Advocates are urging the restoration of full funding for California’s Safer program, which aims to help rural communities address contaminated water issues and secure long-term solutions. … The Community Water Center highlighted the struggles of residents in unincorporated areas such as Royal Oaks, Las Lomas, and Castroville, where contaminated wells have been a persistent issue. … The Monterey County Public Health Bureau identified several contaminants in water across the state, including nitrate, TCP, PFAS, and chromium 6, all of which can cause cancer with prolonged exposure. … [A]round 240 households are working together to find a long-term solution, with many relying on bottled water as a temporary measure.

Related article:

• ABC10 (Sacramento, Calif.): Central California communities push to fully fund rural clean water program