California’s state auditor blasted the agency responsible for helping poor communities fix their tainted water systems Tuesday, saying the it has tied up the process in red tape and forced nearly 1 million residents to wait months or years for help. Acting State Auditor Michael Tilden said the State Water Resources Control Board takes an average of 33 months to approve grants and loans requested by these communities to clean up water systems contaminated by excess amounts of nitrate, arsenic and other dangerous chemicals. … Nitrate, the result of farm fertilizer seeping into the water supply, can cause numerous health issues for infants. Excessive levels of arsenic can cause problems with skin and circulatory systems, and elevate the risk of cancer.

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• KCRA – Sacramento: Audit says nearly 1 million in CA face long-term health issues due to unsafe drinking water
• CalMatters: 1 million Californians lack safe drinking water
• ABC 10 – Sacramento: If you live in San Joaquin County and your well is affected by the drought, these resources are available