South Coast Water District - Capistrano Beach

Source Water Tests for Imported Water Evaluation

Every five years, MWD must complete assessments of potential contaminants in their State Water Project and Colorado River water sources as required by DDW. The watershed sanitary survey for Colorado River sources was updated in 2015, while the State Water Project assessment was updated in 2016. The Irvine Ranch Water District completed their Santiago Reservoir (Irvine Lake) watershed assessment in 2014.

Colorado River water faces contamination risks primarily from recreation, urban stormwater runoff, increasing development, and wastewater discharge. Northern California's State Water Project supplies are most vulnerable to urban/stormwater runoff, wildlife, agricultural activities, recreation, and wastewater. The Santiago Reservoir faces greatest risks from nearby landfills/dumps, grazing animals, and septic systems.

The EPA requires water providers to complete a Source Water Assessment (SWA) using information from watershed surveys. MWD finished their assessment in December 2002, while the Santiago Reservoir SWA was completed in 2001. These assessments help determine if additional protective measures are needed for our water sources.

Groundwater Assessment

South Coast Water District completed a groundwater source assessment in June 2007. This local water source faces contamination risks primarily from gas stations, dry cleaning businesses, and a nearby wastewater treatment facility. The district thoroughly monitors well water to ensure safety and compliance with all Municipal Water Standards.

Copies of all water assessment reports are available by calling (949) 499-4555, ext. 1 or on the SCWD website at www.scwd.org.

1. I have discolored water in my home. Is it safe and why is it discolored? Yes, the water remains safe. The discoloration is typically manganese, a natural mineral that normally adheres to the water main's interior surfaces. When water pressure or flow changes, this manganese can dislodge and enter your household plumbing. These changes commonly occur during construction, valve operations, hydrant use, or pipeline breaks.
2. What can I do about discolored water? First, determine if only your hot water is affected (indicating a water heater issue) or if cold water is also discolored. For cold water discoloration, run all cold water taps for 5-6 minutes and flush toilets 2-3 times. If the problem persists after waiting an hour and repeating, contact the Water Department. Avoid washing laundry in discolored water as it may stain light fabrics. If laundry becomes discolored, keep items damp until water clears, then rewash without using chlorine bleach.
3. What can I do about milky or cloudy water? This typically occurs after repairs when air becomes trapped in pressurized water lines. The trapped air creates tiny bubbles that give water a milky appearance in a clear glass. Often, running your tap for about 5 minutes will clear the issue, or the utility may purge air from the lines using hydrants.
4. Why is my water pressure low? Low pressure most commonly stems from issues with private plumbing rather than utility problems. Galvanized pipes, faulty pressure regulators, or clogged faucet aerators are typical causes. The water company can perform pressure tests at your meter and an exterior faucet to compare readings and identify where pressure loss occurs.
5. The water pressure in my house is too high. Can the water company reduce it? To ensure adequate pressure throughout the system, the water mains must maintain higher pressure than is ideal for household plumbing. Refer to the Arkansas Department of Health Plumbing Codes for approved methods to adjust water pressure after it passes through your meter.
6. I need to locate my house line and pressure regulator. Can the water department find them for me? The utility doesn't maintain records of private plumbing configurations, including shutoff valve locations or pressure regulator placements.
7. If there's a leak across the street or my neighbor ordered a new meter, why are you digging in my yard? Water distribution systems typically have one main line per street. When service is needed for homes on the opposite side, underground connections must be made from the main to those properties. If the main is located on your side of the street, access through your yard may be necessary.
8. Will utility water leaks cause my bill to increase? Leaks in mains, service lines on the street side of your meter, valves, and hydrants will not affect your bill. Some meter leaks on the outlet side may impact your consumption charges.