M5.4 Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR) and water quality

·      What is the source of your drinking water?   Where does your water ORIGINATE?  

 The major water source originates from spring snowmelt flowing down the Tuolumne River to the storage in Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. Water from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir does receive treatment which includes: ultraviolet light and chlorine disinfection, pH adjustment for optimum corrosion control, fluoridation for dental health protection, and chloramination for maintaining disinfectant residual and minimizing the formation of disinfection byproducts. Hetch Hetchy water is supplemented with surface water from two local watersheds.

·      What chemicals were found in your water that were higher than expected?

In 2017, boron was detected at a level of 1.74 ppm in the raw water. The detected value was above the California Notification level of 1 ppm for source water.

·      What chemicals did you NOT expect to find in your water?

I was surprised by most of the chemicals that were listed in a table of 2017 water contaminants which also included their typical sources. I am unaware of what most of these chemicals are and how they affect the water. Detected contaminants include: Haloacetic Acids, Chloramine, Aluminum, Sulfate, Lead, Copper, Boron, Bromide, Silica, and Strontium.

·      Are there associated health risks with the chemicals found in your water?  

I looked up the chemical Boron on ToxNet. Boron is a naturally occurring element that is found in the form of borates in the oceans, sedimentary rocks. Coal, shale and some soils. There have only been a few studies on the health effects associated with exposure to boron compounds. The data revealed that exposure is associated with short-term irritant effects on the upper respiratory tract, nasopharynx, and eye. No studies have assessed reproductive outcomes. Due to limited data, Boron is not classified as a carcinogen.  

BLOG about your water quality

·      Where does your water come from? The source! Track it from the source to your tap.

Main source of water comes from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.

·      What did you discover about your water quality?

I discovered that overall the water quality is well monitored and maintained according to the CCR. Test water samples are regularly collected from reservoirs and designated sampling points throughout the system to ensure the water delivered meets or exceeds federal and state drinking water standards.

·      Do you use a filter for your water?

I do have a Brita filter in my fridge, but that is mostly because I like to drink cold water. I also drink tap water straight from the faucet.

·      What are you trying to filter out?

The Brita water filter claims to reduce impurities including: zinc, chlorine, cadmium, copper and mercury.

·      Do you drink bottled water?   How does this square with what you learned when you watched the Story of Bottled Water (see next exercise)?

I do sometimes drink bottled water when I forget to bring my reusable bottle or if I am out somewhere and get a bottle of water when I order food. After watching the Story of bottled water I will definitely be more conscious and make sure to always have a reusable bottle with me. It was interesting to learn how often times tap water is actually better than bottled water and how the whole bottled water industry was created and fueled by businesses trying to make more money and made consumers fear the safety and quality of tap water.