Table of Contents
Can You Drink Tap Water in Southwest?
Yes, Southwest's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Southwest 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, the city's water provider website, or Southwest's local Twitter account.
According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Southwest's water utility, Gswc - Southwest, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. The last violation for Southwest was resolved on Nov. 30, 2011. This assessment is based on the Gswc - Southwest 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 Southwest Tap Water
The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Southwest 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 Southwest's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.
Southwest Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years
Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named Gswc - Southwest for Southwest in California. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.
For the compliance period beginning Nov. 21, 2014, Southwest had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Source Water (GWR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Groundwater Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: E. COLI.
From Nov. 1, 2011 to Nov. 30, 2011, Southwest had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Monthly (TCR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Total Coliform Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Coliform (TCR).
Is there Lead in Southwest Water?
Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Southwest water system, Gswc - Southwest, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.0 mg/L of lead in Southwest water. This is 0% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Southwest contained more lead.
While Southwest water testing may have found 0.0 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 Southwest 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 - DFSP San Pedro - near Southwest 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 Southwest 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.
Southwest SDWA Violation History Table - Prior 10 Years
| Compliance Period | Status | Health-Based? | Category Code | Code | Rule Code | Contaminant Code | Rule Group Code | Rule Family Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11/21/2014 - | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring, Source Water (GWR) (34) | Ground Water Rule (140) | E. COLI (3014) | Microbials (100) | Groundwater Rule (140) |
| 11/01/2011 - 11/30/2011 | Resolved | Yes | Maximum Contaminant Level Violation (MCL) | Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Monthly (TCR) (22) | Total Coliform Rule (110) | Coliform (TCR) (3100) | Microbials (100) | Total Coliform Rules (110) |
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.
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| Health-Based? | Whether the violation is health based. |
| Category Code |
The category of violation that is reported.
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| 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.
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| Rule Group Code |
Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
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| Rule Family Code |
Code for rule family.
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For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.
Southwest Water - Frequently Asked Questions
| By Phone: | 310-263-4141 |
| By Email: | david.schultise@gswater.com |
| By Mail: | 14401 SOUTH CHADRON AVENUE HAWTHORNE, CA, 90250 |
Existing customers can login to their Gswc - Southwest account to pay their Southwest water bill by clicking here.
If you want to pay your Gswc - Southwest 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 Southwest 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 Southwest 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 Southwest means you will often need to put the water in your name with Gswc - Southwest. 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 Southwest means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with Gswc - Southwest. 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 Southwest, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).
Related FAQS
Southwest 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 Southwest's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.
2020
Southwest
Water System
Consumer Confidence Report on Water Quality for 2019
Providing Quality Drinking Water in California Since 1929
www.gswater.com/SouthwestCCR facebook.com/GoldenStateH2O @GoldenStateH2O
About the Company
Golden State Water Company (GSWC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of American States Water Company (NYSE:AWR). GSWC provides water service to more than 1 million people in over 80 communities throughout California and distributes electricity to approximately 24,000 customers in the City of Big Bear Lake and surrounding areas in San Bernardino County, California, through its Bear Valley Electric Service division. AWR also owns a contracted services subsidiary, American States Utility Services, Inc. (ASUS). ASUS provides operations, maintenance and construction management services for water and wastewater systems located on military bases throughout the country under 50- year privatization contracts with the U.S. government.
Robert Sprowls
President and
Chief Executive Officer
Golden State Water Company
Katherine Nutting
General Manager,
Southwest District
Golden State Water Company
Providing Quality Drinking Water in California Since 1929
Dear Golden State Water Customer,
Golden State Water Company (GSWC) is pleased to present our 2020 Annual Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report), providing customers with important information regarding local water quality and service during the 2019 calendar year.
Last year was a monumental year for California water policy, specifically related to water quality. Water providers throughout the state were required to complete lead testing at schools in their local service areas by July 2019 to meet compliance with legislation (AB 746) that California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law in 2017. Additionally, the state established new guidelines for testing and reporting for certain compounds that fall within a class of emerging contaminants known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. While consumer products and food are
a large source of exposure to PFAS, drinking water can be an additional source in communities where these chemicals have infiltrated water supplies from industrial facilities where these chemicals were produced or used to manufacture other products, or where certain firefighting foams were used for either training or fighting Class B (liquid) fires.
This new decade brings its own challenges too, as we all band together to limit the spread of Coronavirus
Water quality is a top priority for GSWC, and it has been for more than 90 years. Our team of scientists, engineers and water experts is dedicated to protecting our water systems and ensuring the water we deliver to local homes and businesses meets the stringent standards set by the state and federal governments and is safe to drink.
GSWC provides water service to approximately 1 million customers in more than 80 communities throughout California. We aggressively monitor and test for hundreds of contaminants in each of our 37 water systems and have consistently scored among the top water companies for compliance with water quality regulations.
GSWC is proud to report that the water delivered to your tap continues to meet all federal and state quality standards established to protect public health and safety. Within this document, you will find information regarding local water supply sources, testing, and the steps GSWC takes to ensure our water is in compliance with standards set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Drinking Water (DDW) and California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
To access the most
GSWC is constantly working toward 100 percent customer satisfaction and encourages all customers to visit www.gswater.com and follow us on Twitter and on Facebook at @GoldenStateH2O.
On behalf of everyone at GSWC, thank you for allowing us the opportunity to serve you and your community.
Sincerely,
Robert Sprowls |
Katherine Nutting |
Golden State Water is constantly working
toward 100 percent customer satisfaction and
encourages all customers to visit
www.gswater.com and follow us on Twitter and on Facebook at @GoldenStateH20
2
Water delivered to customers in the Southwest System
is a blend of groundwater pumped from the West Coast and Central Groundwater
Basins and imported water from the Colorado River Aqueduct and the State Water Project (imported and distributed by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California). The West Coast Groundwater Basin stretches southwesterly from the Newport- Inglewood Fault Zone. The Central Groundwater Basin is bounded on the north by the La Brea Uplift; on the east by the Elysian, Repetto, Merced and Puente hills; on the southeast by the Orange County
Groundwater Basin; and on the west by the
Source Water Assessment
Golden State Water Company conducted a source water assessment from
2003 through 2017 for each groundwater well serving the customers of its Southwest System.
The groundwater sources are considered most vulnerable to the following activities not associated with detected contaminants: active and historic gas stations, automobile body, shops, chemical/petroleum processing/storage, confirmed leaking underground storage tanks, dry cleaners, electric/electronic manufacturing, furniture repair/manufacturing,
A copy of the assessment may be viewed at:
State Water Board Los Angeles District Office
500 N. Central Ave., Suite 500, Glendale, CA 91203
or
Golden State Water Company, Southwest Office
1600 West Redondo Beach Blvd., Suite 101, Gardena, CA 90247
You may request a summary of the assessment be sent to you by contacting:
State Water Board Los Angeles District Office at 1.818.551.2004
For more details, contact David Schultise, Water Quality Engineer, at 1.800.999.4033.
In December 2002, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) completed a source water assessment of its Colorado River and State Water Project supplies. Colorado
River supplies are considered to be most vulnerable to the following: increasing urbanization in the watershed, recreation, urban/stormwater runoff, and wastewater.
State Water Project supplies are considered to be most vulnerable to the following: agriculture, recreation, urban/ stormwater runoff, wastewater and wildlife.
A copy of the assessment can be obtained by contacting MWD at 1.213.217.6000.
3
CONTENTS
Source Water Assessment |
3 |
Glossary of Terms |
4 |
Source Water Quality Table |
5 |
How to Read Your Table |
5 |
Laboratory Analyses |
6 |
Distribution Water Quality Table |
6 |
Risk to Tap and Bottled Water |
7 |
For Sensitive Immune Systems |
7 |
Cross Connection Control Program |
7 |
Flushing |
7 |
Contact Us |
8 |
Connect with Us |
8 |
Infrastructure Investments |
8 |
Conserving for California |
8 |
In every one of our water
systems, a team of
Glossary of Terms
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)
The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. Primary MCLs are set as close to the public health goals and maximum contaminant level goals as is economically and technologically feasible. Secondary MCLs are set to protect the odor, taste and appearance of drinking water.
California Notification Level (NL)
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG)
The level of contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. Maximum contaminant level goals are set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL)
The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that the 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.
Primary Drinking Water Standard (PDWS)
MCLs, MRDLs and treatment techniques (TTs) for contaminants that affect health, along with their monitoring and reporting requirements.
Public Health Goal (PHG)
The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. Public health goals are set by the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA).
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.
Delivering drinking water is serious business, and our team of scientists,
engineers and water experts is dedicated to protecting our water systems and ensuring the water we deliver to local homes and businesses meets stringent standards set by the state and federal governments and is safe to drink.
Contaminants are measured in |
Units |
Also known as |
This can be compared to… |
Parts per million (PPM) |
mg/L |
milligrams per liter |
1 second in 12 days |
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Parts per billion (PPB) |
µg/L |
micrograms per liter |
1 second in 32 years |
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Parts per trillion (PPT) |
ng/L |
nanograms per liter |
1 second in 32,000 years |
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Grains per gallon |
grains per |
a measurement for water hardness often used for |
1 grain/gal equals 17.1 mg/L of hardness |
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gallon |
sizing household water softeners |
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Nephelometric Turbidity Units |
NTU |
a measurement of the clarity of water |
Turbidity in excess of 5 NTU is noticeable to |
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the average person |
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Microsiemens per centimeter |
µS/cm |
a measurement of a solution’s ability to conduct |
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electricity |
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Picocuries per liter |
pCi/L |
a measurement of radioactivity in water |
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4
How to Read This Table
The EPA health advisory limit for the contaminant in drinking water.
The highest level for which the contaminant has no known or expected health risks.
The consumer confidence report lets you know which constituents, if any, are in your drinking water and how this may affect your health. The constituents presented in this table were detected above the detection limit set by the State Water Quality Control Board. Below is a guide that explains each column of the table.
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The range of presence for |
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The average amount of |
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The most recent |
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Describes the most likely ways a |
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which the contaminant was |
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a constituent detected |
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year tests were |
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constituent enters the drinking water. |
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detected in drinking water. |
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in the drinking water. |
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conducted. |
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Wording provided by the EPA. |
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Primary Standards - |
Primary |
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PHG |
Range of |
Average |
Most Recent |
Typical Source of Constituent |
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Health Based (units) |
MCL |
(MCLG) |
Detection |
Level |
Sampling Date |
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Substance A (mg/L) |
1 |
0.6 |
ND - 40 |
20 |
2018 |
Erosion of natural deposits; residue from some surface |
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water treatment processes |
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Substance B (µg/L) |
6 |
1 |
0.1 - 2.8 |
1.7 |
2018 |
Discharge from petroleum refineries; fire retardants; |
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ceramics; electronics; solder |
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YOUR WATER MEETS ALL CURRENT FEDERAL AND STATE REQUIREMENTS
Southwest Water System – Source Water Quality
Primary Standards - |
Primary |
PHG |
Range of |
Average |
Most Recent |
Typical Source of Constituent |
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Health Based (units) |
MCL |
(MCLG) |
Detection |
Level |
Sampling Date |
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Turbidity |
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Highest single measurement of the |
TT = 1.0 |
n/a |
n/a |
0.06 |
2019 |
Soil runoff |
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treated surface water (NTU) |
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Lowest percent of all monthly readings |
TT = 95 |
n/a |
n/a |
100% |
2019 |
Soil runoff |
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less than 0.3 NTU (%) |
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Inorganic Constituents |
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Aluminum (mg/L) |
1 |
0.6 |
ND - 0.29 |
ND |
2019 |
Erosion of natural deposits; residue from some surface water treatment processes |
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Arsenic (µg/L) |
10 |
0.004 |
ND - 3.0 |
ND |
2019 |
Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards; glass and electronics production |
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wastes |
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Barium (mg/L) |
1 |
2 |
ND - 0.12 |
ND |
2019 |
Discharges of oil drilling wastes and from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits |
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Fluoride (mg/L) |
2.0 |
1 |
0.3 - 2.0 |
0.7 |
2019 |
Erosion of natural deposits; water additive that promotes strong teeth; discharge |
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from fertilizer and aluminum factories |
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Nitrate [as N] (mg/L) |
10 |
1 |
ND - 0.5 |
ND |
2019 |
Runoff and leaching from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks and sewage; |
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erosion of natural deposits |
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Volatile Organic Compounds |
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Toluene (µg/L) |
150 |
150 |
ND - 0.6 |
ND |
2019 |
Discharge from petroleum and chemical refineries |
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Radioactive Constituents |
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Gross Alpha Activity (pCi/L) |
15(a) |
(0) |
ND - 9.9 |
ND |
2019 |
Erosion of natural deposits |
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Uranium (pCi/L) |
20 |
0.43 |
ND - 1.5 |
ND |
2019 |
Erosion of natural deposits |
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Secondary Standards - |
Secondary |
PHG |
Range of |
Average |
Most Recent |
Typical Source of Constituent |
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Aesthetic (units) |
MCL |
(MCLG) |
Detection |
Level |
Sampling Date |
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Aluminum (µg/L) |
200 |
n/a |
ND - 290 |
28 |
2019 |
Erosion of natural deposits; residue from some surface water treatment processes |
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Color (units) |
15 |
n/a |
ND - 10 |
2 |
2019 |
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Chloride (mg/L) |
500 |
n/a |
22 - 120 |
50 |
2019 |
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; seawater influence |
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Iron (µg/L) |
300 |
n/a |
ND - 240 |
ND |
2019 |
Leaching from natural deposits; industrial wastes |
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Manganese (µg/L) |
50 |
n/a |
ND - 29 |
ND |
2019 |
Leaching from natural deposits |
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Odor — Threshold (units) |
3 |
n/a |
ND - 2 |
1 |
2019 |
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Specific Conductance (µS/cm) |
1600 |
n/a |
435 - 930 |
580 |
2019 |
Substances that form ions when in water; seawater influence |
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Sulfate (mg/L) |
500 |
n/a |
31 - 120 |
63 |
2019 |
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; industrial wastes |
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Turbidity (units) |
5 |
n/a |
ND - 1.2 |
0.2 |
2019 |
Soil runoff |
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Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L) |
1000 |
n/a |
244 - 560 |
350 |
2019 |
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits |
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Other Parameters (units) |
Notification |
PHG |
Range of |
Average |
Most Recent |
Typical Source of Constituent |
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Level |
(MCLG) |
Detection |
Level |
Sampling Date |
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Alkalinity (mg/L) |
n/a |
n/a |
67 - 210 |
150 |
2019 |
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Calcium (mg/L) |
n/a |
n/a |
23 - 79 |
51 |
2019 |
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Hardness [as CaCO3] (mg/L) |
n/a |
n/a |
101 - 300 |
190 |
2019 |
The sum of polyvalent cations present in the water, generally magnesium and |
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calcium; the cations are usually naturally occurring |
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Hardness [as CaCO3] (grains/gal) |
n/a |
n/a |
5.9 - 18 |
11 |
2019 |
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Magnesium (mg/L) |
n/a |
n/a |
11 - 26 |
15 |
2019 |
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pH (pH units) |
n/a |
n/a |
7.0 - 8.8 |
8.0 |
2019 |
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Potassium (mg/L) |
n/a |
n/a |
2.2 - 6.3 |
3.8 |
2019 |
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Sodium (mg/L) |
n/a |
n/a |
41 - 85 |
53 |
2019 |
Refers to the salt present in the water and is generally naturally occurring |
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Unregulated Drinking Water |
Notification |
PHG |
Range of |
Average |
Most Recent |
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Constituents (units) |
Level |
(MCLG) |
Detection |
Level |
Sampling Date |
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HAA6Br [Total of 6 Brominated |
n/a |
n/a |
0.3 - 20 |
8.0 |
2019 |
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Haloacetic Acids] (µg/L) |
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HAA9 [Total of 9 Haloacetic Acids] (µg/L) |
n/a |
n/a |
0.71 - 38 |
15 |
2019 |
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(a) MCL is based on Gross Alpha minus Uranium. ND = Not Detected CaCO3 = Calcium Carbonate
This table includes data only on constituents that were detected.
5
Laboratory Analyses
Through the years, we have taken thousands of water samples to determine the presence of any radioactive, biological, inorganic, volatile organic, or synthetic organic contaminants in your drinking water. The table we provide shows only detected contaminants in the water.
Even though all the substances listed here are under the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), we feel it is important that you know exactly what was detected and how much of these substances were present in your water. Compliance (unless otherwise noted) is based on the average level of concentration below the MCL. The state allows us to monitor for some contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations do not change frequently. Some of our data, while representative, is more than a year old.
Aluminum — The secondary MCL for aluminum is set for aesthetic reasons and there is no health concern associated with the aluminum levels in this water system.
Chloramination — The water purchased by GSWC from Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) contains chloramine. Chloramine is added to the water for public health protection. Chloraminated water is safe for people and animals to drink, and for all other general uses. Three special user groups, including kidney dialysis patients, aquarium owners, and businesses or industries that use water in their treatment process, must remove chloramine from the water prior to use.
Hospitals or dialysis centers should be aware of chloramine in the water and should install proper chloramine removal equipment, such as dual carbon adsorption units. Aquarium owners can use readily available products to remove or neutralize chloramine. Businesses and industries that use water in any manufacturing process or for food or beverage preparation should contact their water treatment equipment supplier regarding specific equipment needs.
Fluoridation — GSWC began adding fluoride to its treated water supply in March 2013. Fluoride has been added to the water that GSWC purchases from Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) since November 2007. Customers should see no difference in the taste, color or odor of their water as a result of fluoridation. Fluoridation does not change the way you normally use water for fish, pets or cooking. Parents and guardians of children who receive fluoride supplements should consult the child’s doctor or
dentist. For information regarding fluoridation of your water, please visit the Division of Drinking Water’s fluoridation website at https:// www.waterboards.ca.gov/drinking_water/certlic/drinkingwater/ Fluoridation.html.
Lead — 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. Golden State Water Company is responsible
for providing high quality drinking 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 two 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. Information about lead in drinking water, testing methods and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1.800.426.4791 or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
School Lead Testing — Water quality and protecting public health are top priorities for Golden State Water Company, and we are proud to have partnered with schools throughout our service areas over the last few years to test the drinking water at their facilities for the presence of lead.
California state law (AB 746), established in 2018, requires that all public
To learn more about the school lead testing program, please visit www.gswater.com/schools.
Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring — Monitoring for unregulated contaminants helps the USEPA and the State Water Board to determine where certain contaminants occur and whether the contaminants need to be regulated.
Southwest Water System – Distribution Water Quality
Microbiological |
Primary |
PHG |
Value |
|
Most Recent |
Typical Source of Constituent |
|
|
Constituents (units) |
MCL |
(MCLG) |
|
Sampling Date |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Total Coliform Bacteria |
More than 5% of |
|
Highest percent of monthly |
|
|
|
|
|
monthly samples |
(0) |
2019 |
Naturally present in the environment |
|
|
|||
≥40 Samples/Month (Present / Absent) |
samples positive was 0.9 % |
|
|
|||||
are positive |
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Disinfection Byproducts |
Primary |
PHG |
Range of |
Average |
Most Recent |
Typical Source of Constituent |
|
|
and Disinfectant Residuals (units) |
MCL (MRDL) |
(MRDLG) |
Detection |
Level |
Sampling Date |
|
||
|
|
|
||||||
Bromate (µg/L) |
10 |
0.1 |
ND - 8.4 |
3.1 |
2019 |
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection |
|
|
Chloramines [as Cl2] (mg/L) |
(4.0) |
(4) |
ND - 4.0 |
2.0 |
2019 |
Drinking water disinfectant added for treatment |
|
|
HAA5 [Sum of 5 Haloacetic Acids] (µg/L) |
60 |
n/a |
ND - 24 |
9.9 |
2019 |
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection |
|
|
TTHMs [Total Trihalomethanes] (µg/L) |
80 |
n/a |
9.1 - 35 |
34 |
2019 |
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection |
|
|
Inorganic Constituents |
Action |
PHG |
Sample |
90th % |
Most Recent |
Typical Source of Constituent |
|
|
(units) |
Level |
(MCLG) |
Data |
Level |
Sampling Date |
|
||
|
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
None of the 69 |
|
|
|
|
|
Copper (mg/L) |
1.3 |
0.3 |
samples collected |
0.09 |
2019 |
Internal corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural |
||
exceeded the |
deposits; leaching from wood preservatives |
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
action level. |
|
|
|
|
|
Lead sampling in schools and |
Action |
PHG |
Sample Data |
90th % |
Most Recent |
Typical Source |
Number of Schools |
|
residential plumbing |
Level |
Level |
Sampling Date |
|
Tested (b) |
|||
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
None of the 69 |
|
|
Internal corrosion of household water |
|
|
|
|
|
samples collected |
|
|
|
|
|
Lead (µg/L) |
15 |
0.2 |
ND |
2019 |
plumbing systems; discharges from industrial |
|
45 |
|
exceeded the |
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
manufacturers; erosion of natural deposits. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
action level. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(b) The State of California made lead sampling in schools mandatory with a compliance window through 2019. ND = Not Detected
This table includes data only on constituents that were detected.
6
Risk to Tap and Bottled Water
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain 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 at 1.800.426.4791.
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 layers in the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, which can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animal or human activity.
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) and the State Water Resources Control Board (State Board) prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations and California law also establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that provide the same protection for public health.
Contaminants in Drinking Water Sources May Include:
66Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations and wildlife
66Inorganic 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, and farming
66Pesticides and herbicides that may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff and residential uses
66Organic 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 and septic systems
66Radioactive contaminants that can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities
For People with Sensitive
Immune Systems
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno- compromised people, such as those individuals with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, those who have undergone organ transplants, those with HIV/AIDS
or other immune system disorders, some elderly populations, and infants, can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice from their health care providers.
The USEPA and Centers for Disease Control issue guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants. To obtain a copy of these guidelines, please call the USEPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1.800.426.4791.
Cross Connection Control Program
Golden State Water Company’s Cross Connection Control Program provides a level of certainty that the water in the company’s distribution system is protected from possible backflow of contaminated water from commercial or industrial customers’ premises. For additional information, visit
Flushing
Hydrant flushing is an essential maintenance procedure that all water providers must perform periodically to ensure the water delivered to customers meets state and federal drinking water standards. In 2019, GSWC launched
Traditional hydrant flushing discharges hundreds of thousands of gallons of water onto the street. Golden State Water’s NO- DES truck offers a new maintenance technology, connecting two hydrants to a complex filtration system which cleans the water and returns it to the distribution system.
For more information about hydrant flushing, visit
7
If You Have Questions – Contact Us
For information about your water quality or to find out about upcoming opportunities to participate in public meetings, please contact our
Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua de beber. Tradúzcalo o hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.
この報告書には上水道に関する重要な情報が記されておりま す。翻訳を御依頼なされるか、内容をご理解なさっておられ る方にお尋ね下さい
Chi tiê´t này thâ. t quan tro. ng. Xin nhò’ nguò’i di.ch cho quý vi.. Mahalaga ang impormasyong ito. Mangyaring ipasalin ito.
Connect with us to learn more!
Visit www.gswater.com to:
66Access the latest Water Quality Report for your area
66Get the latest updates and news regarding the drought and state/local restrictions
66Learn more about
66Understand your water bill and learn about payment options
66Obtain information about programs for
66Sign up to receive email updates about your water service.
For additional information, please contact our
Infrastructure Investments
Water providers have a duty to maintain the local water infrastructure to ensure that the delivery of reliable, quality water is not compromised. At GSWC, we take that responsibility seriously.
In 2019, GSWC installed 76,560 feet of pipeline, 1,920 service lines and 153 fire hydrants throughout the state. Proactive system investments like these are critical to protect the quality of water we serve to the customers and to avoid the costly and sometimes dangerous effects of deferring maintenance.
Customers interested in learning more about current and completed infrastructure projects in their service areas are encouraged to visit www.gswater.com/infrastructure- investments.
A
Conserving for California
After a wet
GSWC is proud to be your conservation partner and reminds customers that we must continue to use water responsibly to ensure supplies will be available when they are needed. It is important that we all work together to incorporate
To learn more about conservation programs and/or
8
Contaminants
Golden State Water Company (GSWC) - Southwest
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: 271677
- Data available: 2012-2017
- Data Source: Purchased surface water
- Total: 22
Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines
- Arsenic
- Bromodichloromethane
- Bromoform
- Chloroform
- Dibromochloromethane
- Dichloroacetic acid
- Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
- Trichloroacetic acid
- Uranium
Other Detected Contaminants
- Barium
- Bromide
- Chlorate
- Chromium (hexavalent)
- Dibromoacetic acid
- Fluoride
- Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
- Manganese
- Molybdenum
- Monobromoacetic acid
- 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.