Ontario Municipal Utilities Company

To ensure safe municipal water, public water systems must follow strict Federal and State regulations. Ontario Municipal Utilities Company employs certified water quality professionals who collect thousands of water samples for analysis at state-certified laboratories. We're pleased to report zero water quality violations during 2017.

The public is welcome to participate in discussions about the City's water supply at Ontario City Council meetings, scheduled the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm at Ontario City Hall, 303 East "B" Street. Visit www.ontarioca.gov or call (909) 395-2000 for more information.

Para asegurar agua potable segura, los sistemas públicos deben cumplir con normas federales y estatales. Los profesionales certificados de Ontario Municipal Utilities Company recogen miles de muestras para análisis. Nos complace informar que no hubo violaciones de calidad durante 2017. El público puede participar en reuniones sobre el agua de la Ciudad el primer y tercer martes de cada mes a las 6:30 PM en 303 East "B" Street. Para más información, visite www.ontarioca.gov o llame al (909) 395-2000.

Regulatory Information

All municipal water, including bottled water, may reasonably contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the USEPA's Safe Municipal Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

Sources of tap water (both municipal and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or through ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activity.

CONTAMINANTS THAT MAY BE PRESENT IN SOURCE WATER INCLUDE:

• Microbial contaminants such as viruses and bacteria, potentially from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants including salts and metals, either naturally-occurring or from urban runoff, wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential usage
• Organic chemical contaminants including synthetic and volatile organic compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that can be naturally-occurring or result from oil/gas production and mining

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and State Water Resources Control Board establish regulations limiting contaminants in public water systems to ensure safety. State Board regulations also set limits for bottled water contaminants providing equivalent public health protection.

Nitrate levels above 10 mg/L pose a serious health risk to infants under six months, potentially interfering with the infant's blood's ability to carry oxygen and causing a serious condition with symptoms including shortness of breath.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What documentation do I need for purchasing a water connection sticker?
   You'll need proof of Johnston County residency, such as a valid driver's license.
2. Can I dispose of construction materials or yard waste at the convenience sites?
   No, these items must be taken to the Landfill at 680 County Home Road (off Hwy. 210) in Smithfield.
3. Is connecting to municipal water mandatory?
   No, participation is entirely voluntary. However, properties constructed after water mains are installed may be required to connect if located within 350 feet of the water main.
4. Must I abandon my existing well when connecting to municipal service?
   No, you may keep your well while connecting to municipal water. However, your indoor plumbing must be disconnected from the well system. Outdoor hydrants can remain well-connected—consult a licensed plumber and the Johnston County Inspections Department for requirements.
5. Why isn't municipal water available on my street?
   There hasn't been sufficient demonstrated interest. Property owners on your street can petition for water service, which requires a $600 tap fee.
6. Are there additional costs beyond the tap fee?
   Yes. You'll need to pay for piping connection from your plumbing to the street meter, plumbing inspection fees, and possibly an account deposit. When connecting, first visit the Utilities office to establish your billing account (requiring a $50 deposit or utility credit letter), then obtain a plumbing permit ($31) from the Johnston County Inspections Department.
7. How can I get water service extended to my area?
   Contact neighbors to gauge interest. Once you have sufficient support, your extension request will be considered alongside other projects on a first-come basis, subject to funding availability.
8. Must I live on a state-maintained road to get municipal water?
   No. Service can be provided on private roads if there's sufficient interest. All landowners along private roads must grant utility easements for pipeline construction, operation and maintenance.
9. Can I purchase a water tap for an undeveloped property?
   Yes, though it may not be economically sensible if you won't use water for 7+ years. Once water becomes available, you'll pay a monthly base charge regardless of connection status. If delaying connection, it may be more cost-effective to pay the standard rate ($1,370 currently) when you actually need service.
10. Will you extend water lines for a single residence on a long driveway?
    No. Water lines are installed along road rights-of-way only. Property owners are responsible for plumbing from the tap to their residence.
11. Can I switch from a private water system to county water?
    Generally no, unless you obtain a written waiver from your current provider.
12. What will my water bill cost?
    It depends on usage. If you've connected but aren't using water yet, you'll only pay the base monthly fee.