Great Oaks Water Company Inc.

Important Health Information

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to contaminants in tap water than the general population. People with compromised immune systems, including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, individuals with HIV/AIDS, elderly residents, and infants can face increased health risks from waterborne infections. These vulnerable groups should consult their healthcare providers about their municipal water consumption.

The EPA and CDC guidelines on minimizing infection risks from Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available through the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791 or http://water.epa.gov/drink/hotline.

Quality First

We're proud to present our annual water quality report covering all testing conducted between January 1 and December 31, 2017. Despite recent challenges, we've maintained our high standards to deliver the highest quality municipal water possible to your home.

As drought conditions continue, we must remain vigilant about properly handling hazardous materials. Protecting our underground water storage pathways is essential for maintaining water quality. Whatever challenges arise, we remain committed to providing safe, reliable municipal water to your community.

Source Water Assessment

Great Oaks Water conducted Source Water Assessments for all wells to identify potential contamination sources. These assessments, performed in compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act requirements, indicate our wells may be vulnerable to contaminants from several sources:

• Septic systems
• Sewer collection systems serving nearby residential housing
• Agricultural wells
• Gas stations and transportation infrastructure
• Computer-related manufacturing facilities
• Storm-drain discharge systems

All Great Oaks Water Company wells are constructed to minimize these potential contaminants' impact, with approval from the California Department of Public Health. Assessment copies are available for viewing at the California Department of Public Health Drinking Water Program Office or at Great Oaks Water Company's offices.

Nitrate Information

Nitrate levels above 10mg/L (as N) pose a health risk particularly for infants under six months, as they can interfere with oxygen transport in the blood, causing serious illness with symptoms including shortness of breath and bluish skin. High nitrate levels may also affect pregnant women and those with certain enzyme deficiencies. If caring for an infant or if pregnant, consult your physician about nitrate exposure. Great Oaks Water Company's testing did not detect nitrate at or above 10mg/L in any water sources.

Lead in Drinking Water

Lead in municipal water primarily comes from materials used in service lines and home plumbing. While we provide high-quality water, we cannot control the variety of materials used in household plumbing components. Great Oaks Water Company conducted lead testing at three schools within our service area with no lead detected.

Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. If your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize potential lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. Information about lead in drinking water is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

1. How is my water treated before it reaches my home?
   Great Oaks Water Company uses multiple treatment processes including filtration, disinfection, and quality control testing to ensure safe water delivery.
2. What causes water hardness in Santa Clara County?
   The groundwater in our region naturally contains minerals like calcium and magnesium that create hardness, potentially affecting appliance efficiency and requiring more soap for cleaning tasks.
3. How often is my water tested?
   Water quality testing occurs daily for some parameters, with comprehensive testing conducted throughout the year following EPA and state regulatory requirements.
4. What should I do if I'm concerned about my water quality?
   Contact Great Oaks Water Company directly with specific concerns. Additionally, consider requesting a comprehensive water quality report to better understand your household's water profile.