SR 10-11-2022 12A
City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: October 11, 2022
Agenda Item: 12.A
1 of 4
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Rick Valte, Public Works Director, Public Works, Water Resources
Subject: Approval of 2022 Report on Water Quality and Public Health Goals
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Hold a public hearing, receive public comments, and approve the attached 2022
City of Santa Monica Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals.
2. Adopt the determination that the City’s 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the
Public Health Goals is exempt from review pursuant to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061 (b) and pursuant to
categorical exemption under Section 15308.
Summary
The City of Santa Monica Department of Public Works – Water Resources Division
delivers high-quality drinking water to over 93,000 residents as well as businesses and
visitors throughout the City. The City’s drinking water supply complies with all Federal
and State drinking water standards. Provisions of the California Health and Safety Code
section 116470 require public water systems to prepare a report every three years that
includes information on the detection of any elements in the water at levels above
Public Health Goals (PHGs) or the equivalent Maximum Contaminant Level Goals
(MCLGs). PHGs are adopted by the State Office of Environmental Health Hazard
Assessment and MCLGs are set by the EPA. A public hearing is required to accept and
respond to public comments on the report. Staff has prepared the attached 2022 Water
Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (Attachment A) to provide information
on the water quality of the City’s drinking water supply relative to adopted PHGs and
MCLGs. Staff has also prepared a brief summary of the report (Attachment B).
12.A
Packet Pg. 1875
2 of 4
Discussion
The City’s water quality complies with all of the health-based drinking water standards
established by the California State Water Resources Control Board – Division of
Drinking Water and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
With advances in technology, the water industry can leverage ever-more sophisticated
testing procedures to detect the presence of chemicals in water at levels of parts per
billion (or roughly the equivalent of a single drop of water in an Olympic size swimming
pool). While the presence of any level of contaminants may be concerning to the public,
State and Federal health standards for drinking water are based on widely-accepted
medical science data. The water quality of the City’s drinking water supply is monitored
24/7 across the water system and over 10,000 tests are conducted annually to ensure
its quality and safety.
California’s State Water Resource Control Board/Division of Drinking Water and the
EPA are responsible for setting regulations and drinking water standards. Drinking
water goals include PHGs and MCLGs. PHGs are set by the State Office of
Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and they are the recommended target levels.
MCLGs are set by EPA and are the levels of contaminants in drinking water below
which there is no known or expected risk to public health. Both PHGs and MCLGs are
not water quality standards and they are not required to be met by any public water
system. PHGs and MCLGs are goals identifying extremely small risks. These risks,
when normally assessed, pertain to one in one million persons drinking the water over a
seventy-year period who may be at risk to a contaminant based on assumptions and
theoretical extrapolations available.
Drinking water standards are referenced as Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) and
Notification Levels (NLs). MCLs are the highest level of a contaminant allowed in
drinking water. They are set as closely to PHGs and MCLGs as economically and
technically feasible. MCLs are enforceable water quality standards that public water
12.A
Packet Pg. 1876
3 of 4
systems must meet. NLs are the concentrations of a contaminant which, if exceeded,
triggers treatment or other requirements that public water systems must comply with.
The City’s water quality complies with all of the health-based drinking water standards
established by the California State Water Resources Control Board – Division of
Drinking Water and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (Attachment A) has
been prepared pursuant to the requirements of the State Health and Safety Code. The
report assesses the quality of the City’s groundwater and imported water supplies
against PHGs and MCLGs. Trace substances in the City’s water supply are all below
the applicable drinking water MCLs required by state and federal regulatory agencies
for a safe and high-quality drinking water supply (please refer to Attachment C for the
City’s latest annual water quality report). No additional actions are recommended for
the treatment of the City’s potable water supply. Copies of the report are available for
public review at the City Clerk’s office, the Water Resources Division office, the Main
Library, and online at https://bit.ly/3JUvNhx. A public notice advising of the availability of
the report was published in the Santa Monica Daily Press on July 7th, 2022.
Environmental Review
The City of Santa Monica Report on Water Quality Relative to Public Health Goals is
categorically exempt from the California Water Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to
guidelines under Section 15061 (b), as a Class 8 exemption (Section 15308 of the
CEQA Guidelines), actions by regulatory agencies for the protection of the environment.
Financial Impacts and Budget Actions
There is no immediate financial impact or budget action necessary as a result of
recommended action.
12.A
Packet Pg. 1877
4 of 4
Prepared By: Sunny Wang, Water Resources Manager
Approved
Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals
B. Attachment B - 2022 Water Quality Report Summary
C. Attachment C - 2022 Water Quality Report
D. PowerPoint Presentation
12.A
Packet Pg. 1878
CITY OF SANTA MONICA
REPORT ON WATER QUALITY
RELATIVE TO
PUBLIC HEALTH GOALS (PHGs)
June 2022
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1879 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Water Resources Division
June 2022 Page 1
BACKGROUND
A Public Health Goal (PHG) is a health risk assessment, not a proposed drinking water
standard. It is the level of a constituent in drinking water, which is considered not to
pose a significant risk to health if consumed for a lifetime. This determination is
reassessed every three years and made without regard to cost or treatability.
The California legislature created the concept of PHGs, and the California
Environmental Protection Agency’s (Cal-EPA) Office of Environmental Health Hazard
Assessment (OEHHA) researches and establishes PHGs. The State Water Resource
Control Board (SWRCB) - Division of Drinking Water (DDW), formerly the California
Department of Public Health, then uses PHGs to evaluate health-related drinking water
standard Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). PHGs, as well as cost and technical
feasibility estimates, provide the basis for revising and setting new contaminant MCLs.
Provisions of the California Health and Safety Code Section 116470(b) (Exhibit A)
require that large water utilities (>10,000 service connections) prepare a special report
by July 1, 2022 if their water quality measurements exceeded any PHGs in the three
previous calendar years. The law also requires that where OEHHA has not adopted a
PHG for a contaminant, the water suppliers are to use the Maximum Contaminant Level
Goals (MCLGs) adopted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency
(USEPA). MCLGs are the federal equivalent to PHGs, but they are not identical. This
report includes only constituents that have both a California primary drinking water
standard, AL, or MCL, and either a set PHG or MCLG. The notable exception is
Hexavalent Chromium, which is still in the process of an approved MCL. Exhibit B is a
list of all regulated constituents with MCLs and PHGs or MCLGs.
There are a few constituents that are routinely detected in water systems at levels
usually well below the drinking water standards for which no PHG nor MCLG have yet
been adopted by OEHHA or USEPA. These include total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
among others.
This report provides the following information as specified in the Health and Safety
Code (Exhibit A) for each constituent detected in the City of Santa Monica’s (City) water
supply in 2019, 2020, and 2021 at a level exceeding an applicable PHG or MCLG:
Numerical public health risk associated with the MCL and the PHG or MCLG
(Exhibit C).
Category or type of risk to health that could be associated with each constituent.
Best Available Treatment Technology that could be used to reduce the constituent
level.
Estimate of the cost to install that treatment if it is appropriate and feasible.
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1880 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Water Resources Division
June 2022 Page 2
APPLICATION OF PHGs
PHGs are set by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
(OEHHA) which is part of Cal-EPA.
PHGs are based solely on public health risk considerations. None of the risk-
management factors that are considered by DDW in setting drinking water standards
are considered in setting the PHGs. These factors include analytical detection
capabilities, treatment technology available, benefits and costs.
PHGs are not enforceable and are not required to be met by any public water system.
MCLGs are federal equivalent to PHGs and are set by the USEPA.
WATER QUALITY DATA CONSIDERED
All the water quality data collected for Santa Monica’s water system between 2019 and
2021 for purposes of determining compliance with drinking water standards was
considered. This information was summarized in our Annual Water Quality Reports
made available to all Santa Monica customers, residents, and businesses in June 2020,
June 2021 and June 2022 (Exhibit D).
A majority of DDW mandated constituents with a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)
were tested for in Santa Monica’s water system and were reported as Not Detected
(ND). Constituents with the greatest relevance to the public are listed in the Annual
Water Quality Reports. A constituent reported as ND generally means that the
laboratory did not detect the compound, or that it was detected at a level less than
California’s Detection Level for purposes of Reporting (DLR).
GUIDELINES FOLLOWED
The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) formed a workgroup, which
prepared guidelines for water utilities to use in preparing PHG reports. These
guidelines were used in the preparation of this report. No general guidelines are
available from the state regulatory agencies. ACWA’s workgroup also prepared
guidelines for water utilities to use in estimating the costs to reduce a constituent to the
MCL. Exhibit E provides cost estimates in 2021 dollars for the best treatment
technologies that are available today.
BEST AVAILABLE TREATMENT TECHNOLOGY AND COST ESTIMATES
Both the USEPA and DDW have adopted what are known as Best Available
Technologies (BATs), which are the best-known methods of reducing contaminant
levels to achieve compliance with MCLs. Capital construction and operation and
maintenance (O&M) costs can be estimated for such technologies. However, since
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1881 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Water Resources Division
June 2022 Page 3
many PHGs and MCLGs are set much lower than the MCL, it is not always possible or
feasible to determine the treatment needed to meet the PHG or MCLG. For example,
USEPA sets the MCLG for potential cancer-causing chemicals at zero. Estimating the
costs to reduce a constituent to zero is difficult, if not impossible, because it is not
possible to verify by analytical means that the level has been lowered to zero. In some
cases, installing treatment to try and further reduce very low levels of one constituent
may have adverse effects on other aspects of water quality.
CONSTITUENTS DETECTED THAT EXCEED A PHG OR A MCLG
The following is a discussion of constituents that were detected in one or more of the
City’s drinking water sources at levels exceeding the PHG or, if no PHG exists, above
the MCLG. Water sources that directly enter the distribution system are comprised of
the Arcadia Water Treatment Plant, Santa Monica Well #1, and imported MWD water
from Weymouth Plant and Jensen Plant. Constituents that were detected in one or more
drinking water sources at levels above the MCLs are reduced to acceptable levels. The
health risk information for regulated constituents with MCLs, PHGs or MCLGs is
provided in Exhibit C.
Total Coliform Bacteria
Total coliform bacteria are measured at approximately 100 sites around the City. The
MCL requires that no more than 5% of all samples collected in a month can be positive
for total coliforms, and the MCLG requires zero positive samples per month. There is
no PHG for total coliform bacteria, thus the MCLG is followed. The reason for the total
coliform drinking water standard is to minimize the possibility of the water containing
pathogens, which are organisms that cause waterborne disease. Total coliform
analysis serves as a surrogate indicator of the potential presence of pathogens, it is not
possible to state a specific numerical health risk. While USEPA normally sets MCLGs
“at a level where no known or anticipated adverse effects on persons would occur”,
USEPA indicates that it cannot do so with total coliforms. Nevertheless, without the
ability to determine a specific numerical risk, the MCLG has been set at zero for total
coliform bacteria.
Coliform bacteria are a group of indicator organisms that are ubiquitous in nature and
are not generally considered harmful. They are used because of the ease in monitoring
and analysis. If a positive sample is found, it indicates a potential problem that needs to
be investigated with follow-up sampling. It is not at all unusual for a system to have an
occasional positive sample. In Santa Monica, approximately 80 of the total coliform
bacteria sample sites are taken from resident or business taps, such as hose bibbs.
Many of these taps are exposed to the environment and while they provide a
satisfactory sample point most of the time, occasionally the tap itself may become
exposed to bacteria from the environment, e.g. overgrown plants, pets and humans.
When samples are drawn from these exposed taps, they may test positive on rare
occasion.
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1882 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Water Resources Division
June 2022 Page 4
During the 2019 – 2021 period, the City collected between 119 and 142 samples each
month for total coliform analysis. No repeat samples were confirmed positive for Total
Coliform Bacteria from 2019 - 2021. The Annual Water Quality Reports, also known as
CCRs, state that the highest percent of monthly samples positive was 0.69% in 2019,
1.60% in 2020, and 0.69% in 2021. This percent includes sample locations that initially
tested positive, however, they were resampled and confirmed having no presence of
Coliform Bacteria. City of Santa Monica’s water system was well below the 5% monthly
positive rate that would require further corrective action/investigation to take place.
In order to reduce the potential for positive results due to taps exposed to the open
environment, the Water Resources Division (WRD) has a program to prioritize the sites
and install more dedicated sampling stations in conjunction with the WRD’s main line
replacement program. The dedicated sampling stations are enclosed in a lockable box
and are protected from the environment.
The WRD already maintains an effective cross connection control program, a
disinfectant residual throughout the system, an effective monitoring and surveillance
program, and positive pressure in all parts of the distribution system. The WRD has
already taken all steps described by the DDW as Best Available Technology (BAT) for
Coliform Bacteria in Section 64447, Title 22, CCR. Since it is unlikely that any change
to the treatment process at the Arcadia Water Treatment Plant would prevent the
occasional positive test result at distribution sampling sites, staff recommends no
change to the existing treatment.
Lead and Copper
There are no MCLs for lead or copper. Lead and copper are not present in our water
sources, but they can leach into drinking water through the resident’s plumbing systems
and faucets. Instead of MCLs, every three years a set of special samples is collected,
and the results evaluated to determine whether the City’s water system has achieved
“optimized corrosion control”. The samples collected are first-draw at the tap of thirty or
more homes identified as high-risk (new plumbing installed with lead solder before it
was banned). To meet drinking water standards, the 90th percentile reading (meaning
90% of the samples were lower) of all samples collected by the City from these
household taps cannot exceed an Action Level (AL) of 0.015 mg/L for lead and 1.3 mg/L
for copper. The PHG for lead is 0.0002 mg/L (0.2 ppb) and the PHG for copper is 0.3
mg/L.
There are three categories of health risk associated with lead - chronic toxicity
(neurobehavioral effects in children, hypertension in adults) and cancer. The numerical
health risk of ingesting drinking water with lead above the Action Level is 2X10-6, or two
additional theoretical cancer cases in one million people drinking two liters of water a
day for 70 years.
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1883 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Water Resources Division
June 2022 Page 5
The last round of testing for lead and copper was conducted by the Water Resources
WRD in 2019 (next round is summer 2022). The 90th percentile reading for lead in the
last round was 0.00230 mg/L and was 0.302 mg/L for copper. These levels were
above the PHGs, but below the Action Levels, which means the City continued to meet
water quality standards for lead and copper and was again considered to have
“optimized corrosion control”.
In general, optimizing corrosion control is considered the Best Available Technology to
address corrosion issues and any lead and copper findings. The WRD will continue to
monitor water quality parameters that relate to corrosivity, such as pH, hardness,
alkalinity, and total dissolved solids, and will act, if necessary, to maintain our system in
an “optimized corrosion control” condition.
Since the City’s water supply continues to meet the “optimized corrosion control”
requirements, it is not prudent to initiate additional corrosion control treatment until such
time as changing conditions might warrant further action. Therefore, no estimate of cost
has been included in this report and no recommendations for further action are advised.
Arsenic
The PHG for Arsenic is 0.000004 mg/L (4.0 ppt). The MCL for Arsenic is 0.01 mg/L.
Arsenic is a naturally occurring metallic element found in water generally at low levels
throughout California and elsewhere due to the erosion of mineral deposits. It can also
enter water supplies from runoff from agricultural and industrial sites. The MCL was
lowered in 2006 due to increasing evidence of potential detrimental health effects even
at low levels. The concern is that long-term exposure to Arsenic in drinking water may
cause skin damage, problems with circulatory systems, and may cause cancer.
Arsenic was below the MCL in all the City’s water sources during 2019 – 2021;
however, several sources exceeded the PHG during this period. Arsenic readings for
all sources during this report period ranged from ND (Reporting Limit was 0.0005 mg/L)
to a high of 0.0014 mg/L, which occurred in source water well Santa Monica Well #1.
The annual average for the Jensen and Weymouth supply was ND for 2019 – 2021.
The City’s single well not treated by the Arcadia Treatment Plant is Santa Monica Well
#1. Santa Monica Well #1 had annual averages that ranged from 0.0010 mg/L to
0.0014 mg/L during 2019 – 2021. One detection at the reporting limit of 0.0005 mg/L
(Reporting Limit was 0.0005 mg/L) of Arsenic was found in water from the Arcadia
Treatment Plant in 2021, but was ND for 2019 and 2020.
An increased risk of cancer the health risk category for long-term exposure to drinking
water containing Arsenic above the MCL. The numerical health risk of ingesting drinking
water with Arsenic above the PHG is 1X10-6, or one additional theoretical cancer cases
in one million people drinking two liters of water a day for 70 years.
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1884 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Water Resources Division
June 2022 Page 6
The following BATs are designated for Arsenic removal: Ion Exchange, Wells Blending,
Granular Ferric Oxide Resin Adsorption; Coagulation Filtration, and Reverse Osmosis
(RO). The City’s RO softening plant, commissioned in December 2010, is achieving
reduction of Arsenic to below the level it can be analytically measured (Reporting Limit).
BATs are designed for treatment to achieve compliance with the corresponding MCLs,
and not necessarily the PHGs. It is unlikely that Arsenic will be removed to a level lower
than the very low Arsenic PHG. The PHG is also lower than laboratory tests can detect,
so it would be impossible to confirm whether water out of the Arcadia Treatment Plant,
or any given water supply, contains Arsenic lower than the PHG level.
It is not practical or feasible to estimate costs for the reduction of Arsenic from the
supplemental water the City purchases from MWD, the Arcadia Water Treatment Plant
or Santa Monica Well #1. Therefore, no estimate of cost has been included in this
report and no recommendations for further action are advised.
Uranium
The PHG for Uranium is 0.43 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) and the MCL is 20 pCi/L.
Uranium is a naturally occurring metallic element which is weakly radioactive and is
ubiquitous in the earth’s crust. Uranium is found in ground and surface waters due to its
natural occurrence in geological formations. The average Uranium concentrations in
surface and ground water are 1 and 2 pCi/L respectively. The Uranium intake from
water is about equal to the total from other dietary components.
Uranium levels always tested below the MCL for all water sources from 2019 – 2021;
however, all sources exceeded the PHG at least once during this period except for
MWD’s Jensen plant in 2019.
Uranium readings in water out of the Arcadia Treatment Plant ranged from 1.5 pCi/L to
3.7 pCi/L; the annual averages from the plant ranged from 2.2 to 2.5 pCi/L for 2019 –
2021. Annual averages of water from MWD’s Weymouth and Jensen plants ranged
from ND (Reporting Limit was 0.7 pCi/L) to 3 pCi/L for years 2019 – 2021.
An increased risk of developing cancer is the health risk category associated with
drinking water containing Uranium above the MCL for many years. OEHHA has
determined that the numerical cancer risk for Uranium above the PHG level is 1x10-6, or
one additional theoretical cancer case in one million people drinking two liters of water a
day for 70 years.
There are several BATs designated to lower Uranium to below the MCL including RO.
The City’s RO softening plant, commissioned in December 2010, is achieving some
reduction of Uranium from most of the City’s groundwater supplies. However, BATs are
designed for treatment to achieve compliance with the corresponding MCL only, and not
PHGs; thus, RO treatment did not achieve reduction of Uranium to below the PHG.
Further treatment to reduce Uranium at the Arcadia Treatment Plant is neither practical,
nor feasible.
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1885 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Water Resources Division
June 2022 Page 7
The City’s single well not treated by the Arcadia Treatment Plant is Santa Monica Well
#1. The water for this well had a Uranium level that ranged from 0.8 pCi/L (Reporting
Limit is 0.7 pCi/L) to 1.1 pCi/l for 2019 – 2021, thus it must be evaluated for treatment
for removal of Uranium to below the PHG. Of the designated BATs for Uranium, the
most effective and economical approach would be to use RO treatment at the well site.
Based on 2021 flow rates and 2012 estimated costs indexed to 2021 dollars, this would
be approximately $939,634 per year not including the cost for waste (brine) disposal
(cost from Exhibit E, Table 3, No. 12). However, this well is located in the center
median of San Vicente Blvd in a residential neighborhood where it would not be feasible
to construct a small treatment plant at the well site. Again, it is also unclear whether
treatment to below the PHG for Uranium could be achieved using RO, as BATs are
designed to achieve compliance only to the corresponding MCL. Also, this cost
estimate may be imprecise as treatment and operational costs can vary widely
depending on variables of the situation.
It is not practical or feasible to estimate costs for the reduction of Uranium from the
supplemental water the City purchases from MWD. Therefore, no estimate of cost has
been included in this report and no recommendations for further action are advised.
Other Radionuclides
There are several radionuclides for which OEHHA has not set PHGs, but for which an
MCLG has been designated by USEPA. The standards include the following
radionuclides: alpha emitters, beta/photon emitters, combined radium as well as the
standard for Uranium described above. In addition to these standards, USEPA has
designated an MCLG of zero for each. The groundwater and supplemental water
supplies for Santa Monica always tested below the MCLs for these constituents during
2019 – 2021; however, the MCLGs of zero for some of these radionuclides were
exceeded at some sources at various times during this period.
Radionuclides are radioactive elements that are found in nature or are man-made.
They are unstable and emit particles or waves of high energy from the nucleus or other
parts of the atom. There are three basic kinds of high-energy radiation: alpha, beta, and
gamma (included in a broader group called photons). Many radionuclides emit more
than one kind of radiation, but they are classified by their most important kind. The MCL
for alpha emitters limits the level of “gross alpha” radiation other than what is
contributed by Uranium and radon. The MCL for beta/photon emitters limits the level of
radiation from a group of 179 man-made radioactive materials. The MCL for combined
radium limits the radiation on two kinds (or “isotopes”) of radium: radium-226 and
radium-228. These MCLs were adopted to address concern with the health effects from
radiation inside the body after consuming the radionuclides because evidence suggests
that long-term exposure to radionuclides in drinking water may cause cancer.
The level of alpha emitters in the City’s groundwater and supplemental supplies always
tested below the MCL of 15 pCi/L during 2019 – 2021; however, alpha emitters did
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1886 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Water Resources Division
June 2022 Page 8
exceed the MCLG of zero in some monitoring data. Gross alpha readings for this
period ranged from ND (Reporting Limit was 3 pCi/L) for all supplies to a high of 5.8
pCi/L, which came from Arcadia Water Treatment Plant in 2020. Annual averages from
all the supplies ranged from ND to 4.2 pCi/L, the high came from Arcadia Water
Treatment Plant in 2019.
The standard for beta/photon emitters does not apply to the City’s groundwater and as
such, is not covered by this report. The standard for beta/photon emitters does apply to
supplemental water that the City received from MWD. The MWD water always tested
below the beta/photon emitters MCL of 50 pCi/L, but it was verified to exceed the MCLG
of zero data during 2021 at Weymouth. Beta/photon emitter readings for both MWD
supplies for this period ranged from ND (Detection Limit for Purposes of Reporting or
DLR was 4 pCi/L) to a high of 6 pCi/L in the water coming from MWD’s Weymouth
Treatment Plant during 2021. The annual averages ranged from ND to 5 pCi/L for the
Jensen and Weymouth supplies respectively, for the period covered by this report.
The level of combined radium in the City’s groundwater and supplemental supplies
always tested below the MCL of 5 pCi/L during 2019 – 2021. No detections of
combined radium were reported for the City’s supplies or MWD imported water from
Weymouth and Jensen plant.
The BATs for these radionuclides are similar to those for Uranium, which includes RO.
The City’s RO softening plant, commissioned in December 2010, is achieving some
reduction of these radionuclides from the City’s groundwater supply. BATs are
designed for treatment to achieve compliance with the corresponding MCL only, and not
PHGs, so the addition of RO softening, considered a BAT for these other radionuclides,
did not achieve reduction to below the MCLGs in all cases. Further treatment to reduce
other radionuclides at the Arcadia Treatment Plant is neither practical, nor feasible.
Thus, the analysis for treatment of Santa Monica Well #1 and the MWD supplies is the
same as for Uranium and no recommendations for further action are advised.
Bromate
Bromate is a disinfection byproduct (DBP) formed when water containing naturally
occurring bromide ion is ozonated. Long-term exposure to bromate in drinking water
may cause cancer; thus, the Bromate MCL was adopted in 2002 to address the
potential health effect. The standard applies only to water treatment plants that apply
ozone for disinfection and does not apply to the City’s groundwater or treatment system.
The standard does apply to supplemental water the City imports directly from MWD’s
Jensen and Weymouth Treatment Plants. After more than two decades of planning and
construction, MWD has retrofitted all five of its water treatment plants to use ozone,
rather than chlorine, as the primary disinfectant. The upgrade has driven DBP levels in
MWD’s system to historically low levels and complies with stringent regulations that limit
the level of DBPs in drinking water. Ozonation also improves drinking water aesthetics,
offers protection from pathogens, and reduces other potential contaminants such as
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1887 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Water Resources Division
June 2022 Page 9
cyanotoxins. MWD controls Bromate by adjusting pH, or by adding chloramine (a
combination of ammonia and chlorine) prior to the water reaching the ozone contactors.
The PHG for bromate is 0.0001 mg/L. The MCL for bromate is 0.010 mg/L. The MCL
for bromate does not apply to single readings but is instead compared to a Running
Annual Average (RAA). For 2019 – 2021, the highest RAAs from the imported water
sources, MWD’s Weymouth Plant (0.0056 mg/L in 2019) and Jensen Plant (0.0045
mg/L in 2021), stayed below the RAA MCL for bromate, but they exceeded the PHG
during 2019 – 2021.
An increased risk of developing cancer is the category for health risk associated with
drinking water containing bromate above the MCL for many years. OEHHA has
determined that the numerical cancer risk for bromate above the PHG level is 1x10-6, or
one additional theoretical cancer case in one million people drinking two liters of water a
day for 70 years.
The BAT to reduce bromate is control of the ozone treatment process. The City does
not have any control over imported water quality and as such, this is a process that is
under the control and jurisdiction of MWD that is already being conducted. Therefore,
no recommendations for further action will not be addressed in this report.
Perchlorate
The PHG for Perchlorate is 0.001 mg/L (1.0 ppb) as of 2015. The MCL for Perchlorate
is 0.006 mg/L. Perchlorate is an inorganic oxidizing chemical that can occur in the
environment either through industrial contamination or from natural sources. Some
industrial uses include use in solid rocket propellant, fireworks, explosives, flares, and
matches. Perchlorate has been shown to decrease the uptake of iodide by the thyroid
gland and therefore reducing the production of thyroid hormones, leading to adverse
effects associated with inadequate hormone levels. Thyroid uptake of iodide is key to
hormone production needed for normal prenatal growth and development of the fetus,
as well as for normal growth and development in the infant and child. In adults, thyroid
hormones are key to metabolic and mental function.
Perchlorate was below the MCL in all the City’s water sources during 2019 – 2021;
however, one source exceeded the PHG during this period. Perchlorate readings for all
sources during this report period ranged from ND (Reporting Limit was 0.0005 mg/L) to
a high of 0.0019 mg/L, which occurred in source water well Santa Monica Well #1. No
PHG exceedances were found at Arcadia Water Treatment Plant for 2019 – 2021. The
annual average for the Jensen and Weymouth supply was ND for 2019 – 2021.
The City’s single well not treated by the Arcadia Treatment Plant is Santa Monica Well
#1. Santa Monica Well #1 had annual averages that ranged from 0.0010 mg/L to
0.0019 mg/L during 2019 – 2021. One detection at 0.0019 mg/L (Reporting Limit was
0.0005 mg/L) of Perchlorate was found in water from Santa Monica Well #1 in 2020, but
was 0.0010 mg/L for 2019 and 2021.
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1888 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Water Resources Division
June 2022 Page 10
For perchlorate, there is no cancer risk associated with drinking water above the PHG
or the MCL.
The recommended technologies for Perchlorate removal are ion exchange or biological
fluidized bed reactor technology. Of the designated BATs for Perchlorate, the most
effective and economical approach would be to use ion exchange resin at the well site.
Based on 2021 flow rates and 2012 estimated costs indexed to 2021 dollars, this would
be approximately $153,100 per year not including the cost for any waste disposal. (cost
from Exhibit E, Table 2, No. 4). However, this well is located in the center median of
San Vicente Blvd in a residential neighborhood where it would not be feasible to
construct a small treatment plant at the well site. Again, it is also unclear whether
treatment to below the PHG for Perchlorate could be achieved using ion exchange, as
BATs are designed to achieve compliance only to the corresponding MCL. Also, this
cost estimate may be imprecise as treatment and operational costs can vary widely
depending on variables of the situation. As such, no recommendations for further action
are advised.
Hexavalent Chromium (Chromium VI)
A PHG for chromium VI was set at 0.00002 mg/L in July 2011. The MCL for chromium
VI was set at 0.01 mg/l in July 2014, repealed in May 2017, and at the time of this report
in the MCL approval process. The total chromium MCL of 0.05 mg/l was established in
1977 to address the non-cancer toxic effect of chromium VI.
Chromium is an odorless and tasteless metallic element. It is found naturally in rocks,
plants and can also be produced by industrial processes. The most common types of
chromium found in natural waters in the environment are Chromium III and Chromium
VI. Total chromium is the sum of Chromium III and Chromium VI. Chromium III and
Chromium VI are covered together under the total Chromium MCL because these forms
of chromium can convert back and forth in water depending on environmental
conditions.
Chromium III is an essential human dietary element and naturally occurs in many
vegetables, fruits, grains and yeast. Chromium VI also occurs naturally in the
environment from the erosion of natural chromium deposits from rocks and can also be
released in the environment from industrial processes via storage leaks, discharges and
improper disposal practices.
Total Chromium and Chromium VI were below the MCL in all of the City’s water sources
at all times, but exceeded the PHG for chromium VI at least once during the period
covered in this report. Supplemental water from the Jensen and Weymouth Treatment
Plants had no detection of Chromium or Chromium VI during this reporting period.
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1889 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Water Resources Division
June 2022 Page 11
Water coming from the Arcadia Water Treatment Plant had a Chromium VI level at
0.0002 mg/l (Reporting Limit is 0.00002 mg/l) for the Arcadia Treatment Plant from 2019
– 2021.
The City’s single well not treated by the Arcadia Treatment Plant is Santa Monica Well
#1, had levels of Chromium VI for 2019 – 2021 ranging from 0.0005 to 0.0018 mg/l.
Chromium VI is known to be a potent carcinogen when inhaled. It was found to also
cause cancer in laboratory mice and rats when exposed through drinking water.
OEHHA has determined that the numerical cancer risk for Chromium VI above the PHG
level is 1x10-6, or one additional theoretical cancer cases in one million people drinking
two liters of water a day for 70 years.
The recommended technologies for Chromium VI removal are weak base anion
exchange resin or reverse osmosis technology. The City’s RO softening plant,
commissioned in December 2010, is achieving some reduction of Chromium VI from the
City’s groundwater supply. BATs are designed for treatment to achieve compliance with
the corresponding MCL only, and not PHGs, so the addition of RO softening,
considered a BAT for Chromium VI, did not achieve reduction to below the PHG in all
cases. Further treatment to reduce Chromium VI at the Arcadia Treatment Plant is
neither practical, nor feasible. Thus, no recommendations for further action are advised
for Arcadia Treatment Plant. The cost estimate provided for treatment of Uranium at
Santa Monica Well #1 applies for Chromium VI along with the same recommendation
that such treatment is neither practical or feasible.
Fluoride
The PHG for Fluoride is 1 mg/L as of 1997. The MCL is 2 mg/L. Fluoride is a natural
occurring element found in natural deposits, which enters groundwater through erosion.
It is commonly found as an additive in drinking water supplies as a public health
measure to prevent tooth decay. The main concern is mild dental fluorosis (discoloration
of teeth) in children and adults at the 2 mg/L MCL and higher levels.
Fluoride, in addition to being naturally found at levels close to 0.3 mg/L in Santa Monica
groundwater sources, is raised to a target level of 0.7 mg/L with a control range of 0.6
mg/L to 1.2 mg/L throughout the distribution system. The control range was issued by
the State Water Resources Control Board. The control range in the distribution system
was below the PHG of 1 mg/L for 2019 and 2020, however the control range was 0.6
mg/L to 1.1 mg/L in 2021. There was no MCL or control range exceedance in the 2019
– 2021 period.
City water is actively fluoridated to increase the natural occurring levels that are below
the PHG due in part to existing RO softening that removes fluoride. As such, no BAT’s
are recommended beyond operator controlled adjustments to the active dosing at
Arcadia Water Treatment Plant and Santa Monica Well #1 where dosing takes place
before entry into the distribution system. Imported supplemental MWD water is also
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1890 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Water Resources Division
June 2022 Page 12
difficult to control and for that reason, City fluoride dosing may exceed the PHG, but not
the control range or MCL. As such, no recommendations for further action are advised.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER ACTION
The drinking water quality of the City of Santa Monica meets all SWRCB/Division of
Drinking Water and USEPA drinking water standards set to protect public health. The
City’s RO softening plant commissioned in December 2010 is achieving further
reduction of many of the constituents identified in this report from the City’s groundwater
supply. To further reduce the levels of these constituents that are already significantly
below the established health-based Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL) would
typically require that additional costly treatment processes be constructed. The
effectiveness of the additional costly treatment processes to provide any significant
reductions in constituent levels at these already low values below the MCL and in some
cases, laboratory detection levels, is uncertain. The health protection benefits of these
further hypothetical reductions are not clear and may not be quantifiable. Therefore, no
action is proposed at this time.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
1,4-Dioxane
No MCL, MCLG, or PHG exists for 1,4-Dioxane, and as such, is not a requirement for
this report. However, DDW has a Notification Level (NL) for 1,4-Dioxane, which was
lowered to 0.001 mg/l in 2010. As reported to City Council in 2002, the City’s Olympic
Wells (Santa Monica Wells 3&4) were found to have 1,4-Dioxane above the NL. The
City was advised by DDW in 2002 that it was acceptable to continue the use of these
wells as long as the level remained less than 100 times the NL. However, construction
of a new treatment plant targeting 1,4-Dioxane and other contaminants in the Olympic
Wells are currently underway with an anticipated completion date by the end of
2023.The target reduction is well below the Notification Level of 0.001 mg/l.
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1891 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Water Resources Division
June 2022 Page 13
EXHIBITS:
A. California Health and Safety Code Section 116470(b)
B. List of Regulated Constituents with MCLs, PHGs or MCLGs
C. Numerical Health Risk Information for Public Health Goal Exceedance Reports.
Prepared by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. Feb 2022
D. Tables excerpted from Annual Water Quality Reports for 2019 - 2021
E. Cost Estimates for Treatment Technologies
F. Acronyms
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1892 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Exhibit A
Health and Safety Code
Section 116470 (b)
(b)On or before July 1, 1998, and every three years thereafter, public water systems
serving more than 10,000 service connections that detect one or more contaminants in
drinking water that exceed the applicable public health goal, shall prepare a brief written
report in plain language that does all of the following:
(1)Identifies each contaminant detected in drinking water that exceeds the applicable
public health goal.
(2) Discloses the numerical public health risk, determined by the office, associated with
the maximum contaminant level for each contaminant identified in paragraph (1) and the
numerical public health risk determined by the office associated with the public health
goal for that contaminant.
(3)Identifies the category of risk to public health, including, but not limited to,
carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, and acute toxicity, associated with exposure to
the contaminant in drinking water, and includes a brief plainly worded description of
these terms.
(4)Describes the best available technology, if any is then available on a commercial
basis, to remove the contaminant or reduce the concentration of the contaminant. The
public water system may, solely at its own discretion, briefly describe actions that have
been taken on its own, or by other entities, to prevent the introduction of the
contaminant into drinking water supplies.
(5)Estimates the aggregate cost and the cost per customer of utilizing the technology
described in paragraph (4), if any, to reduce the concentration of that contaminant in
drinking water to a level at or below the public health goal.
(6)Briefly describes what action, if any, the local water purveyor intends to take to
reduce the concentration of the contaminant in public drinking water supplies and the
basis for that decision.
(c) Public water systems required to prepare a report pursuant to subdivision (b) shall
hold a public hearing for the purpose of accepting and responding to public comment on
the report. Public water systems may hold the public hearing as part of any regularly
scheduled meeting.
(d)The department shall not require a public water system to take any action to reduce
or eliminate any exceedance of a public health goal.
(e)Enforcement of this section does not require the department to amend a public
water system’s operating permit.
Page 1 of 2
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1893 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
(f) Pending adoption of a public health goal by the Office of Environmental Health
Hazard Assessment pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 116365, and in lieu thereof,
public water systems shall use the national maximum contaminant level goal adopted
by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for the corresponding
contaminant for purposes of complying with the notice and hearing requirements of this
section.
(g) This section is intended to provide an alternative form for the federally required
consumer confidence report as authorized by 42 U.S.C. Section 300g-3(c).
Page 2 of 2
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1894 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
ATTACHMENT NO. 1
2019 PHG Triennial Report: Calendar Years 2019-2020-2021
1
MCLs, DLRs, and PHGs for Regulated
Drinking Water Contaminants
(Units are in milligrams per liter (mg/L),
unless otherwise noted.)
Last Update: S eptember 14, 2021
This table includes:
California's maximum contaminant levels (MCLs)
Detection limits for purposes of reporting (DLRs)
Public health goals (PHGs) from the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
(OEHHA)
Also, the PHG for NDMA (which is not yet regulated) is included at the bottom of this table.
Regulated Contaminant MCL DLR PHG Date of
PHG
Chemicals with MCLs in 22 CCR §64431—Inorganic Chemicals
Aluminum 1 0.05 0.6 2001
Antimony 0.006 0.006 0.001 2016
Arsenic 0.010 0.002 0.000004 2004
Asbestos (MFL = million fibers per liter;
for fibers >10 microns long) 7 MFL 0.2 MFL 7 MFL 2003
Barium 1 0.1 2 2003
Beryllium 0.004 0.001 0.001 2003
Cadmium 0.005 0.001 0.00004 2006
Chromium, Total - OEHHA withdrew the
0.0025-mg/L PHG 0.05 0.01 withdrawn
Nov. 2001 1999
Chromium, Hexavalent - 0.01-mg/L MCL
& 0.001-mg/L DLR repealed September
2017
--
--
0.00002
2011
Cyanide 0.15 0.1 0.15 1997
Fluoride 2 0.1 1 1997
Mercury (inorganic) 0.002 0.001 0.0012 1999
(rev2005)*
Nickel 0.1 0.01 0.012 2001
Nitrate (as nitrogen, N)
10 as N
0.4
45 as
NO3 (=10 as N)
2018
Nitrite (as N) 1 as N 0.4 1 as N 2018
Nitrate + Nitrite (as N) 10 as N -- 10 as N 2018
Perchlorate 0.006 0.004 0.001 2015
Selenium 0.05 0.005 0.03 2010
Thallium 0.002 0.001 0.0001 1999
(rev2004)
Copper and Lead, 22 CCR §64672.3
Values referred to as MCLs for lead and copper are not actually MCLs; instead, they are
called "Action Levels" under the lead and copper rule
Copper 1.3 0.05 0.3 2008
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1895 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
ATTACHMENT NO. 1
2019 PHG Triennial Report: Calendar Years 2019-2020-2021
2
Lead 0.015 0.005 0.0002 2009
Radionuclides with MCLs in 22 CCR §64441 and §64443—Radioactivity
[units are picocuries per liter (pCi/L), unless otherwise stated; n/a = not applicable]
Gross alpha particle activity - OEHHA
concluded in 2003 that a PHG was not
practical
15
3
none
n/a
Gross beta particle activity - OEHHA
concluded in 2003 that a PHG was not
practical
4
mrem/yr
4
none
n/a
Radium-226 -- 1 0.05 2006
Radium-228 -- 1 0.019 2006
Radium-226 + Radium-228 5 -- -- --
Strontium-90 8 2 0.35 2006
Tritium 20,000 1,000 400 2006
Uranium 20 1 0.43 2001
Chemicals with MCLs in 22 CCR §64444—Organic Chemicals
(a) Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs)
Benzene 0.001 0.0005 0.00015 2001
Carbon tetrachloride 0.0005 0.0005 0.0001 2000
1,2-Dichlorobenzene 0.6 0.0005 0.6 1997
(rev2009)
1,4-Dichlorobenzene (p-DCB) 0.005 0.0005 0.006 1997
1,1-Dichloroethane (1,1-DCA) 0.005 0.0005 0.003 2003
1,2-Dichloroethane (1,2-DCA) 0.0005 0.0005 0.0004 1999
(rev2005)
1,1-Dichloroethylene (1,1-DCE) 0.006 0.0005 0.01 1999
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene 0.006 0.0005 0.013 2018
trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene 0.01 0.0005 0.05 2018
Dichloromethane (Methylene chloride) 0.005 0.0005 0.004 2000
1,2-Dichloropropane 0.005 0.0005 0.0005 1999
1,3-Dichloropropene 0.0005 0.0005 0.0002 1999
(rev2006)
Ethylbenzene 0.3 0.0005 0.3 1997
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) 0.013 0.003 0.013 1999
Monochlorobenzene 0.07 0.0005 0.07 2014
Styrene 0.1 0.0005 0.0005 2010
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane 0.001 0.0005 0.0001 2003
Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) 0.005 0.0005 0.00006 2001
Toluene 0.15 0.0005 0.15 1999
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene 0.005 0.0005 0.005 1999
1,1,1-Trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCA) 0.2 0.0005 1 2006
1,1,2-Trichloroethane (1,1,2-TCA) 0.005 0.0005 0.0003 2006
Trichloroethylene (TCE) 0.005 0.0005 0.0017 2009
Trichlorofluoromethane (Freon 11) 0.15 0.005 1.3 2014
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1896 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
ATTACHMENT NO. 1
2019 PHG Triennial Report: Calendar Years 2019-2020-2021
3
1,1,2-Trichloro-1,2,2-Trifluoroethane
(Freon 113) 1.2 0.01 4 1997
(rev2011)
Vinyl chloride 0.0005 0.0005 0.00005 2000
Xylenes 1.75 0.0005 1.8 1997
(b) Non-Volatile Synthetic Organic Chemicals (SOCs)
Alachlor 0.002 0.001 0.004 1997
Atrazine 0.001 0.0005 0.00015 1999
Bentazon 0.018 0.002 0.2 1999
(rev2009)
Benzo(a)pyrene 0.0002 0.0001 0.000007 2010
Carbofuran 0.018 0.005 0.0007 2016
Chlordane 0.0001 0.0001 0.00003 1997
(rev2006)
Dalapon 0.2 0.01 0.79 1997
(rev2009)
1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) 0.0002 0.00001 0.000003 2020
2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) 0.07 0.01 0.02 2009
Di(2-ethylhexyl)adipate 0.4 0.005 0.2 2003
Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) 0.004 0.003 0.012 1997
Dinoseb 0.007 0.002 0.014 1997
(rev2010)
Diquat 0.02 0.004 0.006 2016
Endothal 0.1 0.045 0.094 2014
Endrin 0.002 0.0001 0.0003 2016
Ethylene dibromide (EDB) 0.00005 0.00002 0.00001 2003
Glyphosate 0.7 0.025 0.9 2007
Heptachlor 0.00001 0.00001 0.000008 1999
Heptachlor epoxide 0.00001 0.00001 0.000006 1999
Hexachlorobenzene 0.001 0.0005 0.00003 2003
Hexachlorocyclopentadiene 0.05 0.001 0.002 2014
Lindane 0.0002 0.0002 0.000032 1999
(rev2005)
Methoxychlor 0.03 0.01 0.00009 2010
Molinate 0.02 0.002 0.001 2008
Oxamyl 0.05 0.02 0.026 2009
Pentachlorophenol 0.001 0.0002 0.0003 2009
Picloram 0.5 0.001 0.166 2016
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) 0.0005 0.0005 0.00009 2007
Simazine 0.004 0.001 0.004 2001
Thiobencarb 0.07 0.001 0.042 2016
Toxaphene 0.003 0.001 0.00003 2003
1,2,3-Trichloropropane 0.000005 0.000005 0.0000007 2009
2,3,7,8-TCDD (dioxin) 3x10-8 5x10-9 5x10-11 2010
2,4,5-TP (Silvex) 0.05 0.001 0.003 2014
Chemicals with MCLs in 22 CCR §64533—Disinfection Byproducts
Total Trihalomethanes 0.080 -- -- --
Bromodichloromethane -- 0.0010 0.00006 2020
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1897 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
ATTACHMENT NO. 1
2019 PHG Triennial Report: Calendar Years 2019-2020-2021
Bromoform -- 0.0010 0.0005 2020
Chloroform -- 0.0010 0.0004 2020
Dibromochloromethane -- 0.0010 0.0001 2020
Haloacetic Acids (five) (HAA5) 0.060 -- -- --
Monochloroacetic Acid -- 0.0020 -- --
Dichloroacetic Adic -- 0.0010 -- --
Trichloroacetic Acid -- 0.0010 -- --
Monobromoacetic Acid -- 0.0010 -- --
Dibromoacetic Acid -- 0.0010 -- --
Bromate 0.010 0.0050** 0.0001 2009
Chlorite 1.0 0.020 0.05 2009
Chemicals with PHGs established in response to DDW requests. These are not
currently regulated drinking water contaminants.
N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) -- -- 0.000003 2006
*OEHHA's review of this chemical during the year indicated (rev20XX) resulted in no
change in the PHG.
**The DLR for Bromate is 0.0010 mg/L for analysis performed using EPA Method 317.0
Revision 2.0, 321.8, or 326.0.
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1898 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Water Toxicology Section
February 2022 1
ATTACHMENT NO. 2
2022 Health Risk Information for Public Health Goal
Exceedance Reports
Health Risk Information for
Public Health Goal Exceedance Reports
Prepared by
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
California Environmental Protection Agency
February 2022
NEW for the 2022 Report: New in this document are an updated Public Health Goal (PHG)
for 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) and newly established PHGs for the
trihalomethanes bromodichloromethane, bromoform, chloroform, and
dibromochloromethane.
Background: Under the Calderon-Sher Safe Drinking Water Act of 1996 (the Act), public water
systems with more than 10,000 service connections are required to prepare a report every
three years for contaminants that exceed their respective PHGs.1 This document contains health
risk information on regulated drinking water contaminants to assist public water systems in
preparing these reports. A PHG is the concentration of a contaminant in drinking water that
poses no significant health risk if consumed for a lifetime. PHGs are developed and published by
the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) using current risk assessment
principles, practices and methods.2
The water system’s report is required to identify the health risk category (e.g., carcinogenicity
or neurotoxicity) associated with exposure to each regulated contaminant in drinking water
and to include a brief, plainly worded description of these risks. The report is also required to
disclose the numerical public health risk, if available, associated with the California Maximum
Contaminant Level (MCL) and with the PHG for each contaminant. This health risk information
document is prepared by OEHHA every three years to assist the water systems in providing the
required information in their reports.
1 Health and Safety Code Section 116470(b)
2 Health and Safety Code Section 116365
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1899 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Water Toxicology Section
February 2022 2
ATTACHMENT NO. 2
2022 Health Risk Information for Public Health Goal
Exceedance Reports
Numerical health risks: Table 1 presents health risk categories and cancer risk values for
chemical contaminants in drinking water that have PHGs.
The Act requires that OEHHA publish PHGs based on health risk assessments using the most
current scientific methods. As defined in statute, PHGs for non-carcinogenic chemicals in
drinking water are set at a concentration “at which no known or anticipated adverse health
effects will occur, with an adequate margin of safety.” For carcinogens, PHGs are set at a
concentration that “does not pose any significant risk to health.” PHGs provide one basis for
revising MCLs, along with cost and technological feasibility. OEHHA has been publishing PHGs
since 1997 and the entire list published to date is shown in Table 1.
Table 2 presents health risk information for contaminants that do not have PHGs but have
state or federal regulatory standards. The Act requires that, for chemical contaminants with
California MCLs that do not yet have PHGs, water utilities use the federal Maximum
Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) for the purpose of complying with the requirement of public
notification. MCLGs, like PHGs, are strictly health based and include a margin of safety. One
difference, however, is that the MCLGs for carcinogens are set at zero because the US
Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) assumes there is no absolutely safe level of
exposure to such chemicals. PHGs, on the other hand, are set at a level considered to pose no
significant risk of cancer; this is usually no more than a one-in-one-million excess cancer risk
(1´10-6) level for a lifetime of exposure. In Table 2, the cancer risks shown are based on the US
EPA’s evaluations.
For more information on health risks: The adverse health effects for each chemical with a PHG
are summarized in a PHG technical support document. These documents are available on the
OEHHA website (https://oehha.ca.gov/water/public-health-goals- phgs).
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1900 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Table 1: Health Risk Categories and Cancer Risk Values for Chemicals
with California Public Health Goals (PHGs)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Water Toxicology Section
February 2022 3
Chemical
Health Risk Category1
California
PHG
(mg/L)2
Cancer
Risk3
at the
PHG
California
MCL4
(mg/L)
Cancer
Risk at the
California
MCL
Alachlor carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.004 NA5,6 0.002 NA
Aluminum neurotoxicity and
immunotoxicity
(harms the nervous and
immune systems)
0.6 NA 1 NA
Antimony hepatotoxicity
(harms the liver)
0.001 NA 0.006 NA
Arsenic carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.000004
(4×10-6)
1´10-6
(one per
million)
0.01 2.5´10-3
(2.5 per
thousand)
Asbestos carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
7 MFL7
(fibers >10
microns in
length)
1´10-6 7 MFL
(fibers >10
microns in
length)
1´10-6
(one per
million)
Atrazine carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.00015 1´10-6 0.001 7´10-6
(seven per
million)
1 Based on the OEHHA PHG technical support document unless otherwise specified. The categories are the
hazard traits defined by OEHHA for California’s Toxics Information Clearinghouse (online at:
https://oehha.ca.gov/media/downloads/risk-assessment//gcregtext011912.pdf).
2 mg/L = milligrams per liter of water or parts per million (ppm)
3 Cancer Risk = Upper bound estimate of excess cancer risk from lifetime exposure. Actual cancer risk may
be lower or zero. 1´10-6 means one excess cancer case per million people exposed.
4 MCL = maximum contaminant level.
5 NA = not applicable. Cancer risk cannot be calculated.
6 The PHG for alachlor is based on a threshold model of carcinogenesis and is set at a level that is believed
to be without any significant cancer risk to individuals exposed to the chemical over a lifetime.
7 MFL = million fibers per liter of water.
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1901 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Table 1: Health Risk Categories and Cancer Risk Values for Chemicals
with California Public Health Goals (PHGs)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Water Toxicology Section
February 2022 4
Chemical
Health Risk Category1
California
PHG
(mg/L)2
Cancer
Risk3
at the
PHG
California
MCL4
(mg/L)
Cancer
Risk at the
California
MCL
Barium cardiovascular toxicity
(causes high blood
pressure)
2 NA 1 NA
Bentazon hepatotoxicity and
digestive system toxicity
(harms the liver,
intestine, and causes
body weight effects8)
0.2 NA 0.018 NA
Benzene carcinogenicity
(causes leukemia)
0.00015 1´10-6 0.001 7´10-6
(seven per
million)
Benzo[a]pyrene carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.000007
(7´10-6)
1´10-6 0.0002 3´10-5
(three per
hundred
thousand)
Beryllium digestive system toxicity
(harms the stomach or
intestine)
0.001 NA 0.004 NA
Bromate carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.0001 1´10-6 0.01 1´10-4
(one per
ten
thousand)
Cadmium nephrotoxicity
(harms the kidney)
0.00004 NA 0.005 NA
Carbofuran reproductive toxicity
(harms the testis)
0.0007 NA 0.018 NA
8 Body weight effects are an indicator of general toxicity in animal studies.
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1902 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Table 1: Health Risk Categories and Cancer Risk Values for Chemicals
with California Public Health Goals (PHGs)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Water Toxicology Section
February 2022 5
Chemical
Health Risk Category1
California
PHG
(mg/L)2
Cancer
Risk3
at the
PHG
California
MCL4
(mg/L)
Cancer
Risk at the
California
MCL
Carbon
tetrachloride
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.0001 1´10-6 0.0005 5´10-6
(five per
million)
Chlordane carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.00003 1´10-6 0.0001 3´10-6
(three per
million)
Chlorite hematotoxicity
(causes anemia)
neurotoxicity
(causes neurobehavioral
effects)
0.05 NA 1 NA
Chromium,
hexavalent
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.00002 1´10-6 none NA
Copper digestive system toxicity
(causes nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea)
0.3 NA 1.3 (AL9) NA
Cyanide neurotoxicity
(damages nerves)
endocrine toxicity
(affects the thyroid)
0.15 NA 0.15 NA
Dalapon nephrotoxicity
(harms the kidney)
0.79 NA 0.2 NA
Di(2-ethylhexyl)
adipate (DEHA)
developmental toxicity
(disrupts development)
0.2 NA 0.4 NA
9 AL = action level. The action levels for copper and lead refer to a concentration measured at the tap. Much
of the copper and lead in drinking water is derived from household plumbing (The Lead and Copper Rule,
Title 22, California Code of Regulations [CCR] section 64672.3).
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1903 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Table 1: Health Risk Categories and Cancer Risk Values for Chemicals
with California Public Health Goals (PHGs)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Water Toxicology Section
February 2022 6
Chemical
Health Risk Category1
California
PHG
(mg/L)2
Cancer
Risk3
at the
PHG
California
MCL4
(mg/L)
Cancer
Risk at the
California
MCL
Di(2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate
(DEHP)
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.012 1´10-6 0.004 3´10-7
(three per
ten million)
1,2-Dibromo-3-
chloropropane
(DBCP)
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.000003
(3x10-6)
1´10-6 0.0002 7´10-5
(seven per
hundred
thousand)
1,2-Dichloro-
benzene
(o-DCB)
hepatotoxicity
(harms the liver)
0.6 NA 0.6 NA
1,4-Dichloro-
benzene
(p-DCB)
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.006 1´10-6 0.005 8´10-7
(eight per
ten million)
1,1-Dichloro-
ethane
(1,1-DCA)
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.003 1´10-6 0.005 2´10-6
(two per
million)
1,2-Dichloro-
ethane
(1,2-DCA)
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.0004 1´10-6 0.0005 1´10-6
(one per
million)
1,1-Dichloro-
ethylene
(1,1-DCE)
hepatotoxicity
(harms the liver)
0.01 NA 0.006 NA
1,2-Dichloro-
ethylene, cis
nephrotoxicity
(harms the kidney)
0.013 NA 0.006 NA
1,2-Dichloro-
ethylene, trans
immunotoxicity
(harms the immune
system)
0.05 NA 0.01 NA
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1904 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Table 1: Health Risk Categories and Cancer Risk Values for Chemicals
with California Public Health Goals (PHGs)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Water Toxicology Section
February 2022 7
Chemical
Health Risk Category1
California
PHG
(mg/L)2
Cancer
Risk3
at the
PHG
California
MCL4
(mg/L)
Cancer
Risk at the
California
MCL
Dichloromethane
(methylene
chloride)
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.004 1´10-6 0.005 1´10-6
(one per
million)
2,4-Dichloro-
phenoxyacetic
acid (2,4-D)
hepatotoxicity and
nephrotoxicity
(harms the liver and
kidney)
0.02 NA 0.07 NA
1,2-Dichloro-
propane
(propylene
dichloride)
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.0005 1´10-6 0.005 1´10-5
(one per
hundred
thousand)
1,3-Dichloro-
propene
(Telone IIâ)
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.0002 1´10-6 0.0005 2´10-6
(two per
million)
Dinoseb reproductive toxicity
(harms the uterus and
testis)
0.014 NA 0.007 NA
Diquat ocular toxicity
(harms the eye)
developmental toxicity
(causes malformation)
0.006 NA 0.02 NA
Endothall digestive system toxicity
(harms the stomach or
intestine)
0.094 NA 0.1 NA
Endrin neurotoxicity
(causes convulsions)
hepatotoxicity
(harms the liver)
0.0003 NA 0.002 NA
Ethylbenzene
(phenylethane)
hepatotoxicity
(harms the liver)
0.3 NA 0.3 NA
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1905 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Table 1: Health Risk Categories and Cancer Risk Values for Chemicals
with California Public Health Goals (PHGs)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Water Toxicology Section
February 2022 8
Chemical
Health Risk Category1
California
PHG
(mg/L)2
Cancer
Risk3
at the
PHG
California
MCL4
(mg/L)
Cancer
Risk at the
California
MCL
Ethylene
dibromide (1,2-
Dibromoethane)
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.00001 1´10-6 0.00005 5´10-6
(five per
million)
Fluoride musculoskeletal toxicity
(causes tooth mottling)
1 NA 2 NA
Glyphosate nephrotoxicity
(harms the kidney)
0.9 NA 0.7 NA
Heptachlor carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.000008
(8×10-6)
1´10-6 0.00001 1´10-6
(one per
million)
Heptachlor
epoxide
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.000006
(6×10-6) 1´10-6 0.00001 2´10-6
(two per
million)
Hexachloroben-
zene
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.00003 1´10-6 0.001 3´10-5
(three per
hundred
thousand)
Hexachloro-
cyclopentadiene
(HCCPD)
digestive system toxicity
(causes stomach
lesions)
0.002 NA 0.05 NA
Lead developmental
neurotoxicity
(causes neurobehavioral
effects in children)
cardiovascular toxicity
(causes high blood
pressure)
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.0002 <1´10-6
(PHG is
not based
on this
effect)
0.015
(AL9) 2´10-6
(two per
million)
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1906 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Table 1: Health Risk Categories and Cancer Risk Values for Chemicals
with California Public Health Goals (PHGs)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Water Toxicology Section
February 2022 9
Chemical
Health Risk Category1
California
PHG
(mg/L)2
Cancer
Risk3
at the
PHG
California
MCL4
(mg/L)
Cancer
Risk at the
California
MCL
Lindane
(g-BHC)
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.000032 1´10-6 0.0002 6´10-6
(six per
million)
Mercury
(inorganic)
nephrotoxicity
(harms the kidney)
0.0012 NA 0.002 NA
Methoxychlor endocrine toxicity
(causes hormone
effects)
0.00009 NA 0.03 NA
Methyl tertiary-
butyl ether
(MTBE)
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.013 1´10-6 0.013 1´10-6
(one per
million)
Molinate carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.001 1´10-6 0.02 2´10-5
(two per
hundred
thousand)
Monochloro-
benzene
(chlorobenzene)
nephrotoxicity
(harms the kidney)
0.07 NA 0.07 NA
Nickel developmental toxicity
(causes increased
neonatal deaths)
0.012 NA 0.1 NA
Nitrate hematotoxicity
(causes
methemoglobinemia)
45 as
nitrate
NA 10 as
nitrogen
(=45 as
nitrate)
NA
Nitrite hematotoxicity
(causes
methemoglobinemia)
3 as
nitrite
NA 1 as
nitrogen
(=3 as
nitrite)
NA
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1907 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Table 1: Health Risk Categories and Cancer Risk Values for Chemicals
with California Public Health Goals (PHGs)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Water Toxicology Section
February 2022 10
Chemical
Health Risk Category1
California
PHG
(mg/L)2
Cancer
Risk3
at the
PHG
California
MCL4
(mg/L)
Cancer
Risk at the
California
MCL
Nitrate and
Nitrite
hematotoxicity
(causes
methemoglobinemia)
10 as
nitrogen10
NA 10 as
nitrogen
NA
N-nitroso-
dimethyl-amine
(NDMA)
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.000003
(3´10-6)
1×10-6 none NA
Oxamyl general toxicity
(causes body weight
effects)
0.026 NA 0.05 NA
Pentachloro-
phenol (PCP)
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.0003 1´10-6 0.001 3´10-6
(three per
million)
Perchlorate endocrine toxicity
(affects the thyroid)
developmental toxicity
(causes neurodevelop-
mental deficits)
0.001 NA 0.006 NA
Picloram hepatotoxicity
(harms the liver)
0.166 NA 0.5 NA
Polychlorinated
biphenyls
(PCBs)
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.00009 1´10-6 0.0005 6´10-6
(six per
million)
Radium-226 carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.05 pCi/L 1´10-6 5 pCi/L
(combined
Ra226+228)
1´10-4
(one per
ten
thousand)
10 The joint nitrate/nitrite PHG of 10 mg/L (10 ppm, expressed as nitrogen) does not replace the individual
values, and the maximum contribution from nitrite should not exceed 1 mg/L nitrite-nitrogen.
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1908 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Table 1: Health Risk Categories and Cancer Risk Values for Chemicals
with California Public Health Goals (PHGs)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Water Toxicology Section
February 2022 11
Chemical
Health Risk Category1
California
PHG
(mg/L)2
Cancer
Risk3
at the
PHG
California
MCL4
(mg/L)
Cancer
Risk at the
California
MCL
Radium-228 carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.019 pCi/L 1´10-6 5 pCi/L
(combined
Ra226+228)
3´10-4
(three per
ten
thousand)
Selenium integumentary toxicity
(causes hair loss and
nail damage)
0.03 NA 0.05 NA
Silvex (2,4,5-TP) hepatotoxicity
(harms the liver)
0.003 NA 0.05 NA
Simazine general toxicity
(causes body weight
effects)
0.004 NA 0.004 NA
Strontium-90 carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.35 pCi/L 1×10-6 8 pCi/L 2´10-5
(two per
hundred
thousand)
Styrene
(vinylbenzene)
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.0005 1×10-6 0.1 2´10-4
(two per
ten
thousand)
1,1,2,2-
Tetrachloro-
ethane
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.0001 1´10-6 0.001 1´10-5
(one per
hundred
thousand)
2,3,7,8-Tetra-
chlorodibenzo-p-
dioxin (TCDD, or
dioxin)
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer) 5´10-11 1´10-6 3´10-8 6´10-4
(six per ten
thousand)
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1909 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Table 1: Health Risk Categories and Cancer Risk Values for Chemicals
with California Public Health Goals (PHGs)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Water Toxicology Section
February 2022 12
Chemical
Health Risk Category1
California
PHG
(mg/L)2
Cancer
Risk3
at the
PHG
California
MCL4
(mg/L)
Cancer
Risk at the
California
MCL
Tetrachloro-
ethylene
(perchloro-
ethylene, or
PCE)
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.00006 1´10-6 0.005 8´10-5
(eight per
hundred
thousand)
Thallium integumentary toxicity
(causes hair loss)
0.0001 NA 0.002 NA
Thiobencarb general toxicity
(causes body weight
effects)
hematotoxicity
(affects red blood cells)
0.042 NA 0.07 NA
Toluene
(methylbenzene)
hepatotoxicity
(harms the liver)
endocrine toxicity
(harms the thymus)
0.15 NA 0.15 NA
Toxaphene carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.00003 1´10-6 0.003 1´10-4
(one per
ten
thousand)
1,2,4-Trichloro-
benzene
endocrine toxicity
(harms adrenal glands)
0.005 NA 0.005 NA
1,1,1-Trichloro-
ethane
neurotoxicity
(harms the nervous
system),
reproductive toxicity
(causes fewer offspring)
hepatotoxicity
(harms the liver)
hematotoxicity (causes blood effects)
1 NA 0.2 NA
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1910 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Table 1: Health Risk Categories and Cancer Risk Values for Chemicals
with California Public Health Goals (PHGs)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Water Toxicology Section
February 2022 13
Chemical
Health Risk Category1
California
PHG
(mg/L)2
Cancer
Risk3
at the
PHG
California
MCL4
(mg/L)
Cancer
Risk at the
California
MCL
1,1,2-Trichloro-
ethane
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.0003 1x10-6 0.005 2´10-5
(two per
hundred
thousand)
Trichloro-
ethylene (TCE)
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.0017 1´10-6 0.005 3´10-6
(three per
million)
Trichlorofluoro-
methane
(Freon 11)
accelerated mortality
(increase in early death)
1.3 NA 0.15 NA
1,2,3-Trichloro-
propane
(1,2,3-TCP)
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.0000007
(7×10-7) 1x10-6 0.000005
(5×10-6)
7´10-6
(seven per
million)
1,1,2-Trichloro-
1,2,2-trifluoro-
ethane
(Freon 113)
hepatotoxicity
(harms the liver)
4 NA 1.2 NA
Trihalomethanes:
Bromodichloro-
methane
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.00006 1x10-6 0.080* 1.3´10-3
(1.3 per
thousand)11
Trihalomethanes:
Bromoform
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.0005 1x10-6 0.080* 2´10-4
(two per ten
thousand)12
* For total trihalomethanes (the sum of bromodichloromethane, bromoform, chloroform, and
dibromochloromethane). There are no MCLs for individual trihalomethanes.
11 Based on 0.080 mg/L bromodichloromethane; the risk will vary with different combinations and ratios of the
other trihalomethanes in a particular sample.
12 Based on 0.080 mg/L bromoform; the risk will vary with different combinations and ratios of the other
trihalomethanes in a particular sample.
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1911 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Table 1: Health Risk Categories and Cancer Risk Values for Chemicals
with California Public Health Goals (PHGs)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Water Toxicology Section
February 2022 14
Chemical
Health Risk Category1
California
PHG
(mg/L)2
Cancer
Risk3
at the
PHG
California
MCL4
(mg/L)
Cancer
Risk at the
California
MCL
Trihalomethanes:
Chloroform
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.0004 1x10-6 0.080* 2´10-4
(two per ten
thousand)13
Trihalomethanes:
Dibromochloro-
methane
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.0001 1x10-6 0.080* 8´10-4
(eight
per ten
thousand)14
Tritium carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
400 pCi/L 1x10-6 20,000
pCi/L 5´10-5
(five per
hundred
thousand)
Uranium carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.43 pCi/L 1´10-6 20 pCi/L 5´10-5
(five per
hundred
thousand)
Vinyl chloride carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0.00005 1´10-6 0.0005 1´10-5
(one per
hundred
thousand)
Xylene neurotoxicity
(affects the senses,
mood, and motor
control)
1.8 (single
isomer or
sum of
isomers)
NA 1.75 (single
isomer or
sum of
isomers)
NA
* For total trihalomethanes (the sum of bromodichloromethane, bromoform, chloroform, and
dibromochloromethane). There are no MCLs for individual trihalomethanes.
13 Based on 0.080 mg/L chloroform; the risk will vary with different combinations and ratios of the other
trihalomethanes in a particular sample.
14 Based on 0.080 mg/L dibromochloromethane; the risk will vary with different combinations and ratios of the
other trihalomethanes in a particular sample.
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1912 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Table 2: Health Risk Categories and Cancer Risk Values for Chemicals
without California Public Health Goals
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Water Toxicology Section
February 2022 15
Chemical
Health Risk Category1
US EPA
MCLG2
(mg/L)
Cancer
Risk3
at the
MCLG
California
MCL4
(mg/L)
Cancer
Risk at the
California
MCL
Disinfection byproducts (DBPs)
Chloramines acute toxicity
(causes irritation)
digestive system toxicity
(harms the stomach)
hematotoxicity
(causes anemia)
45,6 NA7 none NA
Chlorine acute toxicity
(causes irritation)
digestive system toxicity
(harms the stomach)
45,6 NA none NA
Chlorine dioxide hematotoxicity
(causes anemia)
neurotoxicity
(harms the nervous
system)
0.85,6 NA none NA
Disinfection byproducts: haloacetic acids (HAA5)
Monochloroacetic
acid (MCA)
general toxicity
(causes body and organ
weight changes8)
0.07 NA none NA
1 Health risk category based on the US EPA MCLG document or California MCL document
unless otherwise specified.
2 MCLG = maximum contaminant level goal established by US EPA.
3 Cancer Risk = Upper estimate of excess cancer risk from lifetime exposure. Actual cancer risk
may be lower or zero. 1´10-6 means one excess cancer case per million people exposed.
4 California MCL = maximum contaminant level established by California.
5 Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal, or MRDLG.
6 The federal Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL), or highest level of disinfectant
allowed in drinking water, is the same value for this chemical. 7 NA = not available.
8 Body weight effects are an indicator of general toxicity in animal studies.
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1913 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Table 2: Health Risk Categories and Cancer Risk Values for Chemicals
without California Public Health Goals
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Water Toxicology Section
February 2022 16
Chemical
Health Risk Category1
US EPA
MCLG2
(mg/L)
Cancer
Risk3
at the
MCLG
California
MCL4
(mg/L)
Cancer
Risk at the
California
MCL
Dichloroacetic
acid (DCA)
Carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0 0 none NA
Trichloroacetic
acid (TCA)
hepatotoxicity
(harms the liver)
0.02 NA none NA
Monobromoacetic
acid (MBA)
NA none NA none NA
Dibromoacetic
acid (DBA)
NA none NA none NA
Total haloacetic
acids (sum of
MCA, DCA, TCA,
MBA, and DBA)
general toxicity,
hepatotoxicity and
carcinogenicity
(causes body and organ
weight changes, harms
the liver and causes
cancer)
none NA 0.06 NA
Radionuclides
Gross alpha
particles9
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0 (210Po
included)
0 15 pCi/L10
(includes
radium but
not radon
and
uranium)
up to 1x10-3
(for 210Po,
the most
potent alpha
emitter)
9 MCLs for gross alpha and beta particles are screening standards for a group of radionuclides.
Corresponding PHGs were not developed for gross alpha and beta particles. See the OEHHA
memoranda discussing the cancer risks at these MCLs at
http://www.oehha.ca.gov/water/reports/grossab.html.
10 pCi/L = picocuries per liter of water.
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1914 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
ATTACHMENT NO. 2
2022 Health Risk Information for Public Health Goal
Exceedance Reports
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Water Toxicology Section
February 2022 17
Chemical
Health Risk Category1
US EPA
MCLG2
(mg/L)
Cancer
Risk3
at the
MCLG
California
MCL4
(mg/L)
Cancer
Risk at the
California
MCL
Beta particles
and photon
emitters9
carcinogenicity
(causes cancer)
0 (210Pb
included)
0 50 pCi/L
(judged
equiv. to 4
mrem/yr)
up to 2x10-3
(for 210Pb,
the most
potent beta-
emitter)
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1915 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
*Contact information is available on the last page of this report.
KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS FOR ADDITIONAL WATER QUALITY QUESTIONS, CONTACT JACK MIYAMOTO, LEAD CHEMIST AT (310) 434-2672
CITY OF SANTA MONICA WATER RESOURCES DIVISION
SUMMARY OF RESULTS FOR PRIMARY DRINKING WATER STANDARDS FOR 2019
LOCAL IMPORTED IMPORTED Dates Meets MAJOR SOURCES PHG/ State WELL WATER SM WELL #1(a) SURFACE WATER SURFACE WATER Sampled Std IN DRINKING WATERParameter [MCLG]/ MCL/ Arcadia Plant Weymouth Plant Jensen Plant if other {MRDLG} {MRDL} Average Range Average Range Average Range Average Range than 2019(b)
PRIMARY DRINKING WATER STANDARDS (MANDATORY HEALTH-RELATED STANDARDS)
Clarity
Maximum Turbidity (NTU) NS 95% < 0.3 N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.06 100% ≤ 0.3 0.04 100% ≤ 0.3 Y Soil runoff
Microbiological
Total Coliform Bacteria [0] 5% City-wide Maximum: 0 Positive Samples Y Naturally present in the environment
(% positive samples/month)
Fecal Coliform/E. Coli [0] (c) City-wide Maximum: 0 Positive Samples Y Human and animal fecal waste
Organic Chemical
Methyl tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) (ppb) 13 13(5*) ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND Y Leaking underground storage tanks
Trichloroethylene (ppb) 1.7 5 0.5 0.4 - 0.7 ND ND ND ND ND ND Y Discharge from metal degreasing sites
Disinfection
Byproducts & Residuals
Total Trihalomethanes (ppb) NS 80 City-wide LR41A: 16 Range: 4 - 55 Y By-product of drinking water chlorination
Haloacetic Acids (ppb) NS 60 City-wide LRAA: 2 Range: ND - 9 Y By-product of drinking water chlorination
Total Chlorine/Chloramines (ppm) {4} {4} City-wide Average: 1.2 Range: 0.2 - 2.4 Y Drinking water disinfectant added for treatment
Bromate (ppb) 0.1 10 N/A N/A N/A N/A 5.6 1.6 - 8.4 1.9 ND - 8.1 Y By-product of drinking water ozonation
Total Organic Carbon N/A TT N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.3 2.0 - 2.5 2.4 1.7 - 2.6
Inorganic Chemicals
Aluminum (ppm) 0.6 1 (0.2*) ND ND 0.02 0.02 0.058 ND - 0.29 0.12 ND - 0.11 Y Erosion of natural deposits; used in water treatment process
Arsenic (ppb) 0.004 10 ND ND 1.2 1.2 ND ND ND ND Y Erosion of natural deposits
Barium (ppm) 2 1 0.02 0.02 0.06 0.06 ND ND ND ND Y Discharge from oil and metal industries; Erosion of natural deposits
Chromium [Total] (ppb) [100] 50 ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND Y Discharge from steel and pulp mills; natural deposits erosion
Chromium 6 (ppb) 0.02 NS 0.2 0.2 1.8 1.8 ND ND ND ND Y Naturally occuring; industrial waste discharge
Copper (d) (ppm) 0.3 AL=1.3 (1.0*) Y Corrosion of household plumbing systems
Fluoride After Treatment (ppm) 1 2 Y Water additive for dental health
Lead (d) (ppb) 0.2 AL=15 City-wide 90th percentile 2.8 0 site out of 34 exceeded the AL (e) Y Corrosion of household plumbing systems
Nitrate (as N) (ppm) 10 10 0.7 0.6 - 0.8 2.9 2.7 - 3.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Y Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from sewage;
erosion of natural deposits
Perchlorate (ppb) 1 6 ND ND 1.0 1.0 ND ND ND ND Y Industrial waste discharge
Radionuclides
Alpha emitters (pCi/L) [0] 15 4.2 4.2 ND ND ND ND - 3 ND ND Y Erosion of natural deposits
Beta/photon emitters (pCi/L) [0] 50 N/A N/A N/A N/A ND ND ND ND Y Decay of natural and man-made deposits
Combined Radium (pCi/L) [0] 5 ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND Y Erosion of natural deposits
Uranium (pCi/L) 0.43 20 2.2 2.1 -2.5 0.8 0.8 ND ND -1 ND ND Y Erosion of natural deposits
Highest percent of monthly samples positive was 0.69% Range: ND - 0.69% No violations
City-wide Maximum: 0 Positive Samples
City-wide LRAA: 12.9 Range: 4.5 - 41.7
City-wide LRAA: 2.0 Range: ND - 7.4
City-wide Average: 1.58 Range: ND - 3.0
City-wide, 90th percentile: 0.30 0 sites out of 30 exceeded the AL
Control Range: 0.6 - 1.2 Citywide Range: 0.6 - 0.9
City-wide, 90th percentile: 2.30 0 sites out of 30 exceeded the AL
Primary Drinking Water Standards = MCLs and MRDLs for contaminants that affect health along with
their monitoring and reporting requirements, and water treatment requirements.
PHG = Public Health Goal, The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or
expected risk to health. PHGs are set by the California Environmental Protection Agency.MCLG = Maximum Contaminant Level Goal, The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no
known or expected risk to health. MCLGs are set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level, The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. Primary
MCLs are set as close to the PHGs (or MCLGs) as is economically and technologically feasible. Secondary MCLs
are set to protect the odor, taste, and appearance of drinking water.MRDL = Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level, The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There
is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
MRDLG = Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal, The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which
there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to
control microbial contaminants.
LRAA = Locational Running Annual Average. The running annual average is based on monitoring location.
AL = Regulatory Action Level: The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other
requirements that a water system must follow.
N/A = Not ApplicableNS = No Standard ND = Monitored for but Not Detected
NTU = Nephelometric Turbidity Units - used to measure cloudiness of drinking water.
TT = Treatment Technique: A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
Variances and Exemptions: State Board permission to exceed an MCL or not comply with a treatment technique under certain conditions.
ppb = parts per billion, or micrograms per liter (µg/l)
ppm = parts per million, or milligrams per liter (mg/l)
pCi/L = picocuries per liter
* = secondary standard(a) = SM Well#1 is pumped into a transmission line, is blended with Imported Surface Water and enters the system
at 19th St. & Idaho Ave.
(b) = The City is not required to test for every parameter each year. If indicated, data is from a previous year.
(c) = Two consecutive Total Coliform-positive samples, one of which contains Fecal Coliform / E. Coli constitutes an
acute MCL violation. No violations occurred for 2019.(d) = The MCL has been replaced with a treatment technique requiring agencies to optimize corrosion control.
Results given are from first draw, at-the-tap monitoring performed every three years.
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1916 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public
KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS FOR ADDITIONAL WATER QUALITY QUESTIONS, CONTACT JACK MIYAMOTO, LEAD CHEMIST AT (310) 434-2672
CITY OF SANTA MONICA WATER RESOURCES DIVISIONSUMMARY OF RESULTS FOR PRIMARY DRINKING WATER STANDARDS FOR 2020
LOCAL IMPORTED IMPORTED Dates Meets MAJOR SOURCESPHG/ State WELL WATER SM WELL #1(a) SURFACE WATER SURFACE WATER Sampled Std IN DRINKING WATERParameter [MCLG]/ MCL/ Arcadia Plant Jensen Plant Weymouth Plant if other{MRDLG} {MRDL} Average Range Average Range Average Range Average Range than 2020(b)
PRIMARY DRINKING WATER STANDARDS (MANDATORY HEALTH-RELATED STANDARDS)
Clarity
Maximum Turbidity (NTU) NS 95% < 0.3 N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.04 100% ≤ 0.3 0.04 100% ≤ 0.3 Y Soil runoff
Microbiological
Total Coliform Bacteria [0] 5% City-wide Maximum: 0 Positive Samples Y Naturally present in the environment
(% positive samples/month)
Fecal Coliform/E. Coli [0] (c) City-wide Maximum: 0 Positive Samples Y Human and animal fecal waste
Organic Chemical
Methyl tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) (ppb) 13 13(5*) ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND Y Leaking underground storage tanks
Trichloroethylene (ppb) 1.7 5 0.3 ND - 0.6 ND ND ND ND ND ND Y Discharge from metal degreasing sites
Disinfection
Byproducts & Residuals
Total Trihalomethanes (ppb) NS 80 City-wide LR41A: 16 Range: 4 - 55 Y By-product of drinking water chlorination
Haloacetic Acids (ppb) NS 60 City-wide LRAA: 2 Range: ND - 9 Y By-product of drinking water chlorination
Total Chlorine/Chloramines (ppm) {4}{4} City-wide Average: 1.2 Range: 0.2 - 2.4 Y Drinking water disinfectant added for treatment
Bromate (ppb) 0.1 10 N/A N/A N/A N/A 4.4 1.4 - 6.0 2 ND - 4.2 Y By-product of drinking water ozonation
Total Organic Carbon N/A TT N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.2 1.8 - 2.3 2.4 2.1 - 2.6
Inorganic Chemicals
Aluminum (ppm) 0.6 1 (0.2*) ND ND 0.02 0.02 0.116** ND - 0.220 0.149** 0.008 - 0.210 Y Erosion of natural deposits; used in water treatment process
Arsenic (ppb) 0.004 10 ND ND 1.4 1.4 ND ND ND ND Y Erosion of natural deposits
Barium (ppm) 2 1 0.02 0.02 0.06 0.06 ND ND ND ND Y Discharge from oil and metal industries; Erosion of natural deposits
Chromium (ppb) [100] 50 ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND Y Discharge from steel and pulp mills; natural deposits erosion
Chromium 6 (ppb) 0.02 NS 0.2 0.2 0.5 0.5 ND ND ND ND Y Naturally occuring; industrial waste discharge
Copper (d) (ppm) 0.3 AL=1.3 (1.0*) 2019 Y Corrosion of household plumbing systems
Fluoride After Treatment (ppm) 1 2 Y Water additive for dental health
Lead (d) (ppb) 0.2 AL=15 City-wide 90th percentile 2.8 0 site out of 34 exceeded the AL (e) 2019 Y Corrosion of household plumbing systems
Nitrate (as N) (ppm) 10 10 0.6 0.4 - 0.7 3.8 3.7 - 4.0 ND ND ND ND Y Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from sewage;
erosion of natural deposits
Perchlorate (ppb) 1 6 ND ND 1.9 1.9 ND ND ND ND Y Industrial waste discharge
Radionuclides
Alpha emitters (pCi/L) [0] 15 2.9 ND - 5.8 ND ND ND ND ND ND Y Erosion of natural deposits
Beta/photon emitters (pCi/L) [0] 50 N/A N/A N/A N/A ND ND ND ND Y Decay of natural and man-made deposits
Combined Radium (pCi/L) [0] 5 ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND Y Erosion of natural deposits
Uranium (pCi/L) 0.43 20 2.3 1.5 -3.3 1.1 1.1 ND ND -3 2 1 - 3 Y Erosion of natural deposits
City-wide Highest Monthly: 1.60% Range: ND - 1.60% No violations
City-wide Maximum: 0 Positive Samples
City-wide LRAA: 15.9 Range: 4.6 - 33.9
City-wide LRAA: 2.0 Range: ND - 7.8
City-wide Average: 2.30 Range: ND - 2.9
City-wide, 90th percentile: 0.30 0 sites out of 30 exceeded the AL
Control Range: 0.6 - 1.2 City-wide Range: 0.6 - 1.0
City-wide, 90th percentile: 2.30 0 sites out of 30 exceeded the AL (d)
PDWS = Primary Drinking Water Standards are MCLs and MRDLs for contaminants that affect health along with their monitoring and reporting requirements, and water treatment requirements.PHG = Public Health Goal, The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. PHGs are set by the California Environmental Protection Agency.
MCLG = Maximum Contaminant Level Goal, The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs are set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level, The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. Primary MCLs are set as close to the PHGs (or MCLGs) as is economically and technologically feasible. Secondary MCLs are set to protect the odor, taste, and appearance of drinking water.MRDL = Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level is the highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
MRDLG = Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal is the level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
LRAA = Locational Running Annual Average. The running annual average is based on monitoring location.AL = Regulatory Action Level is the concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow.
N/A = Not ApplicableNS = No Standard
ND = Monitored for but Not DetectedNTU = Nephelometric Turbidity Units - used to measure cloudiness of drinking water.TT = Treatment Technique is a required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
ppb = parts per billion, or micrograms per liter (µg/l)ppm = parts per million, or milligrams per liter (mg/l)
pCi/L = picocuries per liter
* = secondary standard
** = Highest Running Annual Average (RAA)
(a) = SM Well#1 is pumped into a transmission line, is blended with Imported Surface Water and enters thesystem at 19th St. & Idaho Ave.
(b) = The City is not required to test for every parameter each year. If indicated, data is from a previous year.(c) = Two consecutive Total Coliform-positive samples, one of which contains Fecal Coliform / E. Coli constitutes an acute MCL violation. No violations occurred for 2020.(d) = The MCL has been replaced with a treatment technique requiring agencies to optimize corrosion control. Results given are from first draw, at-the-tap monitoring performed every three years.
erosion of natural deposits
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1917 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public
*Contact information is available on the last page of this report.
KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS
CITY OF SANTA MONICA WATER RESOURCES DIVISION
Summary of Results for Primary Drinking Water Standards for 2021
PDWS = Primary Drinking Water Standards are MCLs and MRDLs for contaminants that affect health along with their monitoring and reporting requirements, and water treatment requirements.PHG = Public Health Goal is the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected
risk to health. PHGs are set by the California Environmental Protection Agency.MCLG = Maximum Contaminant Level Goal is the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs are set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level is the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. Primary
MCLs are set as close to the PHGs (or MCLGs) as is economically and technologically feasible. Secondary MCLs are set to protect the odor, taste, and appearance of drinking water.MRDLG = Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal is the level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control
microbial contaminants. MRDL = Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level is the highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There
is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.LRAA = Locational Running Annual Average. The running annual average is based on monitoring location.AL = Regulatory Action Level is the concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other
requirements that a water system must follow.NA = Not ApplicableND = Monitored for but Not Detected NS = No Standard NTU = Nephelometric Turbidity Units - used to measure cloudiness of drinking water.TT = Treatment Technique: A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.ppb = parts per billion, or micrograms per liter (µg/l)ppm = parts per million, or milligrams per liter (mg/l)pCi/L = picocuries per liter
* = secondary standard** = Highest Running Average (RAA)
(a) = SM Well#1 is pumped into a transmission line, is blended with Imported Surface Water and enters the system at 19th St. & Idaho Ave.(b) = The City is not required to test for every parameter each year. If indicated, data is from a previous year.
(c) = The E. coli MCL is based on routine and repeat samples testing positive for coliforms and/or E. coli or failure to collect required repeat samples. Fecal Coliform/E. Coli constitutes an acute MCL violation. No Level 1 Assessments or MCL violations occurred for 2021.(d) = The MCL has been replaced with a treatment technique requiring agencies to optimize corrosion control.
Results given are from first draw, at-the-tap monitoring performed every three years.
FOR ADDITIONAL WATER QUALITY QUESTIONS CONTACT THE LEAD CHEMIST, CLEMENT DO, AT (310) 434-2672.
LOCAL IMPORTED IMPORTED Dates Meets MAJOR SOURCES PHG/ State WELL WATER SM WELL #1(a) SURFACE WATER SURFACE WATER Sampled Std IN DRINKING WATERPARAMETER [MCLG]/ MCL/ Arcadia Plant Weymouth Plant Jensen Plant if other {MRDLG} {MRDL} Average Range Average Range Average Range Average Range than 2021(b)
Clarity
Maximum Turbidity (NTU) NS 95% < 0.3 N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.03 100% ≤ 0.3 0.03 100% ≤ 0.3 Y Soil runoff
Microbiological
Total Coliform Bacteria [0] 5% City-wide Maximum: 0 Positive Samples Y Naturally present in the environment
(% positive samples/month)
Fecal Coliform/E. Coli [0] (c) City-wide Maximum: 0 Positive Samples Y Human and animal fecal waste
Organic Chemical
Methyl tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) (ppb) 13 13(5*) ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND Y Leaking underground storage tanks
Trichloroethylene (ppb) 1.7 5 0.4 ND - 0.7 ND ND ND ND ND ND Y Discharge from metal degreasing sites
Disinfection
Byproducts & Residuals
Total Trihalomethanes (ppb) NS 80 City-wide LR41A: 16 Range: 4 - 55 Y By-product of drinking water chlorination
Haloacetic Acids (ppb) NS 60 City-wide LRAA: 2 Range: ND - 9 Y By-product of drinking water chlorination
Total Chlorine/Chloramines (ppm) {4} {4} City-wide Average: 1.2 Range: 0.2 - 2.4 Y Drinking water disinfectant added for treatment
Bromate (ppb) 0.1 10 N/A N/A N/A N/A 4.5 1.2 - 9.8 ND ND - 7.0 Y By-product of drinking water ozonation
Total Organic Carbon (ppm) N/A TT N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.0 1.1 - 2.0 2.4 1.8 - 2.5
Inorganic Chemicals
Aluminum (ppm) 0.6 1 (0.2*) ND ND 0.01 0.01 0.064** ND - 0.120 0.148** ND - 0.240 Y Erosion of natural deposits; used in water treatment process
Arsenic (ppb) 0.004 10 ND ND-0.5 1.0 1.0 ND ND ND ND Y Erosion of natural deposits
Barium (ppm) 2 1 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.05 ND ND 110 110 Y Discharge from oil and metal industries; Erosion of natural deposits
Chromium (ppb) [100] 50 ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND Y Discharge from steel and pulp mills; natural deposits erosion
Chromium 6 (ppb) 0.02 NS 0.2 0.2 1.7 1.7 ND ND ND ND Y Naturally occuring; industrial waste discharge
Copper (d) (ppm) 0.3 AL=1.3 (1.0*) 2019 Y Corrosion of household plumbing systems
Fluoride After Treatment (ppm) 1 2 Y Water additive for dental health
Lead (d) (ppb) 0.2 AL=15 2019 Y Corrosion of household plumbing systems
Nitrate (as N) (ppm) 10 10 0.5 0.4 - 0.7 3.6 3.1 - 3.9 ND ND ND ND Y Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from sewage; erosion of natural deposits
Perchlorate (ppb) 1 6 ND ND 1.0 1.0 ND ND ND ND Y Industrial waste discharge
Radionuclides
Alpha emitters (pCi/L) [0] 15 ND ND 3.3 3.3 ND ND ND ND Y Erosion of natural deposits
Beta/photon emitters (pCi/L) [0] 50 NA NA NA NA ND ND 5 4-6 Y Decay of natural and man-made deposits
Combined Radium (pCi/L) [0] 5 ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND Y Erosion of natural deposits
Uranium (pCi/L) 0.43 20 2.5 1.9 -3.7 0.8 0.8 ND ND -3 2 1-3 Y Erosion of natural deposits
Citywide Highest Monthly 0.69% Range: ND - 0.69% No violations
Citywide Maximum: 0 Positive Samples
Citywide LRAA: 23.6 Range: 5.1 - 70.1
Citywide LRAA: 3.1 Range: ND - 10.4
Citywide Average: 1.80 Range: ND - 3.2
Citywide, 90th percentile: 0.30 0 sites out of 30 exceeded the AL
Control Range: 0.6 - 1.2 Citywide Range: 0.6 - 1.1
Citywide, 90th percentile: 2.30 0 sites out of 30 exceeded the AL (d)
PRIMARY DRINKING WATER STANDARDS (MANDATORY HEALTH-RELATED STANDARDS)
SURFACE WATER Weymouth Plant Average Range
SURFACE WATER Jensen Plant erage Range
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1918 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public
Page 1 of 2
ATTACHMENT NO. 3
Table 1
Reference: 2012 ACWA PHG Survey
COST ESTIMATES FOR TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES
(INCLUDES ANNUALIZED CAPITAL AND O&M COSTS)
No.
Treatment
Technology
Source of Information
Estimated Unit Cost
2012 ACWA Survey
Indexed to 2021*
($/1,000 gallons treated)
1
Ion Exchange Coachella Valley WD, for GW, to reduce Arsenic
concentrations. 2011 costs.
2.40
2
Ion Exchange City of Riverside Public Utilities, for GW, for Perchlorate
treatment.
1.16
3
Ion Exchange
Carollo Engineers, anonymous utility, 2012 costs for
treating GW source for Nitrates. Design souce water
concentration: 88 mg/L NO3. Design finished water
concentration: 45 mg/L NO3. Does not include
concentrate disposal or land cost.
0.88
4
Granular
Activated Carbon
City of Riverside Public Utilities, GW sources, for TCE,
DBCP (VOC, SOC) treatment.
0.58
5
Granular
Activated Carbon
Carollo Engineers, anonymous utility, 2012 costs for
treating SW source for TTHMs. Design souce water
concentration: 0.135 mg/L. Design finished water
concentration: 0.07 mg/L. Does not include concentrate disposal or land cost.
0.42
6
Granular
Activated Carbon,
Liquid Phase
LADWP, Liquid Phase GAC treatment at Tujunga Well
field. Costs for treating 2 wells. Treament for 1,1 DCE
(VOC). 2011-2012 costs.
1.78
7
Reverse Osmosis
Carollo Engineers, anonymous utility, 2012 costs for
treating GW source for Nitrates. Design souce water
concentration: 88 mg/L NO3. Design finished water
concentration: 45 mg/L NO3. Does not include concentrate disposal or land cost.
0.94
8 Packed Tower
Aeration
City of Monrovia, treatment to reduce TCE, PCE
concentrations. 2011-12 costs.
0.52
9 Ozonation+
Chemical addition
SCVWD, STWTP treatment plant includes chemical
addition + ozone generation costs to reduce THM/HAAs
concentrations. 2009-2012 costs.
0.11
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1919 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Page 2 of 2
COST ESTIMATES FOR TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES
(INCLUDES ANNUALIZED CAPITAL AND O&M COSTS)
No.
Treatment
Technology
Source of Information
Estimated Unit Cost
2012 ACWA Survey
Indexed to 2021*
($/1,000 gallons treated)
10
Ozonation+
Chemical addition
SCVWD, PWTP treatment plant includes chemical
addition + ozone generation costs to reduce THM/HAAs
concentrations, 2009-2012 costs.
0.23
11 Coagulation/Filtra
tion
Soquel WD, treatment to reduce manganese
concentrations in GW. 2011 costs.
0.88
12
Coagulation/Filtra
tion Optimization
San Diego WA, costs to reduce THM/Bromate,
Turbidity concentrations, raw SW a blend of State
Water Project water and Colorado River water, treated
at Twin Oaks Valley WTP.
1.00
13
Blending (Well) Rancho California WD, GW blending well, 1150 gpm, to
reduce fluoride concentrations.
0.83
14
Blending (Wells) Rancho California WD, GW blending wells, to reduce
arsenic concentrations, 2012 costs.
0.68
15
Blending Rancho California WD, using MWD water to blend with
GW to reduce arsenic concentrations. 2012 costs.
0.81
16 Corrosion
Inhibition
Atascadero Mutual WC, corrosion inhibitor addition to
control aggressive water. 2011 costs.
0.10
*Costs were adjusted from date of original estimates to present, where appropriate, using the Engineering News Record (ENR)
annual average Construction Cost Index of 12,1332021
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1920 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Page 1 of 2
ATTACHMENT NO. 3
Table 2
Reference: Other Agencies
COST ESTIMATES FOR TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES
(INCLUDES ANNUALIZED CAPITAL AND O&M COSTS)
No. Treatment
Technology
Source of Information
Estimated 2012 Unit Cost
Indexed to 2021* ($/1,000
gallons treated)
1
Reduction -
Coagulation-
Filtration
Reference: February 28, 2013, Final Report
Chromium Removal Research, City of Glendale,
CA. 100-2000 gpm. Reduce Hexavalent
Chromium to 1 ppb.
1.91 - 11.96
2
IX - Weak Base
Anion Resin
Reference: February 28, 2013, Final Report
Chromium Removal Research, City of Glendale,
CA. 100-2000 gpm. Reduce Hexavalent
Chromium to 1 ppb.
1.96 – 8.19
3
IX
Golden State Water Co., IX w/disposable resin, 1
MGD, Perchlorate removal, built in 2010.
0.60
4
IX
Golden State Water Co., IX w/disposable resin,
1000 gpm, perchlorate removal (Proposed; O&M
estimated).
1.31
5
IX
Golden State Water Co., IX with brine
regeneration, 500 gpm for Selenium removal, built
in 2007.
8.57
6
GFO/Adsorption
Golden State Water Co., Granular Ferric Oxide
Resin, Arsenic removal, 600 gpm, 2 facilities, built
in 2006.
2.24 - 2.39
7
RO
Reference: Inland Empire Utilities Agency : Chino
Basin Desalter. RO cost to reduce 800 ppm TDS,
150 ppm Nitrate (as NO3); approx. 7 mgd.
2.93
8
IX
Reference: Inland Empire Utilities Agency : Chino
Basin Desalter. IX cost to reduce 150 ppm Nitrate
(as NO3); approx. 2.6 mgd.
1.63
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1921 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Page 2 of 2
9
Packed Tower
Aeration
Reference: Inland Empire Utilities Agency : Chino
Basin Desalter. PTA-VOC air stripping, typical
treated flow of approx. 1.6 mgd.
0.49
10
IX
Reference: West Valley WD Report, for Water
Recycling Funding Program, for 2.88 mgd
treatment facility. IX to remove Perchlorate,
Perchlorate levels 6-10 ppb. 2008 costs.
0.68 - 0.97
11
Coagulation
Filtration
Reference: West Valley WD, includes capital,
O&M costs for 2.88 mgd treatment facility- Layne
Christensen packaged coagulation Arsenic
removal system. 2009-2012 costs.
0.45
12
FBR
Reference: West Valley WD/Envirogen design
data for the O&M + actual capitol costs, 2.88 mgd
fluidized bed reactor (FBR) treatment system,
Perchlorate and Nitrate removal, followed by
multimedia filtration & chlorination, 2012. NOTE:
The capitol cost for the treatment facility for the
first 2,000 gpm is $23 million annualized over 20
years with ability to expand to 4,000 gpm with
minimal costs in the future. $17 million funded
through state and federal grants with the
remainder funded by WVWD and the City of
Rialto.
2.02 – 2.13
* Costs were adjusted from date of original estimates to present, where appropriate, using the Engineering News Record
(ENR) annual average Construction Cost Index of 12,133 for 2021. .
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1922 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Page 1 of 3
ATTACHMENT NO. 3
Table 3
Reference: Updated 2012 ACWA Cost of Treatment Table
COST ESTIMATES FOR TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES
(INCLUDES ANNUALIZED CAPITAL AND O&M COSTS)
No. Treatment
Technology
Source of Information
Estimated 2012 Unit
Cost Indexed to 2021*
($/1,000 gallons treated)
1
Granular Activated
Carbon
Reference: Malcolm Pirnie estimate for California Urban
Water Agencies, large surface water treatment plants
treating water from the State Water Project to meet
Stage 2 D/DBP and bromate regulation, 1998
0.69 - 1.31
2 Granular Activated
Carbon
Reference: Carollo Engineers, estimate for VOC
treatment (PCE), 95% removal of PCE, Oct. 1994,1900
gpm design capacity
0.32
3
Granular Activated
Carbon
Reference: Carollo Engineers, est. for a large No. Calif.
surf. water treatment plant ( 90 mgd capacity) treating
water from the State Water Project, to reduce THM
precursors, ENR construction cost index = 6262 (San
Francisco area) - 1992
1.51
4
Granular Activated
Carbon
Reference: CH2M Hill study on San Gabriel Basin, for
135 mgd central treatment facility for VOC and SOC
removal by GAC, 1990
0.59 - 0.86
5
Granular Activated
Carbon
Reference: Southern California Water Co. - actual data
for "rented" GAC to remove VOCs (1,1-DCE), 1.5 mgd
capacity facility, 1998
2.71
6
Granular Activated
Carbon
Reference: Southern California Water Co. - actual data
for permanent GAC to remove VOCs (TCE), 2.16 mgd
plant capacity, 1998
1.75
7
Reverse Osmosis
Reference: Malcolm Pirnie estimate for California Urban
Water Agencies, large surface water treatment plants
treating water from the State Water Project to meet
Stage 2 D/DBP and bromate regulation, 1998
2.036 –
3.89
8
Reverse Osmosis
Reference: Boyle Engineering, RO cost to reduce 1000
ppm TDS in brackish groundwater in So. Calif., 1.0 mgd
plant operated at 40% of design flow, high brine line cost,
May 1991
4.80
9
Reverse Osmosis
Reference: Boyle Engineering, RO cost to reduce 1000
ppm TDS in brackish groundwater in So. Calif., 1.0 mgd
plant operated at 100% of design flow, high brine line
cost, May 1991
2.96
10
Reverse Osmosis
Reference: Boyle Engineering, RO cost to reduce 1000
ppm TDS in brackish groundwater in So. Calif., 10.0
mgd plant operated at 40% of design flow, high brine line
cost, May 1991
3.20
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1923 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
COST ESTIMATES FOR TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES
(INCLUDES ANNUALIZED CAPITAL AND O&M COSTS)
Page 2 of 3
Office of
Environm
ental
Health
No. Treatment
Technology
Source of Information
Estimated 2012 Unit
Cost Indexed to 2021*
($/1,000 gallons treated)
11
Reverse Osmosis
Reference: Boyle Engineering, RO cost to reduce 1000
ppm TDS in brackish groundwater in So. Calif., 10.0 mgd
plant operated at 100% of design flow, high brine line
cost, May 1991
2.48
12
Reverse Osmosis
Reference: Arsenic Removal Study, City of Scottsdale,
AZ - CH2M Hill, for a 1.0 mgd plant operated at 40% of
design capacity, Oct. 1991
8.04
13
Reverse Osmosis
Reference: Arsenic Removal Study, City of Scottsdale,
AZ - CH2M Hill, for a 1.0 mgd plant operated at 100% of
design capacity, Oct. 1991
4.75
14
Reverse Osmosis
Reference: Arsenic Removal Study, City of Scottsdale,
AZ - CH2M Hill, for a 10.0 mgd plant operated at 40% of
design capacity, Oct. 1991
3.55
15
Reverse Osmosis
Reference: Arsenic Removal Study, City of Scottsdale,
AZ - CH2M Hill, for a 10.0 mgd plant operated at 100%
of design capacity, Oct. 1991
2.20
16
Reverse Osmosis
Reference: CH2M Hill study on San Gabriel Basin, for
135 mgd central treatment facility with RO to remove
nitrate, 1990
2.22 - 3.89
17
Packed Tower
Aeration
Reference: Analysis of Costs for Radon Removal...
(AWWARF publication), Kennedy/Jenks, for a 1.4 mgd
facility operating at 40% of design capacity, Oct. 1991
1.27
18
Packed Tower
Aeration
Reference: Analysis of Costs for Radon Removal...
(AWWARF publication), Kennedy/Jenks, for a 14.0 mgd
facility operating at 40% of design capacity, Oct. 1991
0.68
19
Packed Tower
Aeration
Reference: Carollo Engineers, estimate for VOC
treatment (PCE) by packed tower aeration, without off-
gas treatment, O&M costs based on operation during
329 days/year at 10% downtime, 16 hr/day air stripping
operation, 1900 gpm design capacity, Oct. 1994
0.34
20
Packed Tower
Aeration
Reference: Carollo Engineers, for PCE treatment by
Ecolo-Flo Enviro-Tower air stripping, without off-gas
treatment, O&M costs based on operation during 329
days/year at 10% downtime, 16 hr/day air stripping
operation, 1900 gpm design capacity, Oct. 1994
0.35
21
Packed Tower
Aeration
Reference: CH2M Hill study on San Gabriel Basin, for
135 mgd central treatment facility - packed tower
aeration for VOC and radon removal, 1990
0.55 - 0.90
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1924 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
COST ESTIMATES FOR TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES
(INCLUDES ANNUALIZED CAPITAL AND O&M COSTS)
Page 3 of 3
Office of
Environm
ental
Health
No. Treatment
Technology
Source of Information
Estimated 2012 Unit
Cost Indexed to 2021*
($/1,000 gallons treated)
22
Advanced
Oxidation
Processes
Reference: Carollo Engineers, estimate for VOC
treatment (PCE) by UV Light, Ozone, Hydrogen
Peroxide, O&M costs based on operation during 329
days/year at 10% downtime, 24 hr/day AOP operation,
1900 gpm capacity, Oct. 1994
0.67
23
Ozonation
Reference: Malcolm Pirnie estimate for CUWA, large
surface water treatment plants using ozone to treat water
from the State Water Project to meet Stage 2 D/DBP and
bromate regulation, Cryptosporidium inactivation
requirements,1998
0.15 - 0.32
24
Ion Exchange
Reference: CH2M Hill study on San Gabriel Basin, for
135 mgd central treatment facility - ion exchange to
remove nitrate, 1990
0.73 - 0.97
* Costs were adjusted from date of original estimates to present, where appropriate, using the Engineering News Record (ENR) annual
average Construction Cost Index of 12,133 for 2021.
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1925 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
EXHIBIT F
ACRONYMS
ACWA - Association of California Water Agencies
AL - Action Level
BAT - Best Available Technology
Cal/EPA - California Environmental Protection Agency
CCR - California Code of Regulations
DBP - Disinfection Byproduct
DDW – Division of Drinking Water
DLR - Detection Level for purposes of Reporting
GAC - Granular Activated Carbon
MCL - Maximum Contaminant Level
MCLG - Maximum Contaminant Level Goal
mg/l - milligrams per liter
MWD - Metropolitan Water District
ND - Not Detected
NL - Notification Level
OEHHA - Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
pCi/l - picoCuries per liter
PHG – Public Health Goal
PPM – Parts Per Million (1 / 1,000,000)
PPB – Parts Per Billion (1 / 1,000,000,000)
PPT – Parts Per Trillion (1 / 1,000,000,000,000)
PTA - Packed Tower Aeration
RAA - Running Annual Average
RO - Reverse Osmosis
SWRCB – State Water Resource Control Board
TCE –Trichloroethylene
TTHMs - Total Trihalomethanes
USEPA - United States Environmental Protection Agency
VOC - Volatile Organic Compound
12.A.a
Packet Pg. 1926 Attachment: Attachment A - 2022 Water Quality Report Relative to the Public Health Goals (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Summary of City of Santa Monica Report on
Water Quality Relative to Public Health Goals
Each year the City of Santa Monica publishes its Annual Water Quality Report which includes
details about the water that Santa Monica residents and businesses use every day. Along with
information regarding important current water issues, the annual report includes information
required by the Federal and State governments to illustrate how the quality of the water at the
consumer’s tap compares against established water quality standards. These water quality
standards are established by Federal and State regulations as MCLs (Maximum Contaminant
Levels). Consistently, Santa Monica’s water is shown to be in full compliance with all regulatory
water quality standards.
Every three years, all water agencies in California are required to prepare a Public Health Goal
(PHG) report. A PHG is the concentration of a contaminant in drinking water that poses no
significant health risk if consumed for a lifetime. PHG standards are lower than Maximum
Contaminant Levels (MCLs), are strictly health based, and include a margin of safety. The
purpose of this report is to provide consumers with information on levels of contaminants even
below the enforceable MCLs to inform them of whatever risks might be posed by the presence
of these contaminants at levels below the MCLs. PHGs are not enforceable because the Best
Available Technology to reach such low levels has not been defined and/or may not be
available, and cost analyses are not reliable since estimates are speculative and theoretical.
Details about Public Health Goals, how they were developed, what they mean, and the current
state of the City’s water quality are included in the 2022 City of Santa Monica Report on Water
Quality Relative to Public Health Goals. The report will be received and filed at a public hearing
by the Santa Monica City Council on Tuesday, October 11, 2022. Public comments can also be
heard at this time. This report is available for public review at the City Clerk’s office in City Hall,
the Main Library, the Water Resources Division office, and online at the Water Resources
Division website at: https://bit.ly/3JUvNhxpdf
12.A.b
Packet Pg. 1927 Attachment: Attachment B - 2022 Water Quality Report Summary (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
*Contact information is available on the last page of this report.
TO DOWNLOAD THIS REPORT VISIT WATERQUALITY.SMGOV.NET
ANNUAL
WATER QUALITY REPORT
JUNE 2022
WATER RESOURCES DIVISION
12.A.c
Packet Pg. 1928 Attachment: Attachment C - 2022 Water Quality Report (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
*Contact information is available on the last page of this report.*Contact information is available on the last page of this report.
Dear Community Members,
The City of Santa Monica strives to provide safe, reliable,
and clean drinking water to our residents. On behalf of the City, I am pleased to present this Annual Drinking Water
Quality Report which provides a summary of water quality data for 2021. All federal and state drinking water standards
were met by the City of Santa Monica.
The City’s Water Resources Division prioritizes sustainable, clean and high-quality drinking water for its residents today
and for the future. As we enter the 3rd year of the current drought cycle, water conservation continues to be of
significant importance for the City and our community has done an amazing job conserving water to date. However,
more work will likely be needed due to the lack of rain/snow in the State this year to recharge our groundwater aquifers
and replenish other water supplies.
Looking to the future and addressing climate change impacts on our water supply, we are well underway
implementing the water self-sufficiency projects outlined in our 2018 Sustainable Water Master Plan Update to
enhance the reliability and drought resiliency of our water supply. Notable projects include completion of the
Sustainable Water Infrastructure Project (SWIP) in summer of 2022 to increase the City’s recycled water supply and
groundbreaking on the expansion of our Arcadia Water Treatment Plant in January 2022.
The City continues to invest in our water infrastructure
through new water supply projects, advanced treatment technologies, infrastructure upgrades and modernization,
all culminating in a sustainable and drought resilient water supply portfolio for the community.
On behalf of the City of Santa Monica Public Works
Department and the employees of the Water Resources Division, thank you for allowing us to serve you.
Sincerely,
Sunny Wang
Water Resources Manager
The City of Santa Monica currently obtains up to 75% of
its water from local groundwater wells within the City and
in West Los Angeles. The City extracts its water from three
sub-basins within the Santa Monica Basin (Charnock,
Olympic, and Arcadia Sub-basins), with the Charnock
Sub-basin being a local supply since 1924!
Over 20 years ago, Methyl tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) and
tert-Butyl Alcohol (TBA), compounds once used as
gasoline additives, were detected in three of the Charnock
Sub-basin wells. These contaminants found their way into
the groundwater via Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
from various gasoline stations within the Charnock Sub-
basin. In response, the City of Santa Monica established the
Charnock Well Field Restoration Project. The treatment from
this project uses virgin Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
filtration, from coconut shells, to successfully treat MTBE
and TBA concentrations to levels well below the Maximum
Contaminant Level (MCL) of 5 ppb.
TO PUT THESE UNITS INTO CONTEXT:
One part per billion (ppb) = 1 second in 31.7 years = 1 teaspoon in 1.3 million gallons
One part per million (ppm) = 1 second in 11.6 days
= 1 teaspoon in 1,302 gallons
The treated water from the Charnock Well Field is then
sent to the Arcadia Treatment Plant, and along the way it blends with water from the Olympic and Arcadia Sub-basin
wells. Once the water arrives at the Arcadia Treatment Plant, it undergoes a treatment process that includes Iron/
Manganese removal, filtration, Reverse Osmosis (RO) softening, aeration, disinfection, and fluoridation.
Softening is the process of removing scale-forming calcium
and magnesium from hard water. RO performs softening by forcing hard water through membranes with very small
Santa Monica’s Water Source
And Treatment System
The City of Santa Monica Water Resources Division values
transparency, we hope that you find this report clear andeasy to understand. If you have any questions, please call us at
(310) 434-2672.
El Departamento de Recursos de Agua de la ciudad
de Santa Monica valora una gestión transparente; porconsiguiente, esperamos que encuentre este informe claro
y fácil de entender. Si usted tiene alguna pregunta, por favorcomuníquese al (310) 434-2672.
Arcadia Water Treatment Plant
12.A.c
Packet Pg. 1929 Attachment: Attachment C - 2022 Water Quality Report (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
*Contact information is available on the last page of this report.*Contact information is available on the last page of this report.
SANTA MONICA WATER TREATMENT PROCESS
Charnock Well FieldCharnock Wells
Groundwater contaminated
with the gasoline additive MTBE is pumped
up from 400 feet below ground surface.
Greens and FiltrationThe well water is
filtered through greens and
media to remove iron and manganese which would
foul the carbon filters.
GAC FiltrationThe MTBE is removed by
filtering through
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filters.
Pump to Treatment
PlantThe filtered water is
combined with the flow of other wells and pumped to the Santa Monica Water
Treatment Plant.
Santa Monica
Water Treatment
Plant
Pretreatment
To protect the sensitive Reverse Osmosis (RO) filters, the combined well flow is filtered again through greensand and cartridge filters to remove
more iron, manganese and any remaining sediment.
Reverse Osmosis FiltrationFiltration through a three-stage Reverse Osmosis (RO) membrane system softens the water by removing
minerals (calcium and magnesium). RO uses pressure to force water through membranes with pores so small the
minerals can’t pass through.
Water Quality
Adjustments
The mineral content is adjusted to
the desired softness. The pH is adjusted, fluoride is added and
the water undergoes final disinfection with chloramine.Aeration and Storage
The final step, aeration, uses the existingair stripping technology in the five million
gallon reservoir to remove any remaining volatile groundwater
contaminants as
trichloroethene (TCE).
REVERSE
OSMOSIS
FILTRATION
Final Delivery
Santa Monica residents and businesses receive water for everyday use. Water
conservation by end users is key to ensuring water reliability and sustainability.
4
12.A.c
Packet Pg. 1930 Attachment: Attachment C - 2022 Water Quality Report (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
*Contact information is available on the last page of this report.*Contact information is available on the last page of this report.
pores, sized from 0.0001 - 0.001micrometers.The complete
treatment process is further outlined on the following pages.
The remaining 25% of Santa Monica’s drinking water is
purchased from Metropolitan Water District (MWD). Treated
MWD water is blended with our locally produced water,
and then distributed to our residents. MWD imports water
from two separate sources. One is the Colorado River
water, which is delivered from Lake Havasu through a
242-mile-long aqueduct and originates as snowmelt from
mountainous regions in Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado.
The second is from the State Water Project, which is
delivered through the 441-mile-long California Aqueduct
and originates in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. MWD
water is filtered at their treatment plants and undergoes
extensive treatment before entering Santa Monica’s water
system.
For more information about the City’s treatment facilities,
please call the Water Resources Division (see back cover
for contact information).
Background on
Drinking Water Contaminants
The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs,
springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring
minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals
or from human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water include:
Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria that
may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, that can
be naturally-occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas
production, mining, or farming.**
Pesticides and herbicides that may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and
residential uses.
Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, that are by-products of industrial
processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, agricultural
application, and septic systems.
Radioactive contaminants, that can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining
activities.
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the
California State Water Resources Control Board (State
Board) prescribe regulations that limit the concentration of certain contaminants in water provided by public water
systems. State Board regulations also establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that provide the same
protection for public health.
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some
contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More
information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the USEPA’s Safe Drinking Water
Hotline (1-800-426-4791).
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population.
Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have
undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly people,
and infants can be particularly at risk of infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their
health care providers. USEPA/Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the
risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water
Hotline (1-800-426-4791).
** You can help protect source water purity by controlling what enters storm drains and the water table. The following sites
provide guides on how you can protect Drinking Water Sources:
www.epa.gov/sourcewaterprotection/easy-things-
you-can-do-protect-drinking-water-sources.
Information on environmentally friendly products is available at www.santamonica.gov/categories/programs/
sustainability-and-the-environment.
To report storm drain pollution, please contact the City’s
Wastewater Department. See back cover for contact information.
The California Aqueduct.
12.A.c
Packet Pg. 1931 Attachment: Attachment C - 2022 Water Quality Report (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
*Contact information is available on the last page of this report.*Contact information is available on the last page of this report.
Source Water
Vulnerability Assessments
Between 2000 and 2012, the California State Water
Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water
(DDW) completed Source Water Vulnerability Assessments
for all the City’s groundwater wells. The assessments
are required for all water utilities nationwide to evaluate
the vulnerability of drinking water sources for “possible
contaminating activities.” Vulnerabilities most associated
with contamination include commercial, industrial, urban
runoff and municipal activities. Based on the vulnerability
assessments, Santa Monica Wells #3 and #4 located
mid-city, Arcadia Wells #4 and #5, and Charnock Wells #13,
#16, #18, #19 and #20, located in West L.A. are considered
most vulnerable to commercial, industrial, residential, and
municipal activities. Santa Monica Well #1, located on the
north side of the city, Wells #3 and #4, and the Arcadia
Wells are considered most vulnerable by their proximity to
sewer collection systems, although monthly analyses have
detected no related contamination.
For more information, please contact the Water Resources
Division.*
In March and June 2012, MWD completed a source water
assessment of its Colorado and State Project supplies.
Based upon the vulnerability assessments, the Colorado
River and State Project supplies are most vulnerable
to contamination resulting from recreation, urban/storm
water runoff, increasing urbanization in the watershed, and
wastewater.
A copy of the assessment can be obtained by contacting
MWD (see back cover for contact information).
Santa Monica’s
Drinking Water Quality
Permission and oversight to operate a community water
system is granted annually by the DDW and the USEPA.
Santa Monica’s water supply undergoes constant field and
laboratory testing to ensure the highest water quality before
reaching your tap. The water is sampled and analyzed
daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, annual, and
triennial. In addition, our water quality management practice
includes operating and maintaining optimum performance
of the source wells, treatment plants, distribution system;
managing reservoirs to meet demand; and testing the water
at over 100 locations throughout City’s distribution system
monthly.
We look for more than 100 substances including
microorganisms, pesticides, herbicides, asbestos, lead,
copper, petroleum-based products, and by-products of
industrial and water treatment processes. As a result, we
conduct more than 8,000 laboratory tests each year.
Our state certified laboratory perform routine tests to ensure
clean and healthy drinking water.
Water Quality Data Tables
Santa Monica Water continues to meet and exceed all USEPA and State Drinking Water Health Standards.
The following data tables compare our water quality with Drinking Water Health Standards. The data is organized by
source of water in two categories, each with two sub-parts:
Local Groundwater — Arcadia Treatment Plant: Collects water from 9 wells,
completes treatment, and sends to distribution. — Santa Monica Well #1: Treats supply at the source and
pumps directly into distribution.
Metropolitan Water District (MWD) Treatment Plants from where Santa Monica receives treated water
— Weymouth Plant — Jensen Plant
The results are presented in two tables: Primary Drinking
Water Quality Results and Secondary Drinking Water Quality Results. The primary results cover contaminants that
may affect the public’s health. These contaminants include hazardous chemicals, metals, bacteria, and radioactivity.
The secondary results cover parameters that may affect the aesthetics of the water, such as taste, appearance, and
odor. These parameters include turbidity, minerals, and pH among others.
For questions regarding water quality, call the Water
Resources Division (see back cover for contact information).
Using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS),
chemists test for volatile organics in the water.
12.A.c
Packet Pg. 1932 Attachment: Attachment C - 2022 Water Quality Report (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
*Contact information is available on the last page of this report.
KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS
CITY OF SANTA MONICA WATER RESOURCES DIVISION
Summary of Results for Primary Drinking Water Standards for 2021
PDWS = Primary Drinking Water Standards are MCLs and MRDLs for contaminants that affect health along with their monitoring and reporting requirements, and water treatment requirements.PHG = Public Health Goal is the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected
risk to health. PHGs are set by the California Environmental Protection Agency.MCLG = Maximum Contaminant Level Goal is the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs are set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level is the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. Primary
MCLs are set as close to the PHGs (or MCLGs) as is economically and technologically feasible. Secondary MCLs are set to protect the odor, taste, and appearance of drinking water.MRDLG = Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal is the level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control
microbial contaminants. MRDL = Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level is the highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There
is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.LRAA = Locational Running Annual Average. The running annual average is based on monitoring location.AL = Regulatory Action Level is the concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other
requirements that a water system must follow.NA = Not ApplicableND = Monitored for but Not Detected NS = No Standard NTU = Nephelometric Turbidity Units - used to measure cloudiness of drinking water.TT = Treatment Technique: A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.ppb = parts per billion, or micrograms per liter (µg/l)ppm = parts per million, or milligrams per liter (mg/l)pCi/L = picocuries per liter
* = secondary standard** = Highest Running Average (RAA)
(a) = SM Well#1 is pumped into a transmission line, is blended with Imported Surface Water and enters the system at 19th St. & Idaho Ave.(b) = The City is not required to test for every parameter each year. If indicated, data is from a previous year.
(c) = The E. coli MCL is based on routine and repeat samples testing positive for coliforms and/or E. coli or failure to collect required repeat samples. Fecal Coliform/E. Coli constitutes an acute MCL violation. No Level 1 Assessments or MCL violations occurred for 2021.(d) = The MCL has been replaced with a treatment technique requiring agencies to optimize corrosion control.
Results given are from first draw, at-the-tap monitoring performed every three years.
FOR ADDITIONAL WATER QUALITY QUESTIONS CONTACT THE LEAD CHEMIST, CLEMENT DO, AT (310) 434-2672.
LOCAL IMPORTED IMPORTED Dates Meets MAJOR SOURCES PHG/ State WELL WATER SM WELL #1(a) SURFACE WATER SURFACE WATER Sampled Std IN DRINKING WATERPARAMETER [MCLG]/ MCL/ Arcadia Plant Weymouth Plant Jensen Plant if other {MRDLG} {MRDL} Average Range Average Range Average Range Average Range than 2021(b)
Clarity
Maximum Turbidity (NTU) NS 95% < 0.3 N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.03 100% ≤ 0.3 0.03 100% ≤ 0.3 Y Soil runoff
Microbiological
Total Coliform Bacteria [0] 5% City-wide Maximum: 0 Positive Samples Y Naturally present in the environment
(% positive samples/month)
Fecal Coliform/E. Coli [0] (c) City-wide Maximum: 0 Positive Samples Y Human and animal fecal waste
Organic Chemical
Methyl tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) (ppb) 13 13(5*) ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND Y Leaking underground storage tanks
Trichloroethylene (ppb) 1.7 5 0.4 ND - 0.7 ND ND ND ND ND ND Y Discharge from metal degreasing sites
Disinfection
Byproducts & Residuals
Total Trihalomethanes (ppb) NS 80 City-wide LR41A: 16 Range: 4 - 55 Y By-product of drinking water chlorination
Haloacetic Acids (ppb) NS 60 City-wide LRAA: 2 Range: ND - 9 Y By-product of drinking water chlorination
Total Chlorine/Chloramines (ppm) {4} {4} City-wide Average: 1.2 Range: 0.2 - 2.4 Y Drinking water disinfectant added for treatment
Bromate (ppb) 0.1 10 N/A N/A N/A N/A 4.5 1.2 - 9.8 ND ND - 7.0 Y By-product of drinking water ozonation
Total Organic Carbon (ppm) N/A TT N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.0 1.1 - 2.0 2.4 1.8 - 2.5
Inorganic Chemicals
Aluminum (ppm) 0.6 1 (0.2*) ND ND 0.01 0.01 0.064** ND - 0.120 0.148** ND - 0.240 Y Erosion of natural deposits; used in water treatment process
Arsenic (ppb) 0.004 10 ND ND-0.5 1.0 1.0 ND ND ND ND Y Erosion of natural deposits
Barium (ppm) 2 1 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.05 ND ND 110 110 Y Discharge from oil and metal industries; Erosion of natural deposits
Chromium (ppb) [100] 50 ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND Y Discharge from steel and pulp mills; natural deposits erosion
Chromium 6 (ppb) 0.02 NS 0.2 0.2 1.7 1.7 ND ND ND ND Y Naturally occuring; industrial waste discharge
Copper (d) (ppm) 0.3 AL=1.3 (1.0*) 2019 Y Corrosion of household plumbing systems
Fluoride After Treatment (ppm) 1 2 Y Water additive for dental health
Lead (d) (ppb) 0.2 AL=15 2019 Y Corrosion of household plumbing systems
Nitrate (as N) (ppm) 10 10 0.5 0.4 - 0.7 3.6 3.1 - 3.9 ND ND ND ND Y Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from sewage; erosion of natural deposits
Perchlorate (ppb) 1 6 ND ND 1.0 1.0 ND ND ND ND Y Industrial waste discharge
Radionuclides
Alpha emitters (pCi/L) [0] 15 ND ND 3.3 3.3 ND ND ND ND Y Erosion of natural deposits
Beta/photon emitters (pCi/L) [0] 50 NA NA NA NA ND ND 5 4-6 Y Decay of natural and man-made deposits
Combined Radium (pCi/L) [0] 5 ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND Y Erosion of natural deposits
Uranium (pCi/L) 0.43 20 2.5 1.9 -3.7 0.8 0.8 ND ND -3 2 1-3 Y Erosion of natural deposits
Citywide Highest Monthly 0.69% Range: ND - 0.69% No violations
Citywide Maximum: 0 Positive Samples
Citywide LRAA: 23.6 Range: 5.1 - 70.1
Citywide LRAA: 3.1 Range: ND - 10.4
Citywide Average: 1.80 Range: ND - 3.2
Citywide, 90th percentile: 0.30 0 sites out of 30 exceeded the AL
Control Range: 0.6 - 1.2 Citywide Range: 0.6 - 1.1
Citywide, 90th percentile: 2.30 0 sites out of 30 exceeded the AL (d)
PRIMARY DRINKING WATER STANDARDS (MANDATORY HEALTH-RELATED STANDARDS)
SURFACE WATER Weymouth Plant Average Range
SURFACE WATER Jensen Plant erage Range
12.A.c
Packet Pg. 1933 Attachment: Attachment C - 2022 Water Quality Report (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
*Contact information is available on the last page of this report.
CITY OF SANTA MONICA WATER RESOURCES DIVISION
Summary of Results for Secondary Drinking Water Standards for 2021
LOCAL IMPORTED IMPORTED PHG/ State WELL WATER SM WELL #1(a) SURFACE WATER SURFACE WATER PARAMETER [MCLG] MCL Arcadia Plant Weymouth Plant Jensen Plant Average Range Average Range Average Range Average Range
SECONDARY DRINKING WATER STANDARDS (AESTHETIC STANDARDS)
Chemical Parameters
Chloride (ppm) NS 500 47 42 - 62 108 107 - 109 72 65-80 96 95 - 97 Y Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; industrial wastes
Color (units) NS 15 <5 <5 <5 <5 -10 2 1 -2 1 1 Y Naturally-occurring organic materials
Iron (ppb) NS 300 12 ND - 30 27 27 ND ND ND ND Y Leaching from natural deposits; industrial wastes
Manganese (ppb) NS 50 3.5 ND - 5.0 2.2 2.2 ND ND ND ND Y Leaching from natural deposits
Odor- Threshold (units) NS 3 <1 <1 <1 <1 1 1 1 1 Y Naturally-occurring organic materials; chlorine
Specific Conductance (µmho/cm) NS 1600 516 458 - 663 1345 1288 - 1375 588 519 - 598 964 962 - 965 Y Substances that form ions when in water; seawater influence
Sulfate (ppm) NS 500 79 63 - 115 251 238 - 257 66 61 - 72 219 217 - 221 Y Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; industrial wastes
Total Dissolved Solids (ppm) NS 1000 289 253 - 324 935 935 300 298 - 302 604 599 - 609 Y Runoff/leaching from natural deposits
Turbidity (NTU) — 5 0.13 0.06 - 0.23 0.21 0.10 - 0.67 ND ND ND ND Y Soil runoff
KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS
PHG = Public Health Goal is the level of a contaminant in drinking
water below which there is no known or expected risk to
health. PHGs are set by the California Environmental
Protection Agency.
MCLG = Maximum Contaminant Level Goal is the level of a
contaminant in drinking water below which there is no
known or expected risk to health. MCLGs are set by the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level is the highest level of a
contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. Primary
MCLs are set as close to the PHGs (or MCLGs) as is
economically and technologically feasible. Secondary
MCLs are set to protect the odor, taste, and appearance of
drinking water.
NL = Notification Level is a health based advisory level established
by Division of Drinking Water (DDW) for chemicals in
drinking water that lack maximum contaminant levels, but
warrants notification.
NA = Not Applicable
NS = No Standard
ND = Monitored for, but Not Detected
NTU = Nephelometric Turbidity Units - used to measure cloudiness
of drinking water.
ppb = Parts per billion, or micrograms per liter (ug/l)
ppm = Parts per million, or milligrams per liter (mg/l)
ppt = Parts per trillion, or nanograms per liter (ng/l)
umho/cm = micromhos per centimeter
< = less than
(a) = SM Well#1 is pumped into a transmission line, is blended
with Imported Surface Water and enters the system at 19th
St. & Idaho Ave.
(b) = We are not required to test for each parameter every year.
If indicated, data is from a previous year.
(c) = MWD has developed a flavor-profile analysis method that
can more accurately identify odor occurences.
MeetsStd
ADDITIONAL PARAMETERS
Alkalinity (ppm) NS NS 108 95 - 130 332 328 - 335 92 86 - 97 126 123 - 128
Boron (ppb) NS NL=1000 190 190 210 210 180 180 130 130
Calcium (ppm) NS NS 38 30 - 53 126 120 - 131 30 27 - 32 67 64 - 70
Hardness (as CaCO3) (ppm) NS NS 159 129 - 202 586 571 - 609 122 110 - 133 272 270 - 273
Magnesium (ppm) NS NS 15 14 - 16 58 58 12 12 -13 26 25 - 26
pH (units) NS NS 8.2 8.1 - 8.4 7.1 6.9 - 7.2 8.3 8.3 - 8.4 8.1 8.1
Potassium (ppm) NS NS 1.4 1.3 - 1.4 2.9 2.9 2.7 2.6 - 2.7 4.6 4.4 - 4.7
Radon (pCi/L) NS NS ND ND 440 440 ND ND ND ND
Sodium (ppm) NS NS 46 41 - 50 104 104 64 61 - 68 98 95 - 101
1, 4-Dioxane (ppb) NS NL=1 ND ND ND ND NA NA NA NA
N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) (ppt) 3 NL=10 NA NA NA NA 2.6 2.6 ND ND
tert-Butyl Alcohol (TBA) (ppb) NS NL=12 ND ND NA NA ND ND ND ND
DatesSampledif otherthan 2019(b)
FOR ADDITIONAL WATER QUALITY QUESTIONS, CONTACT CLEMENT DO, LEAD CHEMIST AT (310) 434-2672
MAJOR SOURCESIN DRINKING WATER Weymouth Plant verage Rang
SURFACE WATER Jensen Plant erage Range
other 2021(b)
12.A.c
Packet Pg. 1934 Attachment: Attachment C - 2022 Water Quality Report (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
*Contact information is available on the last page of this report.*Contact information is available on the last page of this report.
COVID-19 and
Drinking Water Safety
According to the USEPA and CDC, the COVID-19 virus
has not been detected in drinking water supplies. Current
research shows no evidence that Covid-19 virus can be
spread to people by consuming treated drinking water.
Filtration and disinfection methods used in water treatment
plants remove and kill viruses, bacteria and pathogens.
The Santa Monica Water Treatment Plant carries out a
multi-step treatment processes and complies with all federal
and state regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act
(SDWA). Compliance with these regulations has been
established for many years to protect the public health
from disease or illness caused by pathogenic organisms.
Santa Monica water treatment uses chlorine / chloramine
disinfection that inactivates pathogens in the water and
then physically removes them through advance technology,
reverse osmosis (RO). Imported water from the Metropolitan
Water District (MWD) undergoes numerous treatment
processes and complies with the same federal and state
regulations. Their treatment process is effective in killing
bacteria and viruses.
The Santa Monica community can continue to use and drink
water from their tap as usual.
Additional information on COVID-19 and drinking water can
be found on United State EPA website:
https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/frequent-questions-related-
coronavirus-covid-19
and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website:
https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/index.html
Facts about Radon
Radon is a radioactive gas that you cannot see, taste, or
smell. It is found throughout the U.S. Radon can move up through the ground and into a home through cracks and
holes in the foundation. Radon can build up to high levels in all types of homes. Radon can also get into indoor air when
released from tap water from showering, washing dishes, and other household activities. Compared to radon entering
the home through soil, radon entering the home through tap water will in most cases be a small source of radon in
indoor air. Radon is a known human carcinogen. Breathing air containing radon can lead to lung cancer. Drinking water
containing radon may also cause increased risk of stomach cancer. If you are concerned about radon in your home,
test the air in your home. Testing is inexpensive and easy. You should pursue radon removal for your home if the level
of radon in your air is 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L) or higher. There are simple ways to fix a radon problem that
are not too costly. For additional information, call your state radon program (1-800-745-7236), the USEPA Safe Drinking
Water Act Hotline (1-800-426-4791), or the National Safety Council Radon Hotline (1-800-767-7236).
Information is also available at the California EPA website:
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DRSEM/Pages/
EMB/Radon/Radon-Testing.aspx
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl
Substances (PFAS)
PFAS are a group of compounds containing carbon to
fluorine chemical bonds, one of the strongest in organic chemistry. They are manufactured and used to enhance
repellency of water, grease, and soil in consumer products; thus, they are very stable and resistant to environmental
degradation. If exposed, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) are readily absorbed
but not readily eliminated from the human body. According to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)
potential health concerns, long-term exposure can cause harmful health effects to a developing fetus or infant;
suppress the immune system; disrupt the thyroid function, increased liver weight; and can lead to cancer.
California State Water Resources Control Board, Division of
Drinking Water (DDW) has issued drinking water notification levels (NLs) and response levels (RLs) for PFAS. According
to OEHHA recommendations, these levels provide some health risk protection in sensitive populations and
demonstrate low cancer risk with 70-year lifetime exposure.
If a utility exceeds the RL(s), regulations require the water source be taken out of service, provide treatment, or notify
customers.
Operators performing repairs on RO Equipment.
12.A.c
Packet Pg. 1935 Attachment: Attachment C - 2022 Water Quality Report (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
*Contact information is available on the last page of this report.*Contact information is available on the last page of this report.
PFAS Compound Notification Level Response Level
(ppt) (ppt)
Perfluorooctanoic 5.1ppt 10 ppt
Acid (PFOA)
Perfluorooctanesulfonic 6.5 ppt 40 ppt Acid (PFOS) Parts per trillion (ppt) = 1 second in 31,709.8 years
Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
In April 2019, the SWRCB investigated source water wells in California most vulnerable to PFAS contamination. This
included those near airports and landfills, and later those near secondary sources of PFAS activities. SWRCB did not
require Santa Monica to sample its sources. However, City staff proactively sampled the City’s Drinking Water sources
in August/September of 2019, and PFAS was not detected in our drinking water supply. All PFAS samples analyzed by
an outside laboratory were Non-Detect (ND).
Additionally, Granular activated carbon (GAC) and reverse osmosis (RO), both part of the City’s treatment process, are
effective at removing many PFAS compounds.
Answers to the Most
Commonly Asked Questions
About Your Tap Water
What affects the taste of my water?The taste of drinking water is affected by its mineral content,
as well as the presence of chloramine, which is used to protect against potential pathogens. Occasionally pipes can
cause a metallic taste when the water has been static in the pipes for many hours.
How hard is my water?The water delivered to our customers has an average
hardness of 159 ppm. To convert to grains per gallon, divide the hardness in ppm by 17.1. The average hardness in our
water is 9.30 grains per gallon.
What type of disinfectant is in my water?A low level of chloramine disinfectant is added to your tap
water to protect from waterborne pathogens. Chloramine is formed when a small amount of ammonia is added to
chlorinated water. This type of disinfectant is very stable and reduces the formation of disinfection by-products in your
water. These by-products are an unintended consequence of the disinfection process but are far below the allowable
limit in Santa Monica water. We carefully monitor the amount of the chloramine disinfectant to protect the quality
of your water.
Is the City’s water fluoridated?The City of Santa Monica is required by state law to add
fluoride to drinking water to help prevent dental decay in consumers. Current regulations require fluoride levels in
the treated water be maintained between 0.6 to 1.2 ppm with an optimum dose of 0.7 ppm. Our monitoring showed
that fluoride levels in the treated water distribution system averaged 0.75 ppm.
According to the American Dental Association and CDC, it
is safe to use optimally fluoridated water for preparing infant formula. If an infant is primarily fed infant formula prepared
with fluoridated water, there may be an increased chance for mild enamel fluorosis, but enamel fluorosis does not
affect the health of the infant or the health of the infant’s teeth. To lessen this chance, deionized, purified, distilled
or demineralized bottled water can be used. If you have additional questions about fluoride, contact your health
provider.
Additional information can be found at the State Board website: www.waterboards.ca.gov/drinking_water/certlic/
drinkingwater/Fluoridation or the CDC website: www.cdc.gov/fluoridation.
What about lead from my plumbing? The lead contamination that made the news in Flint,
Michigan is highly unlikely in Santa Monica. The quality of our source water is much different than Flint’s, and our
corrosion control processes comply with state drinking water regulations. A pool of “high risk” homes, which were
plumbed before the ban on lead in solder, have been tested every three years since 1992 and has continually indicated
there is little tendency of our water to leach lead out of plumbing. Our laboratory chemists closely monitor lead
results to ensure healthy drinking water, and to evaluate and determine Santa Monica’s water system has achieved
“optimized corrosion control”. The next round of testing is scheduled for 2022.
If your home plumbing contains lead, there is a limited
potential for lead to leach into your water. Fortunately, the minerals in our water help to protect against pipe corrosion,
greatly reducing the potential of lead entering the water. These minerals form a film called “scale” that prevents water
from coming into direct contact with home plumbing. The most common place to find lead in household plumbing is in
chrome-plated brass faucets and fixtures. California enacted stricter regulations for plumbing fixtures in 2010 further
reducing the potential for lead leaching from household plumbing.
If present, however, elevated levels of lead can cause
serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from
materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The City of Santa Monica Water Resources
Division is responsible for providing high quality drinking
12.A.c
Packet Pg. 1936 Attachment: Attachment C - 2022 Water Quality Report (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
*Contact information is available on the last page of this report.*Contact information is available on the last page of this report.
water but cannot control the variety of materials used in
plumbing components. When your water has been sitting
for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead
exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes
before using water for drinking or cooking. If you do so,
you may wish to collect the flushed water and reuse it for
another beneficial purpose, such as watering plants. If you
are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to
have your water tested. To get your water tested, please
call the Water Quality Office. Information on lead in drinking
water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize
exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline*
or at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
Do I really need to buy a
water filter or home treatment system? The decision to buy a water filter or home treatment system
is a matter of personal preference. Our water meets or exceeds rigid state and federal health standards. If you
decide to buy a filter or system, be a smart shopper and do some homework. Any treatment device you buy should be
registered with the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF).
Contact NSF toll free at (800) 673-6275 or visit www.nsf.org.
What about bottled water?
Again, the decision is yours. You may find that keeping a pitcher of tap water in your refrigerator is a low-cost,
water-thrifty alternative to buying more expensive bottled water, and it’s far better for the environment. Even when
the bottle is reused or recycled, the petrochemicals used in creating the bottle and the transportation of the water have a
significant impact on the environment.
Water ConservationThe City of Santa Monica has developed a sustainable
water supply and taken responsible steps to improve water conservation in the midst of a changing climate. The City is
actively seeking ways to conserve and improve the City’s water supply for future generations. To continue meeting
our water conservation goals, the City urges our residents to continue their conservation effort because small changes
make a difference. For more information and water saving tips, please visit www.santamonica.gov/topic-explainers/
your-guide-to-water.
Sustainability
The City of Santa Monica is still offering incentives for
environmentally friendly measures taken by the community.
For more information, please call or visit the Office of
Sustainability website at www.santamonica.gov/topic-
explainers/your-guide-to-water.
We need you!Public involvement is fundamental to ensuring that we are
meeting our water supply demand, water quality goals, and the highest customer service level. We welcome your
feedback and invite you to get involved with the City of Santa Monica in the following ways:
• Participate in conservation events
• Attend City Council and community meetings
• Sign up for the newsletters and alerts
• Please let us know how we are doing.
For information on these opportunities, please call Water
Resources and the Office of Sustainability and the Environment.* For a digital copy of this report, please visit:
waterquality.smgov.net.
Santa Monica Pier
12.A.c
Packet Pg. 1937 Attachment: Attachment C - 2022 Water Quality Report (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Water Resources Division
P.O. Box 2200, 1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90406-2200
This brochure is printed with vegetable-based inks on paper made from recycled paper.
Where Can I Get More Information?
City of Santa Monica Public Works and
Water Resources Division Offices:
Water Resources/Water Quality .........(310) 434-2672
24-Hour Water Emergencies ..............(310) 434-2672
Wastewater .........................................(310) 458-8532
Lead Chemist ......................................(310) 434-2672
Billing Office ........................................(310) 458-8224
Visit our website:
www.santamonica.gov/topic-explainers/water-conservation
Santa Monica City Council Meetings:
2nd & 4th Tuesdays of each monthCouncil Chamber
1685 Main Street, Santa Monica
www.santamonica.gov/departments/city-clerks-office
City of Santa Monica Office of Sustainability and
the Environment ...................................(310) 458-2213
Conservation Office ..............................(310) 458-8972
www.santamonica.gov/categories/programs/sustainability-
and-the-environment
Metropolitan Water District (MWD)
of Southern California ..........................(213) 217-6850
Toll Free ...............................................(800) 354-4420
www.mwdh2o.com
California State Water Resources Control Board
Division of Drinking Water ....................(818) 551-2004
www.waterboards.ca.gov/drinking_water/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Ground Water & Drinking Water
Safe Drinking Water Hotline .................(800) 426-4791
www.epa.gov/safewater/dwhealth.html
water.epa.gov/drink/guide
12.A.c
Packet Pg. 1938 Attachment: Attachment C - 2022 Water Quality Report (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
Public Hearing -2022 Report on Water Quality Relative to Public Health Goals
October 11, 2022
12.A.d
Packet Pg. 1939 Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
2022 Report on Water Quality Relative to Public Health Goals
•Public notice on availability of the Report on Water Quality Relative to
Public Health Goals was published in the Santa Monica Daily Press on
7/5/2022.
•Public Hearing (10/11/2022) to receive public comments and adopt the
Report
12.A.d
Packet Pg. 1940 Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
2022 Report on Water Quality Relative to Public Health Goals
•Public Health Goals –concentration “at which no known
or anticipated adverse health effects will occur”
•Adverse health risk of one person in one million drinking water
daily for 70 years
•Not water quality standards and not required to be met by any
public water systems
•The City’s water supply complies with all state and
federal drinking water regulations
12.A.d
Packet Pg. 1941 Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)
2022 Report on Water Quality Relative to Public Health Goals
Staff Recommended Action: Adopt the 2022 Report on Water Quality
Relative to Public Health Goals
12.A.d
Packet Pg. 1942 Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (5202 : 2022 Public Health Goal Report)