City of Galt

Where does the City of Galt source its water? The City operates eight active wells throughout Galt that draw from the Sacramento Valley groundwater basin. Our community is fortunate to have high-quality groundwater resources. The water undergoes treatment to remove iron and manganese, which improves taste and reduces odor. Select wells receive additional treatment to remove naturally occurring arsenic. Finally, low levels of chlorine are added as a disinfectant.

The City maintains a closed water system with all wells contributing to distribution throughout Galt. No residents receive water from just one well, ensuring a consistent blend. In 2017, these wells pumped 1,458 million gallons, representing a 2.4% increase from the previous year.

For specific property information, residents can contact Richard E. Bisnett, Utility Manager of the Public Works Utilities Division, at (209) 366-7260.

The City conducts comprehensive testing to ensure safe municipal water. Quality standards are established by the State Water Resources Control Board. The reported constituent amounts reflect a "flow weighted average" from all system wells and provide an accurate representation of overall water quality.

All tap water, including bottled varieties, may contain small amounts of some contaminants. This doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

People with compromised immune systems—including cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, individuals with HIV/AIDS, the elderly, and infants—may be particularly vulnerable to waterborne infections and should seek medical advice about their drinking water.

Our municipal water sources include groundwater from wells. As water travels through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activity. Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, livestock operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) occurring naturally or resulting from urban runoff, industrial discharge, or agricultural activities
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential use
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants occurring naturally or resulting from oil/gas production and mining

Although our water meets federal and state arsenic standards, it does contain low levels of this mineral. The EPA continues researching health effects of low arsenic levels, which at high concentrations can cause cancer and is associated with skin damage and circulatory problems.

If concerned about lead exposure, you can reduce risk by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking, particularly after water has been sitting for several hours. Information about lead in drinking water is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

1. Where can I pay my bill?
   There are several methods to pay your City utility bill. You can pay online through our portal, over the phone 24/7 with a debit or credit card by calling (816) 325-SERV with your bill handy, or in person at City Hall or any listed pay station on your bill. The Utilities Customer Service Center at 17221 E 23rd Street S accepts partial payments or delinquent bills. For after-hours payments, use the night deposit boxes at City Hall or the Utilities Customer Service Center.
2. My service has been disconnected, how do I restore it?
   First determine if this is due to non-payment or a system outage. Check if neighbors have also lost water or electric service. If others are affected, it could indicate a water main break or electrical outage. If only your property is affected, contact Utilities Customer Service at (816) 325-7930.
3. What is the source of our municipal water?
   Our water comes from wells located along the Missouri River banks, drawing from the Missouri River Alluvial Aquifer.
4. How hard is our water?
   Our water measures approximately 110-120 parts per million (ppm), or 6-7 grains per gallon (GPG), classifying it as moderately hard.
5. What is the fluoride level in our water?
   Our water naturally contains about 0.3 parts per million (ppm) of fluoride. We do not add additional fluoride. Consult your healthcare provider regarding potential fluoride supplements.
6. What is the sodium content of our water?
   The sodium content measures approximately 55 parts per million.
7. What is the pH level of our water?
   Our water typically maintains a pH range of 9.6-9.8.
8. How is our water disinfected?
   We use chloramine as our disinfectant, created by combining ammonia and chlorine. This provides long-lasting protection throughout the distribution system. Aquarium owners should note that both chlorine and ammonia need to be removed from water used in fish tanks.
9. Do I need a home water filtration system?
   This is a personal preference. City of Galt water is safe to drink and meets or exceeds all federal and state standards. Some residents prefer water without chlorine or with reduced hardness. If purchasing a system, proper maintenance is essential. Note that softened water can be corrosive and may leach materials like lead and copper from pipes.
10. Is the City leaving door hangers requesting water samples?
    The City does not distribute door hangers with sample bottles. Our official communication is through telephone or formal letters on City letterhead. Companies leaving such materials are typically selling water treatment systems.
11. How can I learn what's in my water?
    Our Water Quality Chart and Consumer Confidence Report are available on our website, or you can request a paper copy by calling (816) 325-7700.
12. What is the City's water treatment capacity?
    We operate a 48 million gallons per day (MGD) water treatment plant. Our average usage is approximately 27 MGD, with our highest recorded usage being 42 MGD in 2002.
13. Who is responsible for service lines in public rights-of-way?
    Property owners own service lines within the right-of-way. The City repairs leaks in these areas, but owners must repair sections on their private property.
14. When will my yard be restored after a water main break?
    The Water Department's Maintenance Division handles site restoration. Contact (816) 325-7658 to speak with the foreman responsible for yard restoration, who can provide timeframes and repair details.
15. Where can I view maps of water mains in the City?
    Water main maps are maintained at the Engineering Division at 17221 E 23rd Street S. For information by phone, call (816) 325-7700.