Fillmore Water Department

Municipal water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water moves across land or through underground layers, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activities.

To ensure tap water safety, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California State Water Resources Control Board establish regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. Similarly, FDA regulations set limits for bottled water to provide comparable public health protection. All water, including bottled varieties, naturally contains at least small amounts of some contaminants, though their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

Common contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial Contaminants: Viruses and bacteria from sewage facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic Contaminants: Salts and metals occurring naturally or resulting from urban runoff, industrial discharge, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides/Herbicides: From agricultural sources, urban runoff, and residential usage
• Organic Chemical Contaminants: Synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, stormwater runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive Contaminants: Naturally occurring or resulting from oil/gas production and mining

For additional information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why does my water appear milky or cloudy?

   This typically results from air bubbles in the water, which are harmless. If you let the water stand, the air will dissipate and the water will clear. If cloudiness persists, please contact us for investigation.

2. What causes spots on dishes?

   Spots typically result from mineral deposits (hard water) left behind after water evaporates. Using a dishwasher rinse agent can help remove these spots.

3. Should I purchase a water softener?

   Water hardness varies by source. While hard water isn't harmful to health, some prefer softened water for aesthetic reasons. Note that water softeners generally increase sodium content, which may be relevant for those on sodium-restricted diets.

4. Are home filtration units necessary?

   According to the EPA, home treatment devices are rarely required for health reasons. They're most commonly used to improve taste or other aesthetic qualities. If you install a home treatment system, proper maintenance is crucial as improperly maintained units can actually create water quality issues.

5. Why does my coffee appear oily?

   Clean your coffee maker with vinegar and water according to manufacturer instructions to resolve this issue.

6. What causes hot water odor?

   The most common source is the water heater itself. If cold water smells fine, check your water heater's temperature settings and maintenance schedule. Contact us if odors persist or appear in both hot and cold water.

7. What causes water discoloration?

   Discoloration typically results from naturally occurring organic matter, minerals, or mineral buildup in pipes. We regularly flush our system to remove sediment. If you experience discolored water, run taps briefly until clear. While such materials rarely pose health risks, please report persistent discoloration.

8. Is bottled water better than tap water?

   Both tap and bottled water providers must meet the same quality standards, though tap water providers conduct more frequent testing and reporting. Some consumers prefer bottled water's taste or choose it for specific health needs. However, tap water is significantly more economical, costing about 1,000 times less.

9. Why must water be disinfected?

   Disinfection prevents disease-causing germs. Before widespread disinfection, waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery were common. Modern disinfection has dramatically improved water safety.

10. Why does my water have a chlorine taste/smell?

    We disinfect water to eliminate harmful bacteria. To reduce chlorine taste or odor, try refrigerating your water before drinking.