| The drinking water provided by
Montecito Water District is continuously monitored by trained experts. Test data contained
in this issue show that District water quality is excellent. Daily testing
Each day, water samples from various locations
around the District are analyzed in our laboratory or by state certified laboratories.
Testing is conducted for chlorine residual, turbidity (suspended particles), color, odor
and acidity.
Weekly Testing
Additional weekly testing is conducted for
bacterial contaminants.
More tests
Beyond this, extensive monthly, quarterly
and annual tests are performed for the many remaining substances shown on the chart.
Incredible Accuracy
Quality tests can detect incredibly small
amounts of substances. For example, the most accurate tests measure to .00001 parts per
million. This is equalivalent to one foot in 19,000,000 miles, or circling the earth about
750 times. |
A
Common Question: Is there a quality difference between bottled and tap water? About half of all bottled water is just repackaged municipal water,
and both bottled water and tap water meet the same health standards. Some people choose
certain bottled waters for low their sodium. Apart from sodium content, while you may wish
to choose bottled water for its taste or convenience, there is no need to for health
reasons. And of course, tap water is a bargain at only a fraction of a penny per gallon.
More Information Than Ever
Before
This year the water quality chart contains
additional new information, as well as new standard definitions shown below.
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)
The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. Maximum
contaminant levels are set as close to the Public Health Goals and the Maximum Contaminant
Level Goals as is economically and technologically feasible.
Ideal Goals
Public Health Goals (PHG)
The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected
risk to health. Public Health Goals are set by the California Environmental Protection
Agency.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goals
The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or
expected risk to health. Maximum Contaminant Level Goals are set by the US Environmental
Protection Agency.
Primary Drinking Water Standard
Primary maximum contaminant levels, specific treatment techniques adopted in lieu
of primary maximum contaminant levels, and monitoring and reporting requirement for
maximum contaminant levels that are specified in regulation.
If you have questions about your water quality,
please call Steve Hickox at 969-2271. |
|
Spring 1999
