City of San Jose - NSJ/Alviso

Throughout 2017, the Edenvale service area primarily received treated surface water from the SCVWD. During standard operations, deep-water wells supply 100% of this area's water. A temporary water source change was necessary to complete a reservoir rehabilitation project finished in late 2017.

Municipal Water conducted a one-time water assessment on the Edenvale wells in January 2003. While the source is potentially vulnerable to chemical and petroleum processing activities, no associated contaminants have been detected.

The Coyote Area Service relies entirely on groundwater from deep-water wells. An assessment conducted in June 2004 found the supply potentially vulnerable to agricultural drainage, illegal dumping, storage tank leaks, and sewer systems, yet no related contaminants have been detected. For information about contaminant testing or to request assessment reports for your service area, please contact a Water Quality Engineer at 408-277-3671.

Water Quality monitoring includes testing for coliforms, bacteria present in the environment that indicate potentially harmful bacteria. Compliance standards vary by system size. In larger systems (including Evergreen, Edenvale, and Coyote Valley), 95% of monthly samples must be coliform-free. In smaller systems (including North San José and Alviso), only one sample per month may test positive.

Surface water disinfection is essential for public health protection. In Evergreen, North San José, and Alviso, chloramine is used. While it may cause a slight taste or odor, chloramine is safe but must be removed for kidney dialysis machines and aquariums. Dialysis patients should consult their doctor, and pet owners should contact local fish stores for treatment options.

Fluoride is added to treated water in Evergreen, North San José, and Alviso to prevent dental cavities. In Evergreen, Municipal Water began fluoridation following a community vote in the 1960s. As of 2016, SCVWD manages fluoridation at their treatment plants. The SFPUC System-Wide Fluoridation Project affecting North San José and Alviso became operational in November 2005. Fluoride levels are maintained within state regulations, though some areas occasionally received water with fluoride levels slightly below recommended ranges. Edenvale and Coyote Valley service areas do not currently receive additional fluoride. Consult healthcare providers about supplemental fluoride treatments.

Water hardness primarily consists of calcium and magnesium salts. Though not a health risk, reducing hardness through water softeners offers benefits like decreased soap usage, extended water heater life, and reduced pipe incrustation. Drawbacks may include increased sodium consumption, maintenance requirements, and potential impacts on vegetation.

Turbidity measures water cloudiness and indicates treatment effectiveness. Unfiltered supplies (e.g., Hetch Hetchy) must meet a 5 NTU standard, while filtered supplies (e.g., SCVWD treated water) must maintain less than 0.5 NTU 95% of the time and never exceed 1 NTU.

Regular testing for Cryptosporidium and Giardia Lamblia found very low levels in 2017 source water. Current EPA-approved testing methods don't distinguish between dead organisms and those capable of causing illness. Ingestion of these parasites may cause nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and headaches. Cryptosporidium requires ingestion to cause disease and can spread through means beyond water.

Water Emergency Contacts and Services

1. Who to contact during a water emergency?
   During Town Hall hours (Monday-Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm, Friday 8:00am-1:00pm): Call the Water Department at (978) 664-6060.
   Outside regular hours: Contact the North Reading Fire Department at (978) 664-3112.
2. Who to contact when buying or selling a home?
   Call the Water Billing office at (978) 664-6009 to schedule a final meter reading and transfer account ownership.
3. How to check for household water leaks?
   Your water meter features a digital readout similar to a car odometer. To activate the display, hold a flashlight above the solar panel for 5-10 seconds. Once active, it will show total usage and, after another 5-10 seconds, will display current usage in Gallons per Hour (GPH), revealing any ongoing water flow.

Common Leak Issues

Toilets are the most frequent source of high water bills. Two tests should be performed on each toilet:

1. Check the tank water level - it should be approximately 0.75 inches below the overflow pipe. Misadjusted floats can allow silent, continuous leakage.
2. Test for flapper valve leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, the flapper valve needs replacement.

Underground leaks, especially in irrigation systems, can waste substantial amounts of water undetected. Even slow leaks run continuously, significantly increasing water bills.

Billing Questions

For water bill inquiries, contact the Water Billing office at (978) 664-6009. Remember that bills reflect actual meter readings, and high usage typically results from outdoor irrigation or household leaks.

Water Service Line Responsibility

Property owners are responsible for maintaining and repairing the water service line from the property line shutoff valve to the building. The Water Department manages the water mains in the street and the portion of service lines from the main to the property line shutoff valve.

Water Appearance Concerns

Cloudy or "milky" water contains harmless air bubbles that will rise and dissipate if left standing for a few minutes. Air can enter pipes during water main repairs. Though the Water Department flushes systems after repairs, some air pockets may persist. Discoloration can also occur temporarily from these operations.