City of American Canyon

Source Water Information
American Canyon sourced 2,472 acre-feet of water during 2017 (approximately 325,829 gallons per acre-foot). The city receives water from the State Water Project (SWP) via the North Bay Aqueduct (NBA), a surface water source from Barker Slough. Water sources generally include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activities.

Treatment Process
The American Canyon Water Treatment Plant consists of two facilities: a conventional plant using coagulants for particle clumping followed by sedimentation and filtration, and a membrane plant with fine-pored filtration capable of removing contaminants including microorganisms. Water is disinfected with chlorine and pH-adjusted before distribution. State-certified operators continuously monitor these processes for optimal performance.

Water Supply Information
Though American Canyon's NBA water allocation meets current demands, the SWP allocation is only 62% reliable in average years. Therefore, the City maintains contracts with Vallejo to purchase up to 56 million gallons monthly through the Flodden Road connection. American Canyon also maintains a treated water connection with Napa.

Fluoride Information
American Canyon does not add fluoride to its water. However, since Vallejo water (which does contain fluoride) may be added during high-demand summer months, trace fluoride amounts might occasionally be present.

Safety Compliance
To ensure tap water safety, the US EPA and State Water Resource Control Board Division of Water prescribe regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. Testing results confirm American Canyon water meets all primary water standards established by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and state regulations.

Vulnerability Assessment
An evaluation of the North Bay Aqueduct water source was updated in June 2012. The source is considered vulnerable to sheep and cattle grazing activities, which can contribute to turbidity, organic carbon, and coliform bacteria. However, multiple barriers exist for physical removal of contaminants, and water undergoes disinfection at the treatment plant.

Is my tap water safe?
Yes. American Canyon meets all EPA standards for safe municipal water. The utility conducts all required water quality sampling in compliance with EPA and California state regulations. Water provided to customers meets all relevant quality parameters.

Should I worry about news reports regarding potentially hazardous chemicals?
American Canyon water consistently meets all federal and state quality standards and treatment requirements. Detailed information about testing results and your water source can be found in our annual Consumer Confidence Report distributed to all customers.

Is chlorinated water safe to drink?
Yes. Testing confirms that chlorine levels used in water treatment are safe for consumption, though some individuals may notice the taste. Chlorine is an essential disinfectant that protects against harmful microorganisms.

Why does my water sometimes look cloudy before clearing up?
This cloudy appearance results from air dissolved in water, similar to bubbles in carbonated beverages. After sitting briefly, these air bubbles rise and dissipate. This typically occurs after line maintenance or when new lines begin service. While visually noticeable, this condition poses no health concerns.

What is "hard" water?
Water "hardness" results from non-toxic minerals—primarily calcium and magnesium. Hard water makes creating lather difficult for washing and cleaning. The average water hardness in American Canyon (expressed as CaCO₃) is 84 mg/L or 4.9 grains per gallon.

What are cross-connections and why are they problematic?
A cross-connection occurs between a drinking water pipe and a potential contaminant source. For example, when a garden hose connected to a chemical sprayer experiences water pressure drops, chemicals can be siphoned back into water pipes. American Canyon operates a cross-connection control program to protect the water supply from these hazards.