Rosamond CSD

Understanding Hexavalent Chromium in Your Water

Hexavalent chromium (chrome 6 or Cr6) enters municipal water through various sources including coloring pigments, wood preservatives, chrome plating waste, industrial primers, inks, and leaching from hazardous waste sites. The most common forms of chromium in natural water environments are Trivalent chromium (chromium 3) and Hexavalent chromium (chromium 6).

Chromium 3 is an essential dietary element occurring naturally in vegetables, fruits, meats, grains, and yeast. Chromium 6 forms naturally in the environment from erosion of chromium deposits and may also result from industrial processes.

Arsenic in Your Municipal Water

The EPA has reviewed drinking water standards for arsenic due to concerns about health impacts. In January 2001, the EPA established a new arsenic Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 10 ppb, which all water systems had to meet by January 2006.

Though Rosamond's water meets current arsenic standards, it does contain low levels of this contaminant. The State Water Resource Control Board continues researching health effects of low-level arsenic exposure, which is known to cause cancer at high concentrations and is linked to skin damage and circulatory problems.

How to Interpret Your Water Quality Report

Our water undergoes regular testing for numerous contaminants. Testing results from recent years are provided in official reports. Key terms to understand:

• Public Health Goal (PHG): The level of a contaminant below which there are no known health risks.
• Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): The level below which there's no known health risk.
• Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): The highest allowable level of a contaminant in municipal water.
• Range and Average: Show the detection levels found in our water during testing periods.
• Regulatory Action Level (AL): The concentration that triggers treatment requirements.
• Treatment Technique (TT): Required process to reduce contaminant levels.

Potential Contaminants in Water Sources

Contaminants potentially present in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals (naturally occurring or from urban runoff, industrial discharge, oil/gas production)
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential use
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants occurring naturally or resulting from oil/gas production and mining

To ensure tap water safety, the EPA and State Water Resource Control Board regulate contaminant levels in public water systems. Rosamond Community Services District welcomes questions and comments. Board meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays monthly at 7:00 p.m. at district offices (3179 35th Street, Rosamond, CA 93560). Contact us at 661-256-3411 or visit www.rosamondcsd.com.

1. What are the main water quality concerns in Rosamond?

Primary concerns include presence of Diisobutyl phthalate, 1,2,3-Trichloropropane, PCBs, and elevated water hardness levels.

2. How often is Rosamond's water tested?

Water is tested regularly according to EPA and State Water Resource Control Board requirements, with results published in annual reports.

3. What is the source of Rosamond's municipal water?

Rosamond CSD utilizes purchased surface water as its primary source.

4. How can residents get information about water quality?

Residents can obtain water quality reports through the district office, website, or by requesting the free water score report offered on this page.

5. What steps does Rosamond CSD take to ensure water safety?

The district follows all EPA and State regulations for testing and treatment, maintaining compliance with federal and state standards for safe drinking water.