Bellflower - Somerset MWC

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes limitations on substances permitted in tap water. In California, the State Water Resources Control Board regulates water quality with standards that are at least as stringent as federal requirements, and often more restrictive.

Two types of standards govern our water quality:

• Primary standards protect public health by limiting potentially harmful substances
• Secondary standards address aesthetic qualities like taste, odor, and appearance

Regulations establish Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for each standard. Public Health Goals (PHGs) set by California EPA provide additional information to consumers, similar to federal Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs). Both PHGs and MCLGs represent advisory concentrations below which no known health risks exist.

Understanding your water quality report requires comparing detected substance levels against established MCLs. Substances exceeding MCLs don't necessarily pose immediate health threats but do trigger increased monitoring and potential treatment modifications.

Municipal water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activities.

Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic compounds like salts and metals from natural sources, urban runoff, industrial discharge, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemicals from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive elements occurring naturally or resulting from oil/gas production

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to our most commonly asked customer questions. If you don't see what you're looking for, please contact us directly.

Account Setup

1. What happens to the deposit on my account?
2. How do I activate water services?
3. What's the process for disconnecting service?
4. How can I update my mailing address?

Billing Questions

1. Am I required to pay monthly even with zero usage?
2. What is the inactive account fee?
3. Why did my water bill increase?
4. Why are your rates structured this way?

Business Services

1. How do I request water line location services?
2. What's the process for conducting a lien search?

Emergency Information

1. Why was a boil water notice issued?
2. Who should I contact during a water emergency?

Water Usage Concerns

1. What does a boil water notice mean for my household?
2. Can I turn off my water meter myself?
3. Why is my water usage unexpectedly high?
4. What causes water discoloration?
5. Can I receive credit for a detected leak?