Tap water providers and bottled water providers must meet the same water quality standards. In fact, tap water providers are required to conduct more frequent water quality testing and reporting than bottled water providers. Some consumers prefer the taste of bottled water, and some choose bottled water because they have special health needs. But tap water is a much better deal, costing 1,000 times less than bottled water.

Disinfectants are required because they prevent the spread of germs that cause diseases. Years ago, before disinfectants were used for drinking water, diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery were common. Drinking water disinfection has vastly improved the quality and safety of drinking water.

Dirt or sand can occur naturally in groundwater or as a result of a water line repair. We try to reduce the instances of dirt or sand in the water through regular flushing, which improves water quality by increasing the circulation of water in the pipes and removing most of the sediment from the water.

At Cal Water, we conduct periodic flushing as part of our ongoing water quality and water system maintenance program. By opening certain fire hydrants under controlled conditions, we remove minerals and sediment that build up in water lines over time. This improves water quality and increases the amount of water that can flow through the water lines.

Although it may seem wasteful to the casual observer, flushing is actually an important and necessary water utility activity that is endorsed by the American Water Works Association and conducted in accordance with guidelines set by the California Division of Drinking Water.

You will continue to receive water while we are flushing, but the pressure might be lowered temporarily. If you notice any discoloration and/or sediment in your water after we have flushed, please allow water to run from your outside hose bib until it clears.

Trihalomethanes (chloroform, bromoform, bromodichloromethane, and chlorodibromomethane) are commonly found in drinking water that has been chlorinated or chloraminated. Trihalomethanes (THMs) form when chlorine reacts with organic matter in the water. THMs are found mainly in water that originally came from surface sources, such as rivers and lakes. THM levels are typically low in groundwater (produced by wells). THMs have been associated with increased cancer risk, at least in animals, and the EPA has for many years regulated the amount of THMs allowable in drinking water.

Drinking water is often chlorinated or chloraminated to kill microorganisms that could cause serious illnesses. Overall, chlorination of drinking water has benefited public health enormously.

There are other methods of disinfecting public drinking water, but they are often more expensive, and the potential health effects of using these other methods are generally less well understood. Additionally, some alternative disinfectants do not remain effective as the water is transported from the source to the tap through the distribution system.

Drinking water utilities that use chlorination or chloramination are required by law to sample water throughout their distribution system, average the total THM measurements, and report the results to the Division of Drinking Water. The Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) permissible for total THMs in drinking water by California and federal law is currently an average of 80 parts per billion (ppb) over four consecutive quarters. In other words, a utility has not violated the standard unless the average system-wide level over the past year is more than 80 ppb. There are no standards currently for the individual trihalomethanes.

In 2006, the MCL for THMs and HAAs was revised so that the MCL was met at every location, and not just in the system as a whole.