City of Fountain Valley

The City's water supply is a carefully managed blend from six local wells and one imported water connection from Northern California and the Colorado River, provided through the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) via MWDSC. Our groundwater comes from a natural underground aquifer replenished by Santa Ana River water, local rainfall, recycled Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) water, and imported supplies.

The groundwater basin spans 350 square miles beneath north and central Orange County, from Irvine to the Los Angeles County border and from Yorba Linda to the Pacific Ocean. More than twenty cities and retail water districts draw from this basin to serve their communities.

For years, Orange County enjoyed abundant, high-quality water. However, as statewide demand increases, we must be more conscientious about our water supply and use this precious resource efficiently. OCWD and MWDOC collaborate on innovative water management programs including:

• Water reuse and recycling initiatives
• Wetlands development projects
• Recharge facility construction
• Ocean and brackish water desalination
• Surface storage improvements
• Water conservation programs

These efforts enhance long-term water reliability and quality countywide. A sustainable water future for Orange County requires both developing new water sources and protecting our existing supply. Local and regional water agencies are committed to making necessary investments in water management projects today to ensure abundant, high-quality water tomorrow.

Understanding Water Constituents
Drinking water (both tap and bottled) comes from various sources including rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and can pick up substances from animal and human activities.

Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants like viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic constituents such as salts and metals that occur naturally or result from urban runoff, industrial discharge, oil/gas production, or farming
• Radioactive components that may be naturally occurring or result from resource extraction activities
• Organic chemicals from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, storm runoff, and waste systems
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential usage

To ensure safe drinking water, the EPA and California Department of Drinking Water establish regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. FDA regulations set similar standards for bottled water to provide the same public health protection.

All water, including bottled water, may contain small amounts of some contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. Immuno-compromised individuals including cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or immune disorders, some elderly persons, and infants may be particularly vulnerable to certain contaminants. These individuals should consult their healthcare providers about drinking water.

1. Why does my water appear milky or cloudy?
   A milky or cloudy appearance typically results from air bubbles in the water, which pose no health risk. If you let the water sit, the air will dissipate and the water will clear. If cloudiness persists, please contact us for further investigation.
2. What causes spots on my dishes?
   Spots form when minerals from hard water remain after evaporation. These can be easily removed using a dishwasher rinse agent.
3. Should I purchase a water softener?
   Water hardness varies by source. The decision to buy a softener is personal since hard water isn't harmful to health. Note that water softeners typically increase sodium content, which may be important for those on low-sodium diets.
4. Should I purchase a home filtration unit?
   According to the EPA, home treatment devices are rarely necessary for health reasons. They're typically used to improve aesthetic qualities of water. If you install a home treatment unit, follow manufacturer's maintenance instructions, as improperly maintained units can create water quality issues.
5. What should I do if my coffee has an oily appearance?
   Clean your coffee maker with vinegar and water according to manufacturer recommendations.
6. What causes odor in hot water?
   Odors in hot water often originate in the water heater. If your cold water smells fine, check your water heater's temperature setting and maintenance schedule. Contact us if odors persist or appear in both hot and cold water.
7. What causes discolored water?
   Discoloration typically results from naturally occurring organic matter, minerals, or mineral buildup in pipes. We regularly flush our system to remove buildup and sediment. If you experience discolored water, run your taps until clear. While these substances rarely pose health risks, please report persistent discoloration for investigation.
8. Is bottled water better than tap water?
   Both tap water providers and bottled water companies must meet identical quality standards. Municipal suppliers conduct more frequent testing and reporting than bottled water companies. Some consumers prefer bottled water's taste or choose it for specific health needs, but tap water is much more economical, costing about 1/1000th the price.
9. Why do utility workers open fire hydrants?
   We conduct regular system flushing to remove mineral buildup and sediment from pipes and ensure proper water circulation. Hydrants may also be opened for fire-flow capacity testing.
10. Why must water be disinfected?
    Disinfection prevents waterborne illnesses. Before disinfection became standard practice, diseases like cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery were common. Water disinfection has dramatically improved public health and safety.
11. Why does my water have a chlorine taste or smell?
    We disinfect water to eliminate harmful microorganisms. To reduce chlorine taste or odor, try refrigerating your water before drinking.
12. Why is there sediment in my water?
    Sediment can occur naturally in groundwater or appear after water line repairs. We minimize this through regular flushing, which improves water quality by increasing flow and removing most sediment.
13. Why does my water's taste change seasonally?
    Water sources may vary throughout the year based on availability. Surface water from rivers and lakes typically tastes slightly different than groundwater from underground aquifers.