California American Water Company - Lincoln Oaks

The Lincoln Oaks water system is supplied by deep water wells that extract groundwater from aquifers in the Sacramento Area. These wells are strategically located within the boundaries of our Lincoln Oaks service region.

California American Water employs advanced water treatment technologies including granular activated carbon (GAC) at select sources to remove low-level organic chemical contaminants. Water is also chlorinated to ensure it meets bacteriological quality standards.

During 2017, California American Water supplemented the Lincoln Oaks system with surface water purchased from the City of Citrus Heights and Sacramento Suburban Water District. Surface water treatment processes include coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection. This water is distributed for both residential and commercial purposes.

A Source Water Assessment (SWA) for the Lincoln Oaks system was completed in February 2003. The sources are considered most vulnerable to: dry cleaners, sewer collection systems, known contaminant plumes, fertilizer use, and pesticide/herbicide application. Sources are also potentially vulnerable to automobile gas stations, body shops, underground storage tanks (leaking), photo processing facilities, and historic gas stations, though these aren't associated with any detected contaminants.

The assessment for surface water from SSWD was conducted in 2001 by San Juan Water District. This source is considered vulnerable to potential contamination from Folsom Lake State Recreation facilities, dense housing developments, and related activities including sewage systems, fertilizer use, and pesticide application.

Does my water contain Fluoride?
Yes, the water in DeWitt receives from OCWA is fluoridated to a concentration of about 0.7 mg/L. OCWA is required to fluoridate by the New York State Department of Health.

What is the pH of my water?
The water DeWitt receives from OCWA and the City of Syracuse has a pH range of 7.1 to 8.5, slightly alkaline. Alkalinity varies by source, ranging from 95 mg/L to 140 mg/L (CaCO3).

Is my water Hard or Soft?
The hardness of DeWitt's water ranges from 115 to 190 ppm, equivalent to approximately 6 to 11 grains per gallon. This is considered moderately hard. Hardness measures calcium carbonate in water and is not a health concern.

Will installing a water softener improve my home's water quality?
No, softening does not improve water's sanitary quality. Softeners primarily remove calcium carbonate, preventing spotting or scaling that occurs when water droplets evaporate on surfaces. Water softeners can increase water consumption as more soft water is needed to rinse soap. The decision is ultimately personal preference.

What can I do about dirty or rusty water?
Discolored water often results from flow changes in pipes, typically from sudden flow increases or direction changes. Leaks, hydrant use, or valve adjustments can disturb sediment. If the issue persists, contact the Town of Dewitt Water Department who will investigate, correct the problem, and flush the piping if necessary. After this, you may need to run your COLD water taps briefly to clear your home's pipes.

What about taste or odor problems?
Taste and odor issues are typically caused by algae, creating earthy, musty, grassy, or fishy smells. At Otisco Lake and Lake Ontario plants, water passes through granular activated carbon filters. Powdered activated carbon may be added to absorb unpleasant tastes and odors before filtration removes both carbon and algae. Algae blooms are common in warm, sunny months, and carbon treatment is continuously monitored. Customer complaints about taste and odor are taken very seriously, though algae-related tastes pose no health risks.

What about chlorine taste and smell?
Chlorine dissipates through the distribution system. To ensure adequate disinfection for customers far from treatment plants, those living closer receive higher chlorine levels. OCWA attempts to accommodate everyone, but those extremely sensitive to chlorine who live near treatment plants may notice it more. Chlorine can be removed by refrigerating water overnight or using activated carbon filters, which should be replaced regularly to prevent bacterial growth.

Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in Municipal Water
In 2008, the Associated Press published a story about pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in water supplies. While Onondaga County Water Authority wasn't featured, both OCWA and the Metropolitan Water Board began annual testing programs to monitor potential contaminants in Otisco Lake and Lake Ontario water sources.

Although zero contaminants is ideal, collecting occurrence data helps researchers target common contaminants. The 2008 testing checked for 34 potential contaminants, finding only two detectable items. Since 2009, the testing expanded to 94 potential contaminants, with positive results found in 8-17 contaminants annually. In 2017, ten potential contaminants were detected.

For detailed test results, visit the OCWA website (www.ocwa.org). Questions about results can be directed to OCWA's Northern Concourse Lab at 315-455-7061, extension 3141.

General Information about PPCPs
PPCPs include human and veterinary medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and consumer products like fragrances, lotions, sunscreens, and cleaning products. Modern technology can detect these compounds at extremely low levels, typically parts per trillion (ppt), while drinking water standards are usually set in parts per billion—1,000 times higher. Detection doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

Research worldwide hasn't demonstrated health effects from trace PPCPs in drinking water. Water professionals study PPCP occurrence, treatment effectiveness, and monitor health research, including Water Research Foundation studies. The EPA maintains a Contaminant Candidate List to identify substances requiring detailed study, with PPCP testing expected soon.

Safer medication disposal:
To protect water quality, dispose of unwanted medications in household trash rather than sinks or toilets. Keep prescriptions in original containers, remove personal information, then conceal them in a sealed container before placing in garbage. For detailed guidelines on responsible medication disposal, visit www.PainInTheDrain.com and check the Rx Disposal section.