City of Lincoln

Last year, like previous years, the municipal water provided by the City of Lincoln met all U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) health standards. The city operates a comprehensive water management program, utilizing both raw and treated surface water from the Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) and five city-owned wells.

PCWA provides up to 18 million gallons daily (MGD) of treated surface water sourced from Sierra Nevada snowpack. The city wells produce approximately 9 MGD of water requiring only disinfection treatment, which helps manage the system effectively during potential PCWA outages or drought conditions. Lincoln maintains 8 million gallons in gravity storage facilities.

Water Quality Specifics:

• Fluoride: Naturally present at low levels in well water (about 0.2 parts per million). Neither the City nor PCWA add fluoride to municipal water.
• Water Hardness: PCWA treated surface water averages 0.37 grains per gallon (very soft), while City well water averages 3.8 grains per gallon (moderately hard). Your home's water hardness depends on proximity to wells and blending ratios with PCWA water.
• Entrained Air: If your tap water appears slightly "milky," you're likely experiencing harmless entrained air. This occurs when dissolved air in groundwater creates tiny bubbles, similar to carbonation in soda. The water should clear from bottom to top when left in a glass.

Our water quality consistently exceeds all standards. However, the City cannot control private plumbing systems. Substandard, outdated, improperly installed or maintained plumbing and water treatment devices may affect water quality at individual taps.

Important Lead Information:

• Elevated lead levels can cause serious health issues, especially for pregnant women and young children
• Lead exposure typically comes from service lines and residential plumbing materials
• Reduce potential exposure by flushing taps for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for consumption
• Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, and especially baby formula preparation
• Consider testing your water if concerned about lead levels
• Eighteen schools will be tested for lead before July 1, 2019, as required by Assembly Bill 746

The City conducts extensive testing for various contaminant types including microbial contaminants from wildlife and sewage systems, inorganic contaminants from natural deposits, and regulated substances to ensure your water remains safe for consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions about Municipal Services

1. What if I need to drop the price?
2. What kinds of criminal complaints are not handled by our office?

Code Enforcement

1. Where can information about the Property Maintenance Code be found?

Guide to Protection Orders

1. What are Protection Orders?
2. Are all Protection Orders the same?
3. Who can get a Criminal Protection Order?
4. How do I get a Criminal Protection Order?
5. Who is considered family and household members?
6. How long does the order last?
7. Can I get a Criminal Protection Order at any time?
8. Why do I have to come to the Arraignment?
9. What will happen in Arraignment?
10. What should I do if there is a violation of the Protection Order?

Lima Fire Department

1. Can I burn trash at my residence?
2. Why does a fire truck respond when we call for an ambulance?
3. Why do you send a fire truck with three or four firefighters to check hydrants?
4. How do I apply to become a Lima Firefighter?
5. How do I request a tour of the Fire Station?
6. Do you fill swimming pools?

Public Works

1. Who handles issues with traffic signals?
2. Who is responsible for managing standing water in roadways or public right-of-ways?
3. Who handles potholes, debris in roadways and hazardous conditions?
4. Who is responsible for street lights?
5. Who do we contact concerning road closures or street signs?
6. Do I need a permit for home improvement projects?
7. How do I schedule a building inspection?
8. Are permits required for sheds or fences?
9. Do I need permits for garage sales?
10. Who do I contact to reserve park facilities?

Utility Services

1. Who should I call for emergency water turn-off?
2. What part of my water line am I responsible for maintaining?
3. What can I do about slow drains?
4. What is the most common cause of sewer blockages?
5. Why are there utility markings in my yard?
6. Who should I notify before digging in my yard?
7. Who do I contact with questions about my water bill?