Protecting Water Quality at the Source

 

Source water protection is an important issue for all of California. Treatment to remove specific contaminants can be more expensive than measures to protect water at the source, which is why MWD and the City of Santa Ana invest resources to support improved watershed protection programs that in turn safeguard our groundwater.

 

Imported Water Assessment — Large water utilities, like MWD, are required by the Division of Drinking Water (DDW) to conduct an initial source water assessment, which is then updated through watershed sanitary surveys every five years. Watershed sanitary surveys examine possible sources of drinking water contamination and recommend actions to better protect these source waters. The most recent surveys for Metropolitan’s source waters are the Colorado River Watershed Sanitary Survey – 2020 Update, and the State Water Project Watershed Sanitary Survey – 2016 Update. You can request a copy of the most recent Watershed Sanitary Surveys by calling MWD at 213-217-6000.

 

Groundwater Assessment — An assessment of the drinking water wells for the City of Santa Ana was completed in December 2021. As in any urban area, Santa Ana’s wells are considered most vulnerable to historic agricultural activities, golf courses and application of fertilizers, which are associated with contaminants detected in the water supply. Our wells are also considered most vulnerable to chemical/petroleum pipelines, chemical/petroleum processing, dry cleaners, gas stations, junk/scrap/salvage yards, metal plating/finishing/fabrication, plastics/synthetics producers and sewer collection systems, although constituents associated with these activities were not detected. These water sources are tested throughout the year to ensure the supplied water remains safe.

 

Safeguarding Our Groundwater Is Everyone’s Responsibility

Here’s what you can do to help protect Santa Ana’s drinking water source:

  • Limit your use of fertilizers and pesticides. The hazardous chemicals in both can reach our drinking water source.
  • Pick up after your pets.
  • Dispose of chemicals properly; take used motor oil and paint to a recycling center.
  • Find a watershed protection organization, like the Santa Ana Watershed Association, and volunteer to help.