Water Quick Facts
- "Flushing" occurs when a Cal Water employee opens a fire hydrant and releases water. This is done to remove sediment from the water lines and ensure that water circulates adequately throughout the system. Because of our focus on conservation, Cal Water does not flush water lines unless absolutely necessary. Fire hydrants may also be opened for testing purposes.
- Dirt or sand can occur naturally in groundwater or enter water lines during water main repairs. Flushing helps remove dirt and sand in the water.
- If you notice white particles in your water or your water pressure is lower than usual, check your faucet aerators for buildup. If they are clean, you may be seeing minerals that have built up in your water lines, home plumbing, or water heater.
- It is also important to maintain your water heater as directed by the manufacturer. Not doing so can lead to wasted energy, mineral buildup, and other problems. If you detect an odor in your hot water that is not present in your cold water, you may need to adjust, flush, or repair your water heater. Check with the manufacturer for details. If you detect an odor in both the hot and cold water, inform your local Customer Center.
- If your water looks milky or bubbly, it's probably because of harmless air bubbles. If the water is allowed to sit, the air will dissipate and the water will clear. If it doesn't, contact your local Customer Center.
- Naturally occurring organics and metals can give your water color. These typically do not pose a health hazard, but you should report colored water to your local Customer Center. If a faucet has not been used for a period of time, rust or residue from pipes may have collected, discoloring your water. Let the water run for a minute, and it should return to normal (while the faucet runs, collect the water in a bucket for use in your garden).
- You might occasionally hear news stories warning about the possibility of trace amounts of pharmaceuticals in tap water. It is important to remember that the quantities of pharmaceutical substances found in these reports are generally measured in parts per trillion — amounts millions of times smaller than therapeutic doses. Although no current scientific study has found that human health issues can arise from these miniscule amounts of pharmaceuticals, Cal Water reminds you that you can help protect your water supply by responsibly disposing of drugs that are expired or no longer needed. Do not flush them down the toilet or put them in the sink.
- Some people buy home water-treatment units to improve the aesthetic qualities of their water, but according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, these units are rarely necessary for health reasons. If you choose to install a home treatment unit, be sure to follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. Improperly maintained units can cause water quality problems, such as bacteria growing in carbon filters that are not replaced as recommended.
- Both tap and bottled water must meet strict water quality standards, but tap water is subject to more frequent testing. Although bottled water is generally not better quality than what comes out of your tap, it's definitely more expensive — a Cal Water customer could fill multiple 55-gallon drums with water for much less than the average price of a 20-ounce container of bottled water.
- In some of Cal Water's service areas, water sources change at certain times of the year due to the availability of supplies, and water from different sources may have slightly different tastes. But while the change in water source may cause a noticeable change in your water's taste, water from all sources must meet the same rigorous standards.