Newhall CWD-Newhall

MICROBIOLOGICAL: Microbial contaminants, including viruses and bacteria, can naturally occur or result from urban stormwater runoff, sewage treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife. Water is routinely tested throughout distribution systems for Total Coliform (TC) bacteria weekly.

TC occurs naturally in the environment and serves as an indicator for potential pathogenic contamination. The MCL for TC is 5% of monthly tests showing positive results in larger systems and two positive samples monthly in smaller systems.

When TC is identified during routine testing, water undergoes additional testing for Escherichia coli (E. coli), which indicates potential fecal contamination. No E. coli was detected in any Santa Clarita Valley (SCV) water system last year, and all systems complied with the Total Coliform Rule.

Additional testing did not detect Cryptosporidium parvum or Giardia lamblia parasites in Castaic Lake water samples. This report reflects 2016 regulatory changes, including the federal Revised Total Coliform Rule effective April 1, 2016, which enhances public health protection by requiring vulnerable systems to identify and address problems.

METALS AND MINERALS: Metals and minerals testing occurs every three years for groundwater and monthly for Castaic Lake water. Naturally occurring arsenic appears in Castaic Lake and some groundwater wells due to rock erosion. While meeting federal and state arsenic standards, your water does contain low arsenic levels.

The arsenic standard balances health effects knowledge against removal costs. The EPA continues researching low-level arsenic effects, known to cause cancer at high concentrations and linked to skin damage and circulatory issues.

Various natural salts appear in surface and groundwater, including chloride, fluoride, nitrate, nitrite, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium – collectively called Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). Calcium and magnesium create water hardness, causing scaling from mineral precipitation.

Fluoride is not added to your water; any detection comes naturally from groundwater. Nitrate levels exceeding 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) pose health risks to infants under six months, potentially affecting blood's oxygen-carrying capacity, causing shortness of breath and bluish skin. This risk extends to pregnant women and individuals with certain enzyme deficiencies. Nitrate was not detected above MCL levels in any samples.

LEAD AND COPPER: Every three years, retailers must sample specific customer taps for lead and copper under the Lead and Copper Rule. Source waters are also tested. Elevated lead levels can seriously affect pregnant women and children. No lead was detected in any Santa Clarita Valley source waters.

Lead primarily comes from materials in service lines and home plumbing. Your retailer provides quality water but cannot control materials in customer plumbing. To minimize lead exposure after water sits for hours, flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. For concerns about lead, consider private lab testing. Information on lead testing and exposure reduction is available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at www.epa.gov/lead.

1. Will I need a water softener? Water provided by IRUA is softened to between six to eight grains of hardness. Most customers don't require additional water softeners after IRUA water is installed. Note: Water softened below six grains per gallon becomes unstable and corrosive to copper or iron home pipes, which is why water systems maintain this softening level.
2. What is the average monthly water cost for a family of four? Individual usage varies, but the national average is approximately 1,500-1,800 gallons per person monthly. This consumption reflects typical household cooking, cleaning, and bathing usage. A family of four can receive rural water service for roughly $2.00 per day.
3. What is the monthly minimum rate? Why must I pay a monthly minimum? The monthly minimum charge applies even with zero usage. This fee applies to every "in service" water meter and helps cover operational and maintenance expenses associated with service availability. Our lenders require a monthly minimum to ensure debt service payments and equitable sharing of fixed system costs among all members.
4. If I'm away for winter, or if my home is vacant, must I still pay IRUA? Yes, the minimum payment is required monthly, even during periods of non-usage.
5. How frequently do rates increase? IRUA has maintained stable water rates historically. Increases occur only when necessary to cover operating costs and with financial lender approval.
6. Are rates determined by the Association? Due to fixed USDA/Rural Development loan costs, IRUA has maintained very stable water rates. The Board of Directors approves increases only when necessary for operating costs and with approval from our financial lenders, USDA-Rural Development, and CoBank.
7. Who reads the meter? In most areas, IRUA staff read meters around the 15th monthly, with statements mailed around the 25th. In some instances, member-customers read their own meters. Bills are due on the 1st of the following month, payable by the 10th, after which late fees apply.
8. For rental properties, who collects payment? Members are responsible for ensuring all IRUA charges are fully paid. Only property owners can be IRUA members. At a member's request, IRUA will accept tenant payments, but the member remains responsible for any unpaid tenant bills.
9. When does billing begin? After water/wastewater availability, member-customers receive notification of their initial billing date. Appropriate monthly payments are due thereafter, even without water/wastewater usage.