Water Quality

Air quality may be the most pressing issue, but scientists say that ultimately water — another human necessity — is in danger, too. Ash, burned soil and toxic residue from incinerated houses, businesses and machinery can make their way into lakes, rivers and reservoirs, said Carmen Burton, a hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey’s California Water Science Center in San Diego.

As students head back to class across California this month, many will sip water from school fountains or faucets that could contain high levels of lead. That’s because two-thirds of the state’s 1,026 school districts have not taken advantage of a free state testing program to determine whether the toxic metal is coming out of the taps and, if so, whether it exceeds federal standards.

Scot Moody, general manager of the Stockton East Water District, said its water supply is experiencing a seasonal algae bloom. … Moody said despite the unpleasant smell emanating from the water, it meets all health standards and is safe for people and pets to drink.

The U.S. Navy knew as far back as 1993 that the tap water at its former shipyard in San Francisco contained dangerous amounts of lead, but didn’t tell local officials, visitors or people who worked there, including hundreds of police employees stationed at the site since 1997.

E&B Natural Resources, which purchased the oil field in 2007, had reapplied for two 10-year conditional use permits in January that were approved in May. The decision was challenged by two environmental advocacy groups, the Center for Biological Diversity and Livermore Eco Watchdog, because of perceived risks to Livermore’s groundwater. 

The depletion of California’s aquifers by overpumping of groundwater has led to growing interest in “managed aquifer recharge,” which replenishes depleted aquifers using available surface waters, such as high flows in rivers, runoff from winter storms, or recycled waste water. At the same time, there is growing concern about contamination of groundwater supplies with nitrate from fertilizers, septic tanks, and other sources.