City of Newman Water Department

The City of Newman's water supply comes from four deep underground water wells. These wells are carefully maintained by certified professionals who ensure water quality and safety. The water undergoes disinfection with Sodium Hypochlorite at approximately 0.4 mg/l chlorine residual levels. Currently, these wells serve as the sole water source for the community.

To maintain consistent water safety, samples are collected weekly from various distribution points and directly from wellheads before chlorination. Testing is conducted both in-house by certified operators and by Geo Synthetic Laboratories, a state-certified water quality testing facility. These rigorous tests confirm that Newman's water meets or exceeds quality standards established by state and federal regulatory agencies.

Water sources (including both tap and bottled water) come from rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land surfaces or through ground layers, it dissolves natural minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials. It may also pick up substances from animal presence or human activities.

Potential contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) from natural sources, urban runoff, industrial discharge, oil/gas production, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organics from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that occur naturally or result from oil/gas production and mining activities

To ensure tap water safety, the EPA and State Water Resources Control Board set regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. Similarly, State Board regulations establish limits for bottled water contaminants. All drinking water, including bottled varieties, may reasonably contain at least small amounts of some contaminants, which doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

A source water assessment for Newman Water Department completed in February 2001 identified the water sources as most vulnerable to dry cleaners, gas stations, recreational areas, and storm drain discharge. Assessment copies are available at Newman City Hall (938 Fresno St., Newman, CA 95360) or at the State Water Resources Control Board office in Stockton.

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