultural application, and septic systems.
Radioactive contaminants, that can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining
activities.
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the
California State Water Resources Control Board (State
Board) prescribe regulations that limit the concentration of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. State Board regulations also establish limits
for contaminants in bottled water that provide the same protection for public health.
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some
contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not
necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the USEPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).
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 people,
and infants can be particularly at risk of infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. USEPA/Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the
risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).
** You can help protect source water purity by controlling what enters storm drains and the water table. The following sites provide guides on how you can protect Drinking Water Sources:
www.epa.gov/sourcewaterprotection/easy-things-
you-can-do-protect-drinking-water-sources.
Information on environmentally friendly products is
available at www.santamonica.gov/categories/programs/
sustainability-and-the-environment.
To report storm drain pollution, please contact the City’s Wastewater Department. See back cover for contact information.
The California Aqueduct.
*Contact information is available on the last page of this report. *Contact information is available on the last page of this report.
Source Water
Vulnerability Assessments
Between 2000 and 2012, the California State Water
Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water
(DDW) completed Source Water Vulnerability Assessments
for all the City’s groundwater wells. The assessments
are required for all water utilities nationwide to evaluate the vulnerability of drinking water sources for “possible contaminating activities.” Vulnerabilities most associated with contamination include commercial, industrial, urban runoff and municipal activities. Based on the vulnerability assessments, Santa Monica Wells #3 and #4 located
mid-city, Arcadia Wells #4 and #5, and Charnock Wells #13, #16, #18, #19 and #20, located in West L.A. are considered most vulnerable to commercial, industrial, residential, and municipal activities. Santa Monica Well #1, located on the north side of the city, Wells #3 and #4, and the Arcadia Wells are considered most vulnerable by their proximity to sewer collection systems, although monthly analyses have detected no related contamination.
For more information, please contact the Water Resources Division.*
In March and June 2012, MWD completed a source water
assessment of its Colorado and State Project supplies.
Based upon the vulnerability assessments, the Colorado
River and State Project supplies are most vulnerable
to contamination resulting from recreation, urban/storm water runoff, increasing urbanization in the watershed, and wastewater.
A copy of the assessment can be obtained by contacting
MWD (see back cover for contact information).
Santa Monica’s
Drinking Water Quality
Permission and oversight to operate a community water
system is granted annually by the DDW and the USEPA.
Santa Monica’s water supply undergoes constant field and laboratory testing to ensure the highest water quality before reaching your tap. The water is sampled and analyzed
daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, annual, and triennial. In addition, our water quality management practice includes operating and maintaining optimum performance
of the source wells, treatment plants, distribution system; managing reservoirs to meet demand; and testing the water at over 100 locations throughout City’s distribution system monthly.
We look for more than 100 substances including
microorganisms, pesticides, herbicides, asbestos, lead, copper, petroleum-based products, and by-products of
industrial and water treatment processes. As a result, we conduct more than 8,000 laboratory tests each year.
Our state certified laboratory perform routine tests to ensure clean and healthy drinking water.
Water Quality Data Tables
Santa Monica Water continues to meet and exceed all
USEPA and State Drinking Water Health Standards.
The following data tables compare our water quality with Drinking Water Health Standards. The data is organized by source of water in two categories, each with two sub-parts:
Local Groundwater
— Arcadia Treatment Plant: Collects water from 9 wells, completes treatment, and sends to distribution.
— Santa Monica Well #1: Treats supply at the source and pumps directly into distribution.
Metropolitan Water District (MWD) Treatment Plants from where Santa Monica receives treated water
— Weymouth Plant
— Jensen Plant
The results are presented in two tables: Primary Drinking Water Quality Results and Secondary Drinking Water
Quality Results. The primary results cover contaminants that may affect the public’s health. These contaminants include hazardous chemicals, metals, bacteria, and radioactivity.
The secondary results cover parameters that may affect
the aesthetics of the water, such as taste, appearance, and odor. These parameters include turbidity, minerals, and pH among others.
For questions regarding water quality, call the Water
Resources Division (see back cover for contact information).
Using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS),
chemists test for volatile organics in the water.
*Contact information is available on the last page of this report.
KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS
CITY OF SANTA MONICA WATER RESOURCES DIVISION
Summary of Results for Primary Drinking Water Standards for 2021 PDWS = Primary Drinking Water Standards are MCLs and MRDLs for contaminants that affect health along with their monitoring and reporting requirements, and water treatment requirements.
PHG = Public Health Goal is 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.
MCLG = Maximum Contaminant Level Goal is the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs are set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level is the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. Primary MCLs are set as close to the PHGs (or MCLGs) as is economically and technologically feasible. Secondary MCLs are set to protect the odor, taste, and appearance of drinking water.
MRDLG = Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal is the level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
MRDL = Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level is the highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
LRAA = Locational Running Annual Average. The running annual average is based on monitoring location.
AL = Regulatory Action Level is the concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow.
NA = Not Applicable
ND = Monitored for but Not Detected
NS = No Standard
NTU = Nephelometric Turbidity Units - used to measure cloudiness of drinking water.
TT = Treatment Technique: A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water. ppb = parts per billion, or micrograms per liter (µg/l) ppm = parts per million, or milligrams per liter (mg/l) pCi/L = picocuries per liter
* = secondary standard
** = Highest Running Average (RAA)
(a) = SM Well#1 is pumped into a transmission line, is blended with Imported Surface Water and enters the system at 19th St. & Idaho Ave.
(b) = The City is not required to test for every parameter each year. If indicated, data is from a previous year. (c) = The E. coli MCL is based on routine and repeat samples testing positive for coliforms and/or E. coli or failure to collect required repeat samples. Fecal Coliform/E. Coli constitutes an acute MCL violation. No Level 1 Assessments or MCL violations occurred for 2021.
(d) = The MCL has been replaced with a treatment technique requiring agencies to optimize corrosion control.
Results given are from first draw, at-the-tap monitoring performed every three years.
FOR ADDITIONAL WATER QUALITY QUESTIONS CONTACT THE LEAD CHEMIST, CLEMENT DO, AT (310) 434-2672.
LOCAL IMPORTED IMPORTED Dates Meets MAJOR SOURCES
PHG/ State WELL WATER SM WELL #1(a) SURFACE WATER SURFACE WATER Sampled Std IN DRINKING WATER PARAMETER [MCLG]/ MCL/ Arcadia Plant Weymouth Plant Jensen Plant if other {MRDLG} {MRDL} Average Range Average Range Average Range Average Range than 2021(b) Clarity
Maximum Turbidity (NTU) NS 95% < 0.3 N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.03 100% ≤ 0.3 0.03 100% ≤ 0.3 Y Soil runoff Microbiological
Total Coliform Bacteria [0] 5% City-wide Maximum: 0 Positive Samples Y Naturally present in the environment (% positive samples/month)
Fecal Coliform/E. Coli [0] (c) City-wide Maximum: 0 Positive Samples Y Human and animal fecal waste Organic Chemical
Methyl tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) (ppb) 13 13(5*) ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND Y Leaking underground storage tanks Trichloroethylene (ppb) 1.7 5 0.4 ND - 0.7 ND ND ND ND ND ND Y Discharge from metal degreasing sites Disinfection
Byproducts & Residuals
Total Trihalomethanes (ppb) NS 80 City-wide LR41A: 16 Range: 4 - 55 Y By-product of drinking water chlorination Haloacetic Acids (ppb) NS 60 City-wide LRAA: 2 Range: ND - 9 Y By-product of drinking water chlorination Total Chlorine/Chloramines (ppm) {4} {4} City-wide Average: 1.2 Range: 0.2 - 2.4 Y Drinking water disinfectant added for treatment Bromate (ppb) 0.1 10 N/A N/A N/A N/A 4.5 1.2 - 9.8 ND ND - 7.0 Y By-product of drinking water ozonation Total Organic Carbon (ppm) N/A TT N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.0 1.1 - 2.0 2.4 1.8 - 2.5 Inorganic Chemicals
Aluminum (ppm) 0.6 1 (0.2*) ND ND 0.01 0.01 0.064** ND - 0.120 0.148** ND - 0.240 Y Erosion of natural deposits; used in water treatment process Arsenic (ppb) 0.004 10 ND ND-0.5 1.0 1.0 ND ND ND ND Y Erosion of natural deposits Barium (ppm) 2 1 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.05 ND ND 110 110 Y Discharge from oil and metal industries; Erosion of natural deposits Chromium (ppb) [100] 50 ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND Y Discharge from steel and pulp mills; natural deposits erosion Chromium 6 (ppb) 0.02 NS 0.2 0.2 1.7 1.7 ND ND ND ND Y Naturally occuring; industrial waste discharge Copper (d) (ppm) 0.3 AL=1.3 (1.0*) 2019 Y Corrosion of household plumbing systems Fluoride After Treatment (ppm) 1 2 Y Water additive for dental health Lead (d) (ppb) 0.2 AL=15 2019 Y Corrosion of household plumbing systems Nitrate (as N) (ppm) 10 10 0.5 0.4 - 0.7 3.6 3.1 - 3.9 ND ND ND ND Y Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from sewage; erosion of natural deposits Perchlorate (ppb) 1 6 ND ND 1.0 1.0 ND ND ND ND Y Industrial waste discharge Radionuclides
Alpha emitters (pCi/L) [0] 15 ND ND 3.3 3.3 ND ND ND ND Y Erosion of natural deposits Beta/photon emitters (pCi/L) [0] 50 NA NA NA NA ND ND 5 4-6 Y Decay of natural and man-made deposits Combined Radium (pCi/L) [0] 5 ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND Y Erosion of natural deposits Uranium (pCi/L) 0.43 20 2.5 1.9 -3.7 0.8 0.8 ND ND -3 2 1-3 Y Erosion of natural deposits Citywide Highest Monthly 0.69% Range: ND - 0.69% No violations Citywide Maximum: 0 Positive Samples
Citywide LRAA: 23.6 Range: 5.1 - 70.1
Citywide LRAA: 3.1 Range: ND - 10.4
Citywide Average: 1.80 Range: ND - 3.2
Citywide, 90th percentile: 0.30 0 sites out of 30 exceeded the AL Control Range: 0.6 - 1.2 Citywide Range: 0.6 - 1.1
Citywide, 90th percentile: 2.30 0 sites out of 30 exceeded the AL (d)
PRIMARY DRINKING WATER STANDARDS (MANDATORY HEALTH-RELATED STANDARDS)
SURFACE WATER
Weymouth Plant
Average Range
SURFACE WATER
Jensen Plant
erage Range
*Contact information is available on the last page of this report.
CITY OF SANTA MONICA WATER RESOURCES DIVISION
Summary of Results for Secondary Drinking Water Standards for 2021
LOCAL IMPORTED IMPORTED
PHG/ State WELL WATER SM WELL #1(a) SURFACE WATER SURFACE WATER PARAMETER [MCLG] MCL Arcadia Plant Weymouth Plant Jensen Plant Average Range Average Range Average Range Average Range
SECONDARY DRINKING WATER STANDARDS (AESTHETIC STANDARDS) Chemical Parameters
Chloride (ppm) NS 500 47 42 - 62 108 107 - 109 72 65-80 96 95 - 97 Y Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; industrial wastes Color (units) NS 15 <5 <5 <5 <5 -10 2 1 -2 1 1 Y Naturally-occurring organic materials Iron (ppb) NS 300 12 ND - 30 27 27 ND ND ND ND Y Leaching from natural deposits; industrial wastes Manganese (ppb) NS 50 3.5 ND - 5.0 2.2 2.2 ND ND ND ND Y Leaching from natural deposits Odor- Threshold (units) NS 3 <1 <1 <1 <1 1 1 1 1 Y Naturally-occurring organic materials; chlorine Specific Conductance (µmho/cm) NS 1600 516 458 - 663 1345 1288 - 1375 588 519 - 598 964 962 - 965 Y Substances that form ions when in water; seawater influence Sulfate (ppm) NS 500 79 63 - 115 251 238 - 257 66 61 - 72 219 217 - 221 Y Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; industrial wastes Total Dissolved Solids (ppm) NS 1000 289 253 - 324 935 935 300 298 - 302 604 599 - 609 Y Runoff/leaching from natural deposits Turbidity (NTU) — 5 0.13 0.06 - 0.23 0.21 0.10 - 0.67 ND ND ND ND Y Soil runoff
KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS
PHG = Public Health Goal is 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.
MCLG = Maximum Contaminant Level Goal is the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no
known or expected risk to health. MCLGs are set by the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level is the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. Primary
MCLs are set as close to the PHGs (or MCLGs) as is
economically and technologically feasible. Secondary
MCLs are set to protect the odor, taste, and appearance of drinking water.
NL = Notification Level is a health based advisory level established by Division of Drinking Water (DDW) for chemicals in
drinking water that lack maximum contaminant levels, but warrants notification.
NA = Not Applicable
NS = No Standard
ND = Monitored for, but Not Detected
NTU = Nephelometric Turbidity Units - used to measure cloudiness of drinking water.
ppb = Parts per billion, or micrograms per liter (ug/l) ppm = Parts per million, or milligrams per liter (mg/l) ppt = Parts per trillion, or nanograms per liter (ng/l) umho/cm = micromhos per centimeter
< = less than
(a) = SM Well#1 is pumped into a transmission line, is blended with Imported Surface Water and enters the system at 19th St. & Idaho Ave.
(b) = We are not required to test for each parameter every year.
If indicated, data is from a previous year.
(c) = MWD has developed a flavor-profile analysis method that can more accurately identify odor occurences.
Meets
Std
ADDITIONAL PARAMETERS
Alkalinity (ppm) NS NS 108 95 - 130 332 328 - 335 92 86 - 97 126 123 - 128 Boron (ppb) NS NL=1000 190 190 210 210 180 180 130 130
Calcium (ppm) NS NS 38 30 - 53 126 120 - 131 30 27 - 32 67 64 - 70 Hardness (as CaCO3) (ppm) NS NS 159 129 - 202 586 571 - 609 122 110 - 133 272 270 - 273 Magnesium (ppm) NS NS 15 14 - 16 58 58 12 12 -13 26 25 - 26 pH (units) NS NS 8.2 8.1 - 8.4 7.1 6.9 - 7.2 8.3 8.3 - 8.4 8.1 8.1 Potassium (ppm) NS NS 1.4 1.3 - 1.4 2.9 2.9 2.7 2.6 - 2.7 4.6 4.4 - 4.7 Radon (pCi/L) NS NS ND ND 440 440 ND ND ND ND
Sodium (ppm) NS NS 46 41 - 50 104 104 64 61 - 68 98 95 - 101 1, 4-Dioxane (ppb) NS NL=1 ND ND ND ND NA NA NA NA
N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) (ppt) 3 NL=10 NA NA NA NA 2.6 2.6 ND ND tert-Butyl Alcohol (TBA) (ppb) NS NL=12 ND ND NA NA ND ND ND ND Dates
Sampled
if other
than 2019(b)
FOR ADDITIONAL WATER QUALITY QUESTIONS, CONTACT CLEMENT DO, LEAD CHEMIST AT (310) 434-2672
MAJOR SOURCES
Weymouth Plant
IN DRINKING WATER
verage Rang
SURFACE WATER
Jensen Plant
erage Range
other
2021(b)
*Contact information is available on the last page of this report. *Contact information is available on the last page of this report.
COVID-19 and
Drinking Water Safety
According to the USEPA and CDC, the COVID-19 virus
has not been detected in drinking water supplies. Current research shows no evidence that Covid-19 virus can be
spread to people by consuming treated drinking water.
Filtration and disinfection methods used in water treatment plants remove and kill viruses, bacteria and pathogens.
The Santa Monica Water Treatment Plant carries out a
multi-step treatment processes and complies with all federal and state regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Compliance with these regulations has been
established for many years to protect the public health from disease or illness caused by pathogenic organisms.
Santa Monica water treatment uses chlorine / chloramine disinfection that inactivates pathogens in the water and then physically removes them through advance technology, reverse osmosis (RO). Imported water from the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) undergoes numerous treatment
processes and complies with the same federal and state
regulations. Their treatment process is effective in killing bacteria and viruses.
The Santa Monica community can continue to use and drink water from their tap as usual.
Additional information on COVID-19 and drinking water can be found on United State EPA website:
https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/frequent-questions-relatedcoronavirus-covid-19 and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website:
https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/index.html
Facts about Radon
Radon is a radioactive gas that you cannot see, taste, or smell. It is found throughout the U.S. Radon can move up through the ground and into a home through cracks and
holes in the foundation. Radon can build up to high levels in all types of homes. Radon can also get into indoor air when released from tap water from showering, washing dishes, and other household activities. Compared to radon entering the home through soil, radon entering the home through
tap water will in most cases be a small source of radon in indoor air. Radon is a known human carcinogen. Breathing air containing radon can lead to lung cancer. Drinking water containing radon may also cause increased risk of stomach cancer. If you are concerned about radon in your home,
test the air in your home. Testing is inexpensive and easy.
You should pursue radon removal for your home if the level of radon in your air is 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L) or higher. There are simple ways to fix a radon problem that are not too costly. For additional information, call your state radon program (1-800-745-7236), the USEPA Safe Drinking Water Act Hotline (1-800-426-4791), or the National Safety Council Radon Hotline (1-800-767-7236).
Information is also available at the California EPA website:
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DRSEM/Pages/
EMB/Radon/Radon-Testing.aspx
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl
Substances (PFAS)
PFAS are a group of compounds containing carbon to
fluorine chemical bonds, one of the strongest in organic chemistry. They are manufactured and used to enhance
repellency of water, grease, and soil in consumer products; thus, they are very stable and resistant to environmental degradation. If exposed, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) are readily absorbed but not readily eliminated from the human body. According to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)
potential health concerns, long-term exposure can cause harmful health effects to a developing fetus or infant; suppress the immune system; disrupt the thyroid function, increased liver weight; and can lead to cancer.
California State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water (DDW) has issued drinking water notification levels (NLs) and response levels (RLs) for PFAS. According to OEHHA recommendations, these levels provide
some health risk protection in sensitive populations and demonstrate low cancer risk with 70-year lifetime exposure.
If a utility exceeds the RL(s), regulations require the water source be taken out of service, provide treatment, or notify customers.
Operators performing repairs on RO Equipment.
*Contact information is available on the last page of this report. *Contact information is available on the last page of this report.
PFAS Compound Notification Level Response Level
(ppt) (ppt)
Perfluorooctanoic 5.1ppt 10 ppt
Acid (PFOA)
Perfluorooctanesulfonic 6.5 ppt 40 ppt
Acid (PFOS)
Parts per trillion (ppt) = 1 second in 31,709.8 years
Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
In April 2019, the SWRCB investigated source water wells in California most vulnerable to PFAS contamination. This included those near airports and landfills, and later those near secondary sources of PFAS activities. SWRCB did not require Santa Monica to sample its sources. However, City staff proactively sampled the City’s Drinking Water sources in August/September of 2019, and PFAS was not detected
in our drinking water supply. All PFAS samples analyzed by an outside laboratory were Non-Detect (ND).
Additionally, Granular activated carbon (GAC) and reverse osmosis (RO), both part of the City’s treatment process, are effective at removing many PFAS compounds.
Answers to the Most
Commonly Asked Questions
About Your Tap Water
What affects the taste of my water?
The taste of drinking water is affected by its mineral content, as well as the presence of chloramine, which is used to protect against potential pathogens. Occasionally pipes can cause a metallic taste when the water has been static in the pipes for many hours.
How hard is my water?
The water delivered to our customers has an average
hardness of 159 ppm. To convert to grains per gallon, divide the hardness in ppm by 17.1. The average hardness in our water is 9.30 grains per gallon.
What type of disinfectant is in my water?
A low level of chloramine disinfectant is added to your tap water to protect from waterborne pathogens. Chloramine
is formed when a small amount of ammonia is added to
chlorinated water. This type of disinfectant is very stable and reduces the formation of disinfection by-products in your water. These by-products are an unintended consequence
of the disinfection process but are far below the allowable limit in Santa Monica water. We carefully monitor the
amount of the chloramine disinfectant to protect the quality of your water.
Is the City’s water fluoridated?
The City of Santa Monica is required by state law to add fluoride to drinking water to help prevent dental decay in consumers. Current regulations require fluoride levels in the treated water be maintained between 0.6 to 1.2 ppm
with an optimum dose of 0.7 ppm. Our monitoring showed
that fluoride levels in the treated water distribution system averaged 0.75 ppm.
According to the American Dental Association and CDC, it is safe to use optimally fluoridated water for preparing infant formula. If an infant is primarily fed infant formula prepared with fluoridated water, there may be an increased chance for mild enamel fluorosis, but enamel fluorosis does not affect the health of the infant or the health of the infant’s teeth. To lessen this chance, deionized, purified, distilled or demineralized bottled water can be used. If you have additional questions about fluoride, contact your health provider.
Additional information can be found at the State Board
website: www.waterboards.ca.gov/drinking_water/certlic/ drinkingwater/Fluoridation or the CDC website:
www.cdc.gov/fluoridation.
What about lead from my plumbing?
The lead contamination that made the news in Flint,
Michigan is highly unlikely in Santa Monica. The quality of our source water is much different than Flint’s, and our corrosion control processes comply with state drinking
water regulations. A pool of “high risk” homes, which were plumbed before the ban on lead in solder, have been tested every three years since 1992 and has continually indicated there is little tendency of our water to leach lead out of plumbing. Our laboratory chemists closely monitor lead
results to ensure healthy drinking water, and to evaluate and determine Santa Monica’s water system has achieved
“optimized corrosion control”. The next round of testing is scheduled for 2022.
If your home plumbing contains lead, there is a limited potential for lead to leach into your water. Fortunately, the minerals in our water help to protect against pipe corrosion, greatly reducing the potential of lead entering the water.
These minerals form a film called “scale” that prevents water from coming into direct contact with home plumbing. The most common place to find lead in household plumbing is in chrome-plated brass faucets and fixtures. California enacted stricter regulations for plumbing fixtures in 2010 further reducing the potential for lead leaching from household plumbing.
If present, however, elevated levels of lead can cause
serious health problems, especially for pregnant women
and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The City of Santa Monica Water Resources Division is responsible for providing high quality drinking *Contact information is available on the last page of this report. *Contact information is available on the last page of this report. 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. To get your water tested, please call the Water Quality Office. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline* or at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
Do I really need to buy a
water filter or home treatment system?
The decision to buy a water filter or home treatment system is a matter of personal preference. Our water meets or
exceeds rigid state and federal health standards. If you decide to buy a filter or system, be a smart shopper and do some homework. Any treatment device you buy should be
registered with the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF).
Contact NSF toll free at (800) 673-6275 or visit www.nsf.org.
What about bottled water?
Again, the decision is yours. You may find that keeping a pitcher of tap water in your refrigerator is a low-cost, water-thrifty alternative to buying more expensive bottled water, and it’s far better for the environment. Even when the bottle is reused or recycled, the petrochemicals used in creating the bottle and the transportation of the water have a significant impact on the environment.
Water Conservation
The City of Santa Monica has developed a sustainable
water supply and taken responsible steps to improve water conservation in the midst of a changing climate. The City is actively seeking ways to conserve and improve the City’s water supply for future generations. To continue meeting our water conservation goals, the City urges our residents to continue their conservation effort because small changes make a difference. For more information and water saving tips, please visit www.santamonica.gov/topic-explainers/ your-guide-to-water.
Sustainability
The City of Santa Monica is still offering incentives for environmentally friendly measures taken by the community.
For more information, please call or visit the Office of Sustainability website at www.santamonica.gov/topicexplainers/your-guide-to-water.
We need you!
Public involvement is fundamental to ensuring that we are meeting our water supply demand, water quality goals,
and the highest customer service level. We welcome your feedback and invite you to get involved with the City of Santa Monica in the following ways:
• Participate in conservation events
• Attend City Council and community meetings
• Sign up for the newsletters and alerts
• Please let us know how we are doing.
For information on these opportunities, please call Water Resources and the Office of Sustainability and the
Environment.* For a digital copy of this report, please visit:
waterquality.smgov.net.
Santa Monica Pier
Water Resources Division
P.O. Box 2200, 1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90406-2200
This brochure is printed with vegetable-based inks
on paper made from recycled paper.
Where Can I Get More Information?
City of Santa Monica Public Works and
Water Resources Division Offices:
Water Resources/Water Quality .........(310) 434-2672
24-Hour Water Emergencies ..............(310) 434-2672
Wastewater.........................................(310) 458-8532 Lead Chemist......................................(310) 434-2672 Billing Office........................................(310) 458-8224 Visit our website:
www.santamonica.gov/topic-explainers/water-conservation Santa Monica City Council Meetings:
2nd & 4th Tuesdays of each month
Council Chamber
1685 Main Street, Santa Monica
www.santamonica.gov/departments/city-clerks-office
City of Santa Monica Office of Sustainability and
the Environment ...................................(310) 458-2213 Conservation Office..............................(310) 458-8972 www.santamonica.gov/categories/programs/sustainabilityand-the-environment Metropolitan Water District (MWD)
of Southern California.......................... (213) 217-6850 Toll Free............................................... (800) 354-4420 www.mwdh2o.com
California State Water Resources Control Board
Division of Drinking Water ....................(818) 551-2004 www.waterboards.ca.gov/drinking_water/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Ground Water & Drinking Water
Safe Drinking Water Hotline .................(800) 426-4791 www.epa.gov/safewater/dwhealth.html
water.epa.gov/drink/guide