El Toro Water District

Water Supply Sources: El Toro Water District utilizes treated surface water purchased from Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWDSC), along with treated surface water from Irvine Ranch Water District's Baker Water Treatment Plant (BWTP). BWTP draws from both MWDSC supplies and the Santiago Reservoir (Irvine Lake). MWDSC sources include Colorado River water and State Water Project deliveries from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.

Understanding Water Contaminants: Water sources (tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals, sometimes radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from human and animal activities. Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals occurring naturally or from urban runoff, wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, mining, and farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, stormwater runoff, and residential usage
• Organic chemical contaminants including synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and waste systems
• Radioactive contaminants occurring naturally or resulting from oil/gas production

Safety Regulations: The EPA and California Division of Drinking Water establish limits on contaminants in public water systems to ensure safety. FDA regulations set similar standards for bottled water. All drinking water, including bottled varieties, may reasonably contain small amounts of some contaminants without necessarily posing health risks.

Cryptosporidium Information: This microscopic organism can cause gastrointestinal symptoms when ingested. While IRWD and MWDSC tested for but did not detect Cryptosporidium in 2017, their treatment processes effectively remove it through sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection if ever present.

Fluoridation: Since November 2007, MWDSC has added fluoride to water supplies, aligning with recommendations from health authorities. Fluoride levels are maintained between 0.6-1.2 parts per million, with state regulations capping dosage at 2 parts per million to support oral health.

HOW CAN I REDUCE MY LEAD EXPOSURE?

If your water contains lead, if you have lead pipes or fixtures, or if you're uncertain about your plumbing materials, take these precautionary steps until all lead sources are eliminated:

1. Flush your pipes before consumption by running water until it's as cold as possible, then continue for 1-2 additional minutes
2. Use only cold water for drinking and cooking purposes
3. Consider installing a water filter that's certified for lead removal

Pregnant individuals, nursing mothers, and households with children under six should filter water used for drinking, cooking, and infant formula preparation until all lead sources are removed.

WHY IS MY WATER BROWNISH?

Rusty or brown-colored water typically indicates iron presence, which poses no health hazard. Many distribution pipes contain iron corrosion scales that can be disturbed during main breaks or construction, temporarily discoloring your water. This usually resolves after flushing your system. Don't consume discolored water, and avoid washing clothes as it may cause staining. Running cold water for 15 minutes should clear the discoloration. If it persists, contact your water authority.

WHY DOES TAP WATER SOMETIMES APPEAR CLOUDY?

Cloudy water typically results from oxygen bubbles in pipes that release when water exits your tap. These air bubbles pose no health risk. During colder months, water in outdoor pipes holds more oxygen than indoor pipes, creating cloudiness when cold water warms inside buildings. Construction can also introduce air into pipes. Test by filling a clear container and observing if it clears from bottom to top as bubbles rise. If cloudiness persists after several minutes, contact your water provider.

WHAT CAUSES BLACK PARTICLES IN WATER?

The most common source is deteriorating rubber components in plumbing fixtures, particularly when chloramine disinfectant is used. Carbon filters can also release small black particles. Additionally, iron and manganese in pipes may dislodge after major construction or water main breaks. Flushing your system usually resolves fixture-related or construction-caused particles. For filter-related particles, replace according to manufacturer guidelines.