Travis 2021 Water Quality Report

District: Travis
System: Travis Air Force Base Distribution System

A printable version of this report is also available.

Welcome

Strawberries being washedSince 1926, Cal Water has been committed to providing a reliable supply of safe, clean water to our customers and communities. With the coronavirus pandemic, access to high-quality water became particularly top of mind. Throughout the pandemic and beyond, our commitment to our customers has remained as strong as ever.

In this system in 2021, we conducted 4,114 tests on 762 water samples for 92 constituents. We are pleased to confirm that we met every primary and secondary federal and state water quality standard last year.

Our promise to provide quality, service, and value means more than just treatment and testing. It means having expert professionals available to assist with routine services in a safe and efficient manner. It means having personnel available to handle emergencies 24 hours per day. It means maintaining and upgrading the infrastructure needed to transport water through a network of pumps, tanks, and pipes to your tap. It also means that, even with costs increasing across the country, we do everything we can to operate as efficiently as possible to keep your water affordable.

I encourage you to review this annual water quality report, also called your Consumer Confidence Report, as it details any constituents detected in your water supply in 2021 and shows how your water compares to federal and state standards. It also provides information on current water quality issues and steps we are taking to protect your health and safety.

If you have any questions, we are here to assist you. You can reach us by phone or email at our local Customer Center, or online at www.calwater.com. You can also get water service news on our web site, and via our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. If you're an account holder, you can find updates in your monthly bill and should keep your contact information up to date by visiting ccu.calwater.com to ensure you receive important emergency and other information.

Sincerely,
Ben Voight, Local Manager, Travis District

[Travis District | 867 Ellis Drive, Travis AFB, CA 94535 | (707) 424-2575]

Action Items

There were no significant issues in your water system in 2021, and we have no recommended action items for our customers in this area.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns, please contact our local Customer Center, either by phone at (707) 424-2575 or through the Contact Us page.

Your Water System

Water glassesCal Water began operating the Travis Air Force Base water system in 2019. We meet the water supply needs of our valued Travis District users with water from the City of Vallejo's surface water treatment plant.

Chlorination

Chlorination is the addition of chlorine to drinking water systems. It is the most common type of drinking water disinfection, killing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that cause disease or immediate illness. Chlorine is effective and continues to keep water safe as it travels through pipelines to the consumer's tap.

Using Water Wisely

As we experience a worsening drought this year, it's important that we make saving water every day a way of life. Using water wisely will ensure that we have enough water in dry years and for generations to come.

Cal Water has a robust water conservation program. Visit www.calwater.com/conservation for details.

Water Quality

The Water Quality Lab

Laboratory equipmentWater professionals collect samples from throughout the water system for testing at our newly upgraded, state-of-the-art water quality laboratory, which is certified each year through the stringent Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP).

Scientists, chemists, and microbiologists test the water for 326 constituents with equipment so sensitive it can detect levels as low as one part per trillion. In order to maintain the ELAP certification, all of our scientists must pass blind-study proficiency tests for every water quality test performed. Water quality test results are entered into our Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), a sophisticated software program that enables us to react quickly to changes in water quality and analyze water quality trends in order to plan effectively for future needs.

Cross-Connection Control

To ensure that the high-quality water we deliver is not compromised in the distribution system, Cal Water has a robust cross-connection control program in place. Cross-connection control is critical to ensuring that activities on customers' properties do not affect the public water supply. Our cross-connection control specialists ensure that all of the existing backflow prevention assemblies are tested annually, assess all connections, and enforce and manage the installation of new commercial and residential assemblies.

Backflow can occur when certain pressure conditions exist either in our distribution system or within the customer's plumbing, so our customers are our first line of defense. A minor home improvement project—without the proper protections—can create a potentially hazardous situation, so careful adherence to plumbing codes and standards will ensure the community's water supply remains safe. Please be sure to utilize the advice or services of a qualified plumbing professional.

Many water-use activities involve substances that, if allowed to enter the distribution system, would be aesthetically displeasing or could even present health concerns. Some common cross-connections are:

  • Garden hoses connected to a hose bib without a simple hose-type vacuum breaker (available at a home improvement store)
  • Improperly installed toilet tank fill valves that do not have the required air gap between the valve or refill tube
  • Landscape irrigation systems that do not have the proper backflow prevention assembly installed on the supply line

The list of materials that could potentially contaminate the water system is vast. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a wide variety of substances have contaminated drinking water systems throughout the country as a result of poor cross-connection control. Examples include:

  • Antifreeze from a heating system
  • Lawn chemicals from a garden hose or sprinkler head
  • Blue water from a toilet tank
  • Carbonated water from a soda dispenser

Customers must ensure that all plumbing is in conformance with local plumbing codes. Additionally, state law requires certain types of facilities to install and maintain backflow prevention assemblies at the water meter. Cal Water's cross-connection control staff will determine whether you need to install a backflow prevention assembly based on water uses at your location.

DWSAPP

Woman drinking a glass of waterA Drinking Water Source Assessment and Protection Program (DWSAPP) report evaluates the quality of the water used as a drinking water supply for local communities and examines the water's vulnerability to possible contamination from activities within the watershed. DWSAPPs were completed in 2012 for the Putah South Canal and in 2016 for Lakes Frey and Madigan. The North Bay Aqueduct's (Sacramento Delta) assessment was completed in 2016.

The lists below summarize the vulnerability of each water source and provide a contact if you would like copies of the complete assessments.

Putah South Canal

  • Most vulnerable activities include illegal activities and dumping, and herbicide applications
  • Moderately vulnerable activities include roads and streets, storm drain discharge, and recreational areas
  • Contact: Alex Rabidoux, Solano County Water Agency, (707) 451-6090

North Bay Aqueduct

  • Most vulnerable activities include grazing animals* and runoff from grazing land
  • Moderately vulnerable activities include runoff from agricultural land
  • Contact: Alex Rabidoux, Solano County Water Agency, (707) 451-6090

*Associated with detected contaminants.

We encourage customers to join us in our efforts to prevent water pollution and protect our most precious natural resource.

2021 Results

Fluoride

State law requires Cal Water to add fluoride to drinking water if public funding is available to pay for it, and it is a practice endorsed by the American Medical Association and the American Dental Association to prevent tooth decay. In this area, Cal Water adds fluoride to achieve levels considered optimum for good dental health. Show the table in this report to your dentist to see if he or she recommends giving children fluoride supplements.

More information about fluoridation, oral health, and related issues can be found on the DDW web site.

For general information on water fluoridation, visit us online at www.calwater.com.

Water Hardness

Hardness is a measure of the magnesium, calcium, and carbonate minerals in the water. Water is considered soft if its hardness is less than 75 parts per million (ppm), moderately hard at 75 to 150 ppm, hard between 150 and 300 ppm, and very hard at 300 ppm or higher.

Hard water is generally not a health concern, but it can have an impact on how well soap lathers and is significant for some industrial and manufacturing processes. Hard water may also lead to mineral buildup in pipes or water heaters.

Some people with hard water opt to buy a water softener for aesthetic reasons; however, some water softeners add salt to the water, which can cause problems at wastewater treatment plants. Additionally, people on low-sodium diets should be aware that some water softeners increase the sodium content of the water.

For more information on water hardness, visit www.calwater.com/video/hardness.

The current water quality table for your service area shows an average hardness of 85 ppm.

Possible Contaminants

Surface of clean waterAll drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants.

The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk.

More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

The sources of drinking water (both tap and bottled) 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 human activity.

Contaminants that may be present in source water include:

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

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

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

Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, agricultural application, and septic systems.

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

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the EPA and DDW prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same protection for public health.

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised people, such as those with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, those who have undergone organ transplants, and those with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders; some elderly people; and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice from their health care providers about drinking water. EPA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (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.

About Lead

Drinking fountainAs the issue of lead in water continues to be top of mind for many Americans, Cal Water wants to assure you about the quality of your water. We are compliant with health and safety codes mandating use of lead-free materials in water system replacements, repairs, and new installations. We have no known lead service lines in our systems. We test and treat (if necessary) water sources to ensure that the water delivered to customer meters meets all water quality standards and is not corrosive toward plumbing materials.

The water we deliver to your home meets lead standards. However, if present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing (for example, lead solder used to join copper plumbing, and brass and other lead-containing fixtures).

Cal Water is responsible for providing high-quality drinking water to our customers' meters, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking.

If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested by a certified lab. More information about lead in drinking water can be found on the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

In your system, results from our lead monitoring program, conducted in accordance with the Lead and Copper Rule, were below the action level for the presence of lead.

Testing for Lead in Schools

The State of California required that all public schools built before 2010 test for lead in their drinking water by July 1, 2019. In 2018, the Department of Defense (DoD) worked with all school districts in our service area that serve kindergarten through 12th grade to develop sampling plans, test samples, and conduct follow-up monitoring, if needed, for corrective actions.

For more information, please see our Testing for Lead in Schools web page. For specific information regarding local school data, see the state web portal.

Lead and Copper Rule

The Lead and Copper Rule requires us to test water inside a representative number of facilities that have plumbing most likely to contain lead and/or lead solder to determine the presence of lead and copper or any action level exceedance. An action level is the concentration of a contaminant which, when exceeded, triggers corrective actions before it becomes a health concern. If action levels are exceeded, either at a customer's home or system-wide, we work with the customer to investigate the issue and/or implement corrosion control treatment to reduce lead levels. The results published below in the Lead and Copper section are from 2021.

Lead Service Line Inventory (LSLI)

Protecting our customers' health and safety is our highest priority. As part of this commitment, we have been working to identify and replace any old customer water service lines and fittings that may contain lead. California Senate Bill (SB) 1398 required all water utilities in California to develop an inventory of all distribution service line materials, and submit a list of known service lines to the state by 2018. A list of unknown service lines that may contain lead, along with a plan for replacement, was due to the state by July 1, 2020. Known lines must be replaced as soon as possible.

More information regarding LSLI and specific data for each water system can be found on the state web site.

PFOA and PFOS

PFOA and PFOS are manmade compounds used prevalently in firefighting foams and to make carpets, clothing, fabrics for furniture, paper packaging for food, cookware, and other items resistant to water, grease, fire, or stains. They are also used in a number of industrial processes. They are part of a larger group of chemicals referred to as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

In early 2020, DDW announced lower response levels for PFOA and PFOS (10 ppt for PFOA, and 40 ppt for PFOS) from the previous level of 70 ppt combined. The notification levels (5.1 ppt for PFOA, and 6.5 ppt for PFOS) were not changed.

Knowing that these are constituents of emerging concern, Cal water had already identified and tested water sources that would be more likely to have these compounds present by 2019. With the updated response levels, we voluntarily conducted additional testing for these constituents in all of our water systems.

Studies indicate that long-term exposure to PFOA and PFOS over certain levels could have adverse health effects, including developmental effects to fetuses during pregnancy or infants; cancer; or impacts on liver, immunity, thyroid, and other functions. Potential health impacts related to PFAS compounds are still being studied, and research is still evolving on this issue.

Although there is no Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) set for these substances, we have proactively monitored sources and will continue to do so. Even though it is not required by the state, we believe it is the right thing to do. When an MCL is established by DDW for these compounds, we will continue to ensure our water sources are in compliance with any set standard.

While we are doing our part to treat the water and meet the standards the public health experts have set, it's important that our population as a whole focuses on being good stewards of the environment and takes steps to prevent impacting the water supply.

Additionally, Cal Water has filed a lawsuit against a group of companies that manufactured and sold firefighting foam products that released the PFOA and PFOS into the environment, to ensure the responsible parties bear the costs of treating for these chemicals, not our customers. We are also encouraging the EPA to establish a consistent, science-based standard as quickly as feasible, and strongly support state legislation prohibiting the sale and use of certain products that contain PFAS and requiring the certification of accurate testing methods for PFAS.

More information on PFOA and PFOS is available on the DDW web site.

Key Definitions

Washing faceIn Compliance: Does not exceed any applicable MCL, SMCL, or action level, as determined by DDW. For some compounds, compliance is determined by averaging the results for one source over a one-year period.

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

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

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 the odor, taste, and appearance of drinking water.

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

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL): The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG): 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.

Notification Level (NL) and Response Level (RL): Health-based advisory levels for unregulated contaminants in drinking water. They are used by DDW to provide guidance to drinking water systems.

Primary Drinking Water Standards (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.

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

Variances and Exemptions: Permissions from the State Water Resources Control Board (State Board) to exceed an MCL or not comply with a treatment technique under certain conditions.

Standard Abbreviations

  • AL: Action level
  • Max: Maximum
  • Min: Minimum
  • N/A: Not applicable
  • NL: Notification level
  • NTU: Nephelometric turbidity unit
  • ND: Constituent not detected
  • pCi/L: Picocuries per liter (a measure of radiation)
  • ppb: Parts per billion or micrograms per liter (µg/L)
  • ppm: Parts per million or milligrams per liter (mg/L)
  • ppq: Parts per quadrillion or picogram per liter (pg/L)
  • ppt: Parts per trillion or nanograms per liter (ng/L)
  • µS/cm: Microsiemens/centimeter

Table Introduction

Washing handsCal Water tests your water for a large number of both regulated and unregulated contaminants. This table lists only those contaminants that were detected.

In the table, water quality test results are divided into four major sections: "Primary Drinking Water Standards," "Secondary Drinking Water Standards," "State-Monitored Contaminants with Notification Levels," and "Unregulated Compounds." Primary standards protect public health by limiting the levels of certain constituents in drinking water. Secondary standards are set for substances that don't impact health but could affect the water's taste, odor, or appearance. Some unregulated substances (hardness and sodium, for example) are included for your information. The State allows us to monitor for some contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Some of our data, though representative, are more than one year old.

Substance Sources

  • DI: Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
  • DS: Drinking water disinfectant added for treatment
  • EN: Naturally present in the environment
  • ER: Erosion of natural deposits
  • FE: Human and animal waste
  • FL: Water additive that promotes strong teeth; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories
  • FR: Runoff and leaching from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks and sewage
  • IC: Internal corrosion of household plumbing systems
  • IM: Discharge from industrial manufacturers
  • IO: Substances that form ions when in water
  • IW: Industrial waste
  • OM: Naturally occurring organic materials
  • RU: Runoff/leaching from natural deposits
  • SO: Soil runoff
  • SW: Seawater influence
  • VA: Various natural and manmade sources
  • WD: Leaching from wood preservatives
  • UR: Unregulated constituents with no source listed and that do not have standardized "source of substance" language

Our testing equipment is so sensitive, it can detect constituents as small as 1 part per trillion. That is equivalent to 1 inch over 15 million miles

2021 Water Quality

Primary Drinking Water Standards

Microbiological Year Tested Unit MCL PHG (MCLG) In Compliance Distribution System-Wide Source
Highest Monthly
Total coliform1 2021 Positive samples 1 (0) Yes 0 EN
Fecal coliform and E. coli 2021 Positive samples 12 (0) Yes 0 FE
Inorganic Chemicals Year Tested Unit MCL PHG (MCLG) In Compliance CVW3 Source
Surface Water
Range Average
Fluoride4 2021 ppm 2 1 (4.0) Yes 0.26–0.90 0.74 ER, FL
Lead and Copper Year Tested Unit AL PHG (MCLG) In Compliance Distribution System-Wide Source
90th Percentile Samples > AL
Copper 2021 ppm 1.3 0.3 Yes 0.43 1 of 32 IC, ER, WD
Lead 2021 ppb 15 0.2 Yes ND 1 of 32 IC, IM, ER
Schools that requested lead sampling in 2021: 0
Disinfection Byproducts Year Tested Unit MCL PHG (MCLG) In Compliance Distribution System-Wide Source
Range Highest Annual Average
Haloacetic acids 2021 ppb 60 N/A Yes 4.7–32 26 DI
Total trihalomethanes5 2021 ppb 80 N/A Yes 23–82 62 DI
Disinfectants Year Tested Unit MRDL MRDLG In Compliance Distribution System-Wide Source
Range Average
Free chlorine 2021 ppm 4 4 Yes 0.20–2.0 0.65 DS
City of Vallejo Water—Turbidity and TOC Year Tested Unit MCL PHG (MCLG) In Compliance CVW Source
Highest Level Lowest Monthly Percent <0.3 NTU
Turbidity6 2021 NTU TT N/A Yes 0.5 95% SO
Year Tested Unit MCL PHG (MCLG) In Compliance Running Annual Average Lowest Monthly Percent Removal Ratio Source
Total organic carbon (TOC)7 2021 ppm TT N/A Yes 1.8 1.3 VA

Secondary Drinking Water Standards

Chemical Year Tested Unit SMCL PHG (MCLG) In Compliance CVW Source
Range Average/Result
Chloride 2021 ppm 500 N/A Yes N/A 23 RL, SW
Color 2019 UNITS 15 N/A Yes ND–5.0 2.5 OM
Specific conductance 2021 US 1600 N/A Yes N/A 300 SW, IO
Sulfate 2021 ppm 500 N/A Yes N/A 31 RL, IW
Total dissolved solids 2021 ppm 1000 N/A Yes N/A 180 RL

State Monitored Contaminants with Notification Levels

Contaminants Year Tested Unit NL PHG (MCLG) In Compliance CVW Source
Range Result
Vanadium 2021 ppb 50 N/A Yes N/A 3.7 UR

Unregulated Compounds

Chemical Year Tested Unit MCL PHG (MCLG) In Compliance CVW Source
Range Average/Result
Alkalinity (total) 2021 ppm N/A N/A N/A N/A 78 UR
Aggressive index 2021 NU N/A N/A Yes N/A 11.3 UR
Bicarbonate 2021 ppm N/A N/A Yes N/A 95 UR
Hardness (total) 2021 ppm N/A N/A N/A N/A 85 UR
Magnesium 2021 ppm N/A N/A N/A N/A 11 UR
Potassium 2021 ppm N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.2 UR
Silica 2021 ppm N/A N/A Yes N/A 13 UR
Sodium 2021 ppm N/A N/A N/A N/A 27 UR
pH 2021 STD U N/A N/A N/A 6.6–8.2 7.6 UR

1 This table 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.

2 This means a routine sample and a repeat sample are total coliform-positive, and one of these is also E. coli-positive.

3 Travis Air Force Base water was supplied by City of Vallejo Water (CVW) in 2021.

4 Fluoride is added to the water supply purchased from CVW. CVW treats its water by adding fluoride to the naturally occurring level in order to help prevent dental caries in consumers. The fluoride levels in the treated water are maintained within a range of 0.6–1.2 ppm, as required by DDW.

5 The MCL is calculated using the average of sample analytical results for samples taken at a particular monitoring location during the previous four calendar quarters (LRAA). The trihalomethane level LRAA was 62 ppb, with a maximum level of 82 ppb. Some people who drink water containing trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many years may experience liver, kidney, or central nervous system problems, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

6 For surface water systems, the treatment technique dictates that the turbidity level of the filtered water be less than or equal to 0.3 NTU in 95% of measurements taken each month and not exceed 1 NTU at any time. Turbidity is a measurement of cloudiness of water. We monitor it because it is a good indicator of the effectiveness of our filtration system.

7 TOC has no health effects; however, TOC provides a medium for the formation of disinfection byproducts. These byproducts include trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids. The treatment technique dictates that a removal ratio of 1 or higher must be achieved. Drinking water containing these byproducts in excess of the MCL may lead to adverse health effects such as liver, kidney, or nervous system problems, and may lead to an increased risk of cancer. Concerns regarding disinfection byproducts are based upon exposure over many years.

Thank You

Parent and child brushing teethThanks for taking the time to learn more about your water quality!

Even more information awaits you at www.calwater.com. Visit our web site to get information about your account, water-use history, water rates, and water system.