Table of Contents
Can You Drink Tap Water in Milpitas?
Yes, Milpitas's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Milpitas has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page or the city's water provider website.
According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Milpitas's water utility, City of Milpitas, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. This assessment is based on the City of Milpitas water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.
While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.
The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.
Water Quality Report for Milpitas Tap Water
The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Milpitas tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.
Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.
EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.
There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.
We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Milpitas's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.
Milpitas Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years
Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named City of Milpitas for Milpitas in California. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.
Is there Lead in Milpitas Water?
Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Milpitas water system, City of Milpitas, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.0017 mg/L of lead in Milpitas water. This is 11.3% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Milpitas contained more lead.
While Milpitas water testing may have found 0.0017 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.
No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.
Are there PFAS in Milpitas Tap Water?
Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - Moffett Field/Moffett Field NAS - near Milpitas with suspected leaks.
With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Milpitas has been evaluated for yet.
Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.
What do these Violations Mean?
Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.
Health Based Violations
- Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
- Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
- Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.
Non-Health Based Violations
- Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
- Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
- Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.
SDWA Table Key
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Compliance Period | Dates of the compliance period. |
| Status |
Current status of the violation.
|
| Health-Based? | Whether the violation is health based. |
| Category Code |
The category of violation that is reported.
|
| Code | A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table. |
| Contaminant Code | A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation. |
| Rule Code |
Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
|
| Rule Group Code |
Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
|
| Rule Family Code |
Code for rule family.
|
For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.
Milpitas Water - Frequently Asked Questions
| By Phone: | 408-586-2602 |
| By Email: | tndah@ci.milpitas.ca.gov |
| By Mail: | 1265 N. Milpitas Blvd. MILPITAS, CA, 95035 |
Existing customers can login to their City of Milpitas account to pay their Milpitas water bill by clicking here.
If you want to pay your City of Milpitas bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Milpitas water bill.
If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Milpitas water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.
Moving to a new house or apartment in Milpitas means you will often need to put the water in your name with City of Milpitas. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.
Leaving your house or apartment in Milpitas means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with City of Milpitas. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.
USER SUBMITTED RATINGS
- Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility
- Water Pollution
- Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility
- Water Quality
The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Milpitas, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).
Related FAQS
Milpitas Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)
The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Milpitas's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.
Important contact information
City contacts |
Resources |
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City of Milpitas |
Division of Drinking Water |
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455 E Calaveras Blvd. |
waterboards.ca.gov/drinking_ |
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Milpitas, CA 95035 |
water/; (510) |
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(408) |
US EPA |
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www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov |
water.epa.gov |
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Hours of operation |
(800) |
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8 a.m. to 5 p.m., |
Department of |
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Water Resources |
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Water Emergencies |
www.water.ca.gov |
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(408) |
Bay Area Water Supply and |
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(408) |
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Conservation Agency |
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Billing Questions |
bawsca.org |
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(408) |
American Water Works |
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Water Conservation Hotline |
Association |
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awwa.org or DrinkTap.org |
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(408) |
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Valley Water Pollution Hotline |
Valley Water |
SFPUC |
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(888) |
valleywater.org |
sfwater.org |
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More information
For more information about this report or the City’s water quality monitoring program, please contact:
City of Milpitas Public Works Department at
(408)
How to get involved
City Council meetings are typically held on the first and third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 pm in the City Hall Council Chambers located at 455 E. Calaveras Blvd. Prior to each meeting, Council meeting agendas can be found posted at City Hall and can also be downloaded from the City website: www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov. Council meetings will not take place in the month of July but will resume in the month of August.
COVID-19 and Drinking Water
The World Health Organization has stated that the "presence of
based on our current evidence, the risk to water supplies is low". The City of Milpitas continues to monitor the
City of Milpitas
455 E. Calaveras Blvd.
2020 Milpitas, CA 95035
www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov
CITY OF MILPITAS
Water Quality Report
Frequently asked questions
Why is my water brown or not clear?
Stagnant water sitting in aging plumbing may become brown. This should clear up once sitting water is flushed out from the pipes and replaced with fresh water. Brown water could also be from blocked or clogged sink fixture aerators. Aerators are located at the end of a fixture and can be removed and flushed to clear any debris. Once flushed,
Why has my water pressure dropped suddenly?
Depending on your location, you could receive water pressure between 40 to 140 psi. Water pressure could have dropped for a variety of reasons. If your water pressure drops unexpectedly, please call Milpitas Public Works Department at (408)
Is there fluoride in the water?
The City receives fluoridated water from Valley Water and SFPUC. SFPUC has been fluoridating water since 1995 while Valley Water began fluoridation in December of 2016.
How can I prepare for an emergency?
In a disaster or emergency situation, water supplies may be cut off or contaminated. Store enough water to supply everyone in your family for at least
What is "Making Water Conservation A Milpitas Way of Life"?
The State directs cities to Make Water Conservation a California Way of Life and prohibits wasteful practices. As we continue to experience dry conditions this year, the City would like to encourage residents to conserve water. The State's water restrictions along with additional water conservation measures set by the City include:
- Apply only as much water as your landscape needs to prevent water runoff onto streets and sidewalks.
-
Wash vehicles with a hose that has a
shut-off nozzle. - Use a broom to clean driveways and sidewalks.
- Recirculate potable water in fountains or decorative water features.
- Do not water landscapes during or within 48 hours of measureable rainfall.
- Restaurants to only serve drinking water upon request.
- Guests of hotels and motels can choose not to have towels and linens laundered daily.
- Pools and spas must be covered when not in use to prevent evaporation.
Visit www.savewatermilpitas.org for water conservation tips and water use schedules.
How can I treat my drinking water after a disaster?
If you run out of stored drinking water, strain and treat water from your water heater or toilet reservoir tank (except if you use toilet tank cleaners.) You cannot drink swimming pool or spa water, but it can be used for flushing toilets or washing.
Strain large particles by pouring water through a couple of layers of paper towels or clean cloth. Purify the water by:
-
Boiling. Bring to a rolling boil and maintain for
3-5 minutes. To improve the taste, pour it back and forth between two clean containers to add oxygen back into the water. - Disinfecting. If the water is clear, add 8 drops of bleach per gallon of water. If it is cloudy, add 16 drops. Shake or stir, then let stand for 30 minutes. A slight chlorine taste and smell is to be expected.
The City of Milpitas is pleased to report that in 2020, your drinking water quality met or surpassed every State and USEPA requirement that safeguards public health.
This report contains important information about |
Ito ay isang mahalagang impormasyon tungkol sa inyong |
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your drinking water. Translate it, or speak with |
iniinom na tubig. |
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someone who understands it. |
tao na naiintindihan ito. |
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Este informe contiene información muy importante |
Chi tiết này thật quan trọng. Xin nhờ người dịch cho quý vị. |
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sobre su agua potable. Tradúzcalo o hable con |
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alguien que lo entienda bien. |
此 份 有 關 你 的 食 水 報 告 |
內 有 重 要 資 料 和 訊 息 |
請 找 他 人 |
為 你 翻 譯 及 解 釋 清 楚 。
Our drinking water and how we protect it
Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
The City of Milpitas draws water from two sources that provide clean water to residents and businesses. The water is purchased from two separate wholesalers: treated surface water from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) and treated surface water from the Valley Water (VW). In the event that water supply is interrupted from either VW or SFPUC, the City has the option of utilizing its emergency supply to meet basic water needs for a short duration of time. In 2020, the City supplied an average of 7.5 million gallons of water per day to approximately 16,800 homes and businesses for indoor and outdoor use.
Contaminants and Regulations
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The State Board regulations also establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that provide the same protection for public health.
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
• 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 |
runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and |
Maintaining water quality
The City is dedicated to maintaining the water quality and protecting the water supply. The safegaurds include a combination of preventative and monitoring practices described below.
Hydrant and Water Main Flushing. Flushing of fire hydrants and water mains is performed to remove sediment and keep the distribution system refreshed by circulating water in pipes that would otherwise remain stagnant. As a result, residents in the immediate vicinity may experience temporary discoloration in their water. This discoloration does not affect the safety of the water. If you experience discoloration in your water after City crews have been flushing in your neighborhood, clear the water from your house plumbing by running water faucets for a few minutes prior to use.
Backflow Testing. A backflow preventer is a plumbing device that keeps the water supply safe by preventing water on private property from flowing back into the City’s distribution system. Backflow devices are required to be tested annually to ensure they are working properly
Water Sampling. Sampling of the water system is performed in accordance to State and Federal rules and regulations. This requires purging of the water line for a sample to be lab tested.
SFPUC Supply
SFPUC water is a combination of Hetch Hetchy water and treated local water. Most of SFPUC’s water is sourced from the Hetch Hetchy watershed located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This water is exempt from filtration requirements by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and State Water Resources Control Boards’ Division of Drinking Water (DDW) due to the protected Sierra spring snow melt water source. Local water is collected within the Alameda watershed at Calaveras Reservoir and San Antonio Reservoir. Local water is treated through filtration and disinfection at the Sunol Valley Water Treatment Plant.
Valley Water Supply
Valley Water water is sourced primarily from the
Recycled Water – providing
In 2020, irrigation and industrial customers in Milpitas used 350 million gallons of recycled water, thereby conserving an equal amount of potable drinking water. Recycled water from the San Jose/Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant undergoes an extensive treatment process (including filtration and disinfection) and is delivered to landscape irrigation and industrial customers in Milpitas, San Jose, and Santa Clara. For more information pertaining to recycled water, visit www.sanjoseca.gov/sbwr.
Emergency Supplies
The City does not blend or combine Valley Water or SFPUC water under normal operating conditions. However, the service areas can be interconnected to provide emergency water supply if needed. The City’s water system is also interconnected with the Alameda County Water District to the north and San Jose Water Company to the south. In the event that there is an emergency, either or both agencies can provide water to the City. Valley Water and SFPUC share an intertie that can supply water from one wholesaler to the other. The City can also provide temporary emergency water supply using Pinewood Well, located in the southwestern portion of the City.
Drinking Water Source Assessment Program
Drinking Water Source Assessment Programs evaluate the vulnerability of water sources to potential contamination. Both Valley Water and SFPUC have conducted drinking water source assessments for the City’s potable water supplies. The assessments are available for review at the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) – Division of Drinking Water District Office. You may request that a summary of the assessments be sent to you by calling (510)
SFPUC conducts an annual watershed sanitary survey for the Hetch Hetchy source as well as five year sanitary surveys for local water sources. These surveys evaluate the sanitary condition, water quality, potential contamination sources, and the results of watershed management activities. The surveys were completed with support from partner agencies, including the National Park Service and US Forest Service. These surveys have identified wildlife, stock, and human activities as potential contamination sources.
Valley Water water sources are vulnerable to potential contamination from a variety of land use practices, such as agricultural and urban runoff, recreational activities, livestock grazing, and residential and industrial development. The imported sources are also vulnerable to wastewater treatment plant discharges, seawater intrusion, and wild fires in open space areas. In addition, local sources are also vulnerable to potential contamination from commercial stables and historic mining practices. No contaminants associated with any of these activities have been detected in Valley Water’s treated water. The water treatment plants provide multiple barriers for physical removal and disinfection of contaminants.
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 |
processes and petroleum production, and can also come |
from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, agricultural |
application, and septic systems. |
• Radioactive Contaminants that can be |
be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities. |
See the third page of this CCR for water quality sampling results.
Littering is throwing it all away
Nearly 80 percent of the debris found in our watersheds, creeks, shorelines, and the South San Francisco Bay is washed, blown, or dumped by humans residing in the vicinity of the water shed. One piece of litter can end up miles from where it was improperly discarded, polluting our water systems and causing a threat to wildlife. The primary sources of litter are: pedestrians, motorists, trucks with uncovered loads, household trash handling and its placement at the curb, loading docks, and demolition sites.
Because we live in a watershed, our community’s litter makes a very big impact. A watershed is a land area that drains water into a creek, river, lake, wetland, bay or groundwater aquifer. In the Santa Clara Valley, the water from rain and irrigation (called runoff) picks up litter and carries it directly into storm drains and creeks that flow to San Francisco Bay.
You Can Make a Difference
- Don’t litter, ever. Something as small as a cigarette butt thrown on a city street has long term adverse effects on the environment.
- When you see litter, pick it up and dispose of it properly.
- Secure and cover all truckloads of loose debris.
- Make sure your trash can lid is closed securely.
- Always bring a bag for trash when picnicking, hiking, or camping.
- If you own a business, check your dumpster on a regular basis, keep it locked and protect it from illegal dumping.
-
Report illegal dumping to the Milpitas Police Department at
(408)586-2400. For solid waste and street sweeping services, call Milpitas Sanitation at (408)988-4500. - Call the Santa Clara Countywide Recycling Hotline at (800) 553-
8414 or visit www.reducewaste.org to find out where to dispose of or donate large commercial items such as furniture, appliances, etc.
PRIMARY DRINKING WATER STANDARDS (PUBLIC HEALTH RELATED STANDARDS)
PARAMETER
SOURCE WATER SAMPLING
Turbidity
INORGANIC CHEMICALS
Aluminum
Bromate
Fluoride
Nitrate (as Nitrogen)
Nitrate + Nitrite (as N)
DISINFECTION BYPRODUCT PRECURSOR
Unit
NTU
ppm
ppb
ppm ppm ppm
MCL,
(AL), or [MRDL]
TTa
1
10
2
10
10
PHG,
(MCLG), or
[MRDLG]
NA
0.6
0.1
1
10
10
Distribution System |
Valley Waterb |
|
SFPUC |
Typical |
||
Average |
Range |
Average |
Range |
Average |
Range |
Sources* |
|
|
1 |
100% |
1c |
99.8 – 100%d |
2 |
|
|
ND |
ND – 0.1 |
ND |
ND |
3, 4 |
|
|
3.3 |
ND - 2.3 |
ND |
ND |
9 |
|
|
ND |
ND - 0.12 |
0.3 |
ND - 0.7 |
3, 5, 6 |
|
|
ND |
ND – 0.8 |
ND |
ND |
3, 7, 8 |
|
|
ND |
ND - 0.8 |
ND |
ND |
3, 7, 8 |
Water Quality Information
Lead
If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Infants and young children are typically more vulnerable to lead in drinking water than the general population. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The City is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. It is possible that lead levels at your home may be higher than at other homes in the community as a result of materials used in your home’s plumbing. If you are concerned about elevated lead levels in your home’s water, you may wish to have your water tested by a laboratory and/or flush your tap. When your water has
Total Oganic Carbon (precursor control) |
ppm |
TT |
NA |
MICROBIOLOGICAL |
|
|
|
Giardia Lamblia |
cysts/L |
TT |
(0) |
Inorganics |
|
|
|
Asbestos |
MFL |
7 |
7 |
DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM SAMPLING |
|
|
|
LEAD AND COPPER RULE (2019) - SAMPLES COLLECTED AT CUSTOMERS' TAPS |
|
||
Lead |
ppb |
(15) |
0.2 |
Copper |
ppm |
(1.3) |
0.3 |
DISINFECTION RESIDUALS AND BYPRODUCTS |
|
|
|
Disinfectant Residual as Chlorine |
ppm |
[4] |
[4] |
Total Trihalomethanes |
ppb |
80 |
NA |
Haloacetic Acids |
ppb |
60 |
NA |
MICROBIOLOGICAL |
|
|
|
2.1 |
1.5 - 2.7 |
2.9 |
1.7 - 3.4 |
10 |
ND |
ND - 0.1 |
0.01 |
0 – 0.05 |
1 |
1.6 |
1.6 |
ND |
ND |
|
90th Percentile |
|
# of Samples Above AL |
|
|
1.7 |
|
0 out of 35 |
|
3, 17, 19 |
0.044 |
|
0 out of 35 |
|
3, 17, 18 |
Highest Location RAA |
|
Range |
|
|
2.75 |
|
2.57 - 2.81 |
|
20 |
41.3 |
|
18 – 50 |
|
9 |
47.5 |
|
5.1 – 32 |
|
9 |
Average |
|
Range |
|
|
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. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the USEPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at 1 (800)
In 2018, the City of Milpitas, through a coordinated effort with the Milpitas Unified School District (MUSD) has completed lead sampling at fourteen (14)
Fluoride and Dental Fluorosis
Mandated by State law, water fluoridation is a widely accepted practice proven to be safe and effective for preventing and controlling tooth decay. The fluoride target level in the water is
0.7 milligram per liter (mg/L, or part per million, ppm), consistent with the May 2015 State |
regulatory guidance on optimal fluoride level. Infants fed formula mixed with water contain- |
ing fluoride at this level may still have a chance of developing tiny white lines or streaks in |
their teeth. These marks are referred to as mild to very mild fluorosis, and are often only visible |
under a microscope. Even in cases where the marks are visible, they do not pose any health |
2020
Water Quality Data
In 2020, The City of Milpitas collected over 2,000 drinking water samples to be analyzed by
Some data, although representative, were collected prior to 2020, as the State Board requires monitoring for some constituents less frequently. The concentrations of these constituents do not vary frequently or significantly.
Water Supply Map
The City serves SFPUC source water to the area south of Calaveras Blvd and east of
Valley Water
SFPUC
Total Coliform Bacteria |
% pos / month |
SECONDARY DRINKING WATER STANDARDS (AESTHETIC STANDARDS) |
|
PARAMETER |
Unit |
Aluminum |
ppb |
Chloride |
ppm |
Color |
CU |
Odor — Threshold |
TON |
Specific Conductance |
µS/cm |
Sulfate |
ppm |
Total Dissolved Solids |
ppm |
Turbidity |
NTU |
UNREGULATED PARAMETERS |
|
5.0% |
(0) |
MCL
200
500
15
3
1600
500
1000
5
|
0.0% |
|
|
|
0.0% |
|
1 |
Average |
Range |
Average |
Range |
Average |
Range |
Sources* |
|
NA |
NA |
ND |
ND – 51 |
ND |
ND |
3, 4 |
|
NA |
NA |
61.5 |
51 |
- 71 |
8.7 |
<3 – 15 |
11, 12, 14 |
ND |
ND |
ND |
ND |
ND |
13 |
||
ND |
ND |
1 |
|
1 |
ND |
ND |
13 |
NA |
NA |
484 |
385 |
- 532 |
160 |
30 - 260 |
14, 16 |
NA |
NA |
54 |
31 |
- 67 |
17 |
1 - 34 |
11, 12, 15 |
NA |
NA |
249 |
152– 328 |
72 |
<20 – 137 |
11, 12 |
|
NA |
NA |
0.035 |
0 - 0.2 |
ND |
ND - 0.2 |
|
|
risk. The Centers of Disease Control (CDC) considers it safe to use optimally fluoridated water |
for preparing infant formula. To lessen this chance of dental fluorosis, you may choose to use |
dental fluorosis due to fluoride intake from other sources such as food, toothpaste and dental |
products. |
Contact your healthcare provider or
Disinfection with Chloramine
The water from both SFPUC and Valley Water is treated with chloramine to protect public health. Chloramine assists in destroying
What else should I know?
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 Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800)
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general
UCMR 3 |
|
PARAMETER |
Unit |
Chlorate |
ppb |
Boron |
ppb |
Molybdenum |
ppb |
Strontium |
ppb |
Vanadium |
ppb |
UCMR 4 |
|
NL
800
1000
NS
NS
50
Average
120
NA 1.9 151 ND
Range
NA
Average
123
ND
<1
ND
ND
Range
72 – 290 ND – 123 ND – <1
ND
ND – 4
Average
52
ND
NA
111
NA
Range
ND
NA
12 – 234
NA
or aquariums. Dialysis patients should consult with their doctor or dialysis technician and aquarium owners should consult with their pet store.
Hardness
Water hardness is determined mainly by the presence of calcium and magnesium salts. Although hard water does not pose a health risk, it may be considered undesirable for other reasons. Some benefits of water softening are reductions in soap usage, longer life for water heaters and a decrease in encrustation of pipes; disadvantages are an increase in sodium intake, an increase in maintenance and servicing and potential adverse effects on salt- sensitive plants. To convert hardness from ppm to grains per gallon, divide by 17.1. A hardness scale is provided below for your reference.
population.
USEPA/Centers for Disease Control guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the USEPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800)
Definitions of Key Terms
PARAMETER
HAA5
HAA6Br
HAA9
Butylated Hydroxyanisole
Quinoline
Manganese
OTHER WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS
Unit ppb ppb ppb ppb ppb ppb
MRL
NA
NA
NA
0.03
0.02
0.4
Average
30.1
3.44
33.29
0.035
0.028
6.4
Range 14 - 47
0.38 - 15 22 - 47
ND - 0.035 ND - 0.028 1.8 - 17
|
Hardness Classification |
Grains per Gallon |
ppm |
|
Soft |
less than 1.0 |
less than 17.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
Slightly hard |
||
|
|
|
|
|
Moderately hard |
||
|
|
|
|
|
Hard |
||
|
|
|
|
|
Very hard |
over 10.5 |
over 180 |
|
|
|
|
* Typical Sources In Drinking Water |
|
||
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 are set to protect the odor, taste and appearance of drinking water. MCLs are established by USEPA and the State Board.
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
with their monitoring and reporting requirements and water treatment requirements.
Treatment Technique (TT). A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
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 Office of Environmental Health
PARAMETER
Boron
Bromide
Calcium (as Ca)
Chlorate
Chromium (VI)
Hardness (as Calcium Carbonate)
Unit ppb ppb ppm ppb ppb ppm
ORL
1000 (NL)
NA
NA
800 (NL)
NA NA
Average
Range
Average
132
ND
21
213
ND
101
Range
ND - 198 ND - 140 17 - 24 53 - 476
ND
84 - 118
Average
ND
ND
12
240
ND
45
Range
ND
ND
2.9 - 22 |
67 - 480 |
ND |
8.0 - 79 |
1 |
Naturally present in the environment |
12 |
Leaching from natural deposits |
2 |
Soil runoff |
13 |
|
3 |
Erosion of natural deposits |
14 |
Seawater influence |
4 |
Residue from some surface water treatment |
15 |
Industrial wastes |
|
processes |
16 |
Substances that form ions when in water |
5 |
Water additive that promotes strong teeth |
17 |
Internal corrosion of household plumbing systems |
6 |
Discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories |
18 |
Leaching from wood preservatives |
7 |
Runoff and leaching from fertilizer use |
19 |
Discharges from industrial manufacturers |
8 |
Leaching from septic tanks and sewage |
20 |
Drinking water disinfectant added for treatment |
-
By-product of drinking water disinfection -
Various natural and
man-made sources - Runoff from natural deposits
are set by the USEPA.
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.
Hazard Assessment.
Regulatory Action Level (AL). The concentration of
a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow.
Total Organic Carbon (TOC). TOC is precursor for disinfection byproduct formation.
Turbidity. Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of the water, and is also used to indicate the effectiveness of the filtration system. High turbidity can hinder the effectiveness of disinfectants.
Magnesium Molybdenum pH Potassium Silica Sodium Strontium Temperature
ppm
ppb
–
ppm ppm ppm ppb °C
NA NA
NA
NA NA NA NA NA
12
2.1
7.9
2.9
11.5
52.5
ND ND
10 - 14
- - 2.1
7.6 – 8.1
-
- 3.2 8 - 15
43-59
ND ND
4.0 ND 9.3 0.8 4.8 14 110 ND
0.2 - 6.8 |
ND |
8.6 - 9.8 |
0.3 - 1.3 |
2.8 - 7 |
2.4 – 22 |
14 - 242 |
ND |
Abbreviations
°C |
Degrees Celsius |
CU |
Color unit |
cysts/L |
Cysts per liter |
DDW |
Division of Drinking Water |
NA |
Not applicable |
ND |
Not detected |
NS |
No standard |
NTU |
Nephelometric turbidity unit |
NL |
Notification Level |
ppt |
parts per trillion (nanograms per liter) |
ppb |
parts per billion (micrograms per liter) |
% pos |
% positive |
RAA |
Running annual average |
VW |
Valley Water |
SFPUC |
San Francisco Public Utilities |
|
Commission |
TOC |
Total organic carbon |
TON |
Threshold odor number |
USEPA |
United States Environmental Protection |
|
Agency |
μS/cm |
microSiemens per centimeter |
ppm |
parts per million (milligrams per liter) |
Notification Level (NL). Health based advisory levels established by SWRCB for chemicals in drinking water that lack MCLs.
Primary Drinking Water Standard (PDWS). MCLs
and MRDLs for contaminants that affect health along
UCMR. Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule requires monitoring for contaminants not currently regulated. This monitoring provides a basis for future regulatory actions to protect public health.
Total Alkalinity (as Calcium Carbonate) Vanadium
ppm
ppb
NA
50 (NL)
76
ND
70 - 103
ND - 4
55
ND
6.7 - 138 |
ND |
NOTES
- For unfiltered water, the MCL is 5.0 NTU. For filtered water, the MCL is ≤0.3 NTU 95% of the time.
- Water system was fed by Santa Teresa and Penitencia Water Treatment Plants.
- Maximum value measured.
- Percent of time turbidity was maintained at or below 0.3 NTU.
Contaminants
City of Milpitas
EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the California State Water Resources Control Board, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
Utility details
- Serves: 70092
- Data available: 2012-2017
- Data Source: Purchased surface water
- Total: 17
Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines
- Bromodichloromethane
- Bromoform
- Chloroform
- Chromium (hexavalent)
- Dibromochloromethane
- Dichloroacetic acid
- Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
- Trichloroacetic acid
Other Detected Contaminants
- Bromochloroacetic acid
- Chlorate
- Chromium (total)
- Dibromoacetic acid
- Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
- Molybdenum
- Monochloroacetic acid
- Strontium
- Vanadium
Reminder
Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.