Category: Ask an Expert

Orange County Water District is Setting the Pace for New Water Monitoring Standards

May 29, 2019

In the Santa Ana River Watershed, water distributed to customers by water purveyors undergoes regular, rigorous testing to ensure it is meeting all state and federal standards. Up next in ensuring that water continues to meet these high standards set forth in the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Safe Drinking Water Act is the … More Orange County Water District is Setting the Pace for New Water Monitoring Standards

Careers in Water Treatment and Operations

October 26, 2018

Most people in California turn their faucet on and use water for drinking, washing, cooking, and other activities with confidence that the water they are using is safe. The institutions that provide the ever-needed resource at any time of the day are water agencies, and they serve the public daily through a wide variety of … More Careers in Water Treatment and Operations

Lead Testing in Schools

September 21, 2018

The tap water at most California’s schools is considered safe while officials are working to ensure that older water systems are thoroughly tested. A grueling game of tether ball. A competitive kickball session. Or maybe just one of those typical hot California fall days. Whether they’re filling their reusable bottles or slurping it straight from … More Lead Testing in Schools

What is BPA? Plastic Water Bottles and Human Health

March 31, 2018

BPA has made headlines repeatedly over the years and prompted a public outcry for more information over the topic. Many people have called for its ban and expressed concerns over the presence of BPA in everyday household items. The overwhelming presence of BPA in food and drink containers may be negatively impacting a wide range … More What is BPA? Plastic Water Bottles and Human Health

Can Drinking More Water Help Prevent the Flu?

February 24, 2018

There is no question about it, according to the CDC, this year has been one of the worst recent years for the flu on record. If you have ever had the flu, you know that it can affect your entire system and halt your plans for several days, if not longer. One moment you are … More Can Drinking More Water Help Prevent the Flu?

Hidden in a Hill – Perris Hill Reservoir

January 31, 2018

First built in 1949 to provide water to St. Bernadine Medical Center, the Perris Hill Reservoir serves as drinking water storage for the people in the City of San Bernardino. This hidden reservoir is not visible to the naked eye; it was intentionally constructed inside an existing hill, east of Perris Hill Park. A popular … More Hidden in a Hill – Perris Hill Reservoir

Brackish Water Desalination

December 30, 2016

Desalination or the process of “desalting” removes minerals and salts from either ocean water or “brackish” water. The term “brackish” is used to identify water that has high concentrations of nitrates (saline) and total dissolved solids (TDS), however it is not as salty as ocean water. Ocean water has approximately 35,000 mg/l of TDS, while … More Brackish Water Desalination

Constituents of Emerging Concern: Monitoring for Contaminants in Drinking Water

August 31, 2016

In the United States, public drinking water is regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Additional regulation is also enforced by individual states. The EPA is responsible for studying potential contaminants, also referred to as constituents, and determining whether they may be harmful to humans. According to the Safe Drinking Water Act, a contaminant … More Constituents of Emerging Concern: Monitoring for Contaminants in Drinking Water

Is Tap Water Safe?

June 21, 2016

Is tap water safe to drink? Is bottled water safer than tap water? Testing of bottled water is less frequent than tap water. The EPA regulates tap water quality. Leaching of plastic in bottled water is not tested. Bacteria growth during storage is not tested in bottled water. Municipal water agencies are required to conduct … More Is Tap Water Safe?