Montecito Water District conducts an extensive water quality program that
allows us to not only meet but in many cases surpass state and federal drinking water
requirements.
Additional Information Available
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, and infants can be
particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water
from their health care providers. The Environmental Protection Agency and Center for
Disease Control provide guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by
Cryptosporidium and other microbiological contaminants, that are available from the USEPA
Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791). |
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How
We Ensure Quality Water
Intensive Water Quality Control Program
State Certified Water Quality Experts: Our own in-house staff of
state-certified water treatment operators working with independent laboratories oversee
our water quality programs.Intensive testing program: Every year
Montecito Water District conducts thousands of water quality tests on hundreds of water
samples. These include daily, weekly, and more intensive, quarterly, annual and
semi-annual tests.
Incredible accuracy: Our water quality tests can detect incredibly
small amounts of substances in the water. For example, the most accurate test measures to
one-hundredth of a part per billion. That is equivalent to one drop of a substance in
170,000 gallons of water, or about seven swimming pools.
Advanced Treatment Processes: Your water is treated in Montecito's own
state-of-the-art water treatment plants as well as the City of Santa Barbara Cater
Treatment Plant.
Answers To Common Questions about Drinking Water
| Water quality has been in the news often over
the past year. A number of our customers have asked about the following issues. No
MTBE in Our Water: MTBE is a gasoline additive that is designed to improve air
quality. But it has caused massive quality problems in many places. We have conducted
special tests and no MTBE has been detected. |
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No Fluoride Added: Nearby water suppliers have debated adding fluoride to
water. No fluoride is added to your drinking water supply.
No Need for Bottled or Filtered Water: While you may prefer the taste or
convenience of bottled or filtered water, there is no health need for drinking it. Your
water district provides water that meets or improves upon all bottled water quality
standards.
Ortega Reservoir
History
Ortega Reservoir, built in the 1950s, is an uncovered drinking water reservoir. The
California Department of Health Services requires that water systems with open reservoirs
conduct increased monitoring and maintain a minimum level of chlorine in the water called
the chlorine residual.
Water Quality
During 1999, a single incident occurred in which the chlorine residual briefly fell
below the minimum level. However, a measurable level still provided disinfection. The
possible health effects of the low chlorine residual are that the water could contain
disease-causing organisms. These may include bacteria, viruses and parasites, which can
cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. Corrective
action was taken immediately, tests demonstrated that no bacteria were present and the
system was returned to normal operation.
Improvements
Even though Montecito’s water meets all water quality standards, the District is
required to cover this reservoir, which will help provide the highest quality water.
EPA
Hotline
All drinking water, including bottled water, might reasonably be expected to contain very
slight 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 EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline |
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June
2000
