SFWP - Miners Ranch

Municipal water comes from various sources including rivers, lakes, reservoirs, springs, and groundwater wells. As water travels over land surfaces or through soil layers, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials. It can also pick up substances from animal presence or human activities.

Potential contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants: Viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife. No routine coliform positives were found in 2016.
• Inorganic contaminants: Salts and metals occurring naturally or resulting from urban runoff, industrial wastewater, farming operations, oil and gas production.
• Pesticides and herbicides: From agricultural applications, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
• Organic chemical contaminants: Synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems.
• Radioactive contaminants: Naturally occurring or resulting from oil/gas production and mining.

To ensure tap water safety, the EPA and California Department of Public Health establish regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. Similar standards exist for bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection.

Tables 1-4 in our annual report list all detected water contaminants from our most recent sampling. The presence of these substances doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. Some contaminants are monitored less frequently as their concentrations rarely change. While representative of current water quality, some data may be more than one year old.

WHAT IS A BOIL WATER ADVISORY (BWA)?

A Boil Water Advisory serves as a precautionary measure to protect customers during major water main breaks or installation of new lines. If you receive a BWA, boil your water for three minutes before consumption. Staff will notify you when the advisory is lifted, typically within 24-48 hours after sample testing and incubation is complete.

WHY DOES MY WATER TASTE EARTHY SOMETIMES?

During summer months, sunlight, nutrients, and warmer temperatures create ideal conditions for algae growth in water sources. Certain algae species produce specific odorous compounds (Geosmin and 2-Methylisoborneol) within their cells. Water treatment kills the algae, releasing these compounds and creating an "earthy" flavor. These chemicals are detectable by humans at just 5-10 parts per trillion. Adding acidic ingredients like lemon or vinegar can help offset this temporary taste.

WHY DOES MY WATER LOOK "CLOUDY" OR "MILKY"?

This appearance results from tiny air bubbles, similar to those in carbonated beverages. Under certain conditions, water becomes saturated with air, especially during winter when cold water holds more air. As water warms or pressure decreases, the air rapidly escapes, creating a cloudy look. This is completely safe for consumption.

HOW IS MY MUNICIPAL WATER TREATED TO MAKE IT SAFE?

1. Pretreatment: Sodium Permanganate is added to incoming raw water to oxidize algae and bacteria.
2. Flocculation: Aluminum Sulfate coagulant is introduced to bind impurities for removal.
3. Sedimentation: Coagulated solids settle out of water. Powdered activated carbon is added in warmer months to eliminate taste and odor compounds.
4. Disinfection: Sodium Hypochlorite (chlorine) is generated onsite to neutralize potential disease-causing microorganisms.
5. Filtration: Remaining microscopic impurities are removed after coagulation and sedimentation.
6. Post-Disinfection: Additional Sodium Hypochlorite protects against microbial contaminants in the distribution system.
7. Fluoridation: Fluoride is added to reach the optimal level of 0.70 mg/l for cavity prevention.
8. Corrosion Control: Sodium Ortho-Polyphosphate reduces plumbing line corrosion.

HOW MUCH CHLORINE IS IN MY WATER?

Our utility uses chlorine as its primary disinfectant. The average chlorine residual level in water leaving our treatment plant is 1.50-2.50 ppm, meeting all regulatory requirements.

TELL ME ABOUT THE FLUORIDE IN MY WATER

The EPA and most health organizations recommend fluoride addition according to strict guidelines. The American Dental Association states: "More than 70 years of scientific research consistently shows that an optimal level of fluoride in community water is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay by at least 25% in both children and adults."

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY WATER IS AN UNUSUAL COLOR?

Discoloration typically results from natural sediment disturbance in pipes due to increased water flow from main breaks or hydrant use. Usually, running cold water until it clears resolves the issue. If discoloration persists, contact our Water Quality Department. While discoloration doesn't present health risks, we advise against washing clothes until the water clears to prevent staining.