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1. What is Drinking Water Chlorination?

Drinking water chlorination is the addition of chlorine to drinking water systems. It is the most common type of drinking water disinfection. Disinfection kills bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that cause disease and immediate illness. Chlorine is effective and continues to keep the water safe as it travels from the well sites to the consumer's tap.

2. Is chlorinated water safe to drink?

Yes. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits the amount of chlorine in drinking water to levels that are safe for human consumption. The levels of chlorine used for drinking water disinfection are unlikely to cause long-term health effects. Chlorine levels up to 4 milligrams per liter or 4 parts per million (ppm) are considered safe in drinking water. The City of Kingsburg’s goal is to maintain a level between .5ppm and 1.25ppm. Dialysis patients should contact their health care providers for more information about increased chlorine levels in their drinking water. Fish and reptile owners should also take necessary precautions.

3. Why is Kingsburg chlorinating its water now?

The City has been working towards chlorination for few years. The volatile organic compound (VOC) 1,2,3-trichlopropane (TCP) has been detected in three of the city’s seven water wells. The best available technology to adequately remove 1,2,3-TCP from drinking water is granulated active carbon (GAC). Granulated active carbon is not a new treatment technology, but rather an effective and tested technology that has been used for decades. The use of GAC requires chlorination.

4. Who is overseeing the chlorination and TCP treatment process?

The City water system is maintained by City Water Department staff. Water Department Staff members are State Certified Water Operators. Well sites are checked daily and water samples from each well site are tested weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annually for different contaminants as required by the California State Water Resources Control Board- Division of Drinking Water. Water samples are submitted to an independent lab for analysis and the results are shared with the State Water Board Division of Drinking Water.

5. Where can I find more information?

The City annually publishes a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), and it is mailed with your utility bill each year in July. The City website is also a great resource for water related information along with the following sites: http://ca-kingsburg.civicplus.com/213/Water https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/ https://www.epa.gov/standards-water-body-health/what-are-water-quality-standards

http://ca-kingsburg.civicplus.com/213/Water

https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/

https://www.epa.gov/standards-water-body-health/what-are-water-quality-standards

6. Who can I contact for more information?

If you have any questions, please call the Kingsburg Water Department at 559-897-1066 or email pwinfo@cityofkingsburg-ca.gov.