Santa Monica

The City of Santa Monica's Arcadia treatment facility has been operating for several years, consistently producing high-quality municipal water for residents. Approximately two decades ago, concerning levels of Methyl tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) and tert-Butyl Alcohol (TBA) - gasoline additives - were detected in several city wells.

In response, Santa Monica established a comprehensive aquifer remediation program that has successfully reduced MTBE and TBA concentrations to minimal acceptable levels. Our ongoing commitment to providing safe water has led to the implementation of advanced treatment processes to protect public health.

A key component of our treatment system is the Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filtration technology that effectively removes MTBE and TBA from groundwater in the Charnock Well Field. The GAC system undergoes weekly testing, consistently showing results below the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of five parts per billion (ppb) or non-detectable levels.

To put these measurements in perspective: one part per billion equals approximately 1 second in 31.7 years, one teaspoon in 1.3 million gallons, or 1 drop in 13,563 gallons. Some measurements appear as milligrams per liter (mg/L), equivalent to one part per million - comparable to 1 second in 11.6 days or 1 teaspoon in 1,302 gallons.

Water from the treated Charnock Well Field is blended with uncontaminated water from other local sources before being delivered to the City's main Arcadia treatment center in West Los Angeles. There, it undergoes a five-step purification process to eliminate remaining contaminants and achieve optimal quality standards.

A significant feature of our treatment facility is the Reverse Osmosis (RO) softening system. This process removes scale-forming calcium and magnesium minerals from hard water by forcing it through membranes with microscopic pores sized between 0.0001-0.001μm. Additional adjustments include fluoridation and disinfection.

Currently, 75% of Santa Monica's water supply originates as groundwater from local sources, processed through the Charnock Well Field and Arcadia treatment facilities. The remaining 25% is purchased from the Metropolitan Water District (MWD), sourced from the California State Aqueduct and Colorado River. This water is blended with local supplies before distribution.

Thanks to the City's water conservation initiatives, resident participation, technological advancements, and ongoing capacity improvement projects, Santa Monica is progressing toward its goal of water self-sufficiency by 2020. For more information about our treatment facilities, please contact our water treatment staff at (310) 434-2672.

FAQs

1. Do I have Englewood water?
2. What is the billing frequency?
3. Can you provide me with guidelines for paying my bill?
4. What are the payment methods?
5. What is the water hardness level?