Drinking water additives Fluoride IRWD’s drinking water is a blend of local groundwater and surface water, including water imported by MWD. IRWD’s local groundwater contains some naturally occurring fluoride, but we do not supplement with additional fluoride. In 2007, MWD joined a majority of the nation’s public water suppliers in adding fluoride to drinking water to help prevent tooth decay. MWD was in compliance with all provisions of the state’s fluoridation system requirements. For information on MWD’s fluoride program, visit bit.ly/MWDfluoride . For information on the fluoridation of drinking water, contact the DDW or U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Water quality and your health Lead
IRWD has no lead pipes in its water-distribution system. IRWD also has no galvanized service lines requiring replacement. That good news was confirmed in a comprehensive 2024 inventory of the District’s water lines. See the complete results at IRWD.com/nonlead . Lead can cause serious health effects in people of all ages, especially pregnant people, infants (formula- fed and breastfed) and young children. While the District’s service lines are lead-free, lead in drinking water is primarily from materials in home plumbing. IRWD is responsible for providing high-quality drinking water and removing any lead pipes in its distribution system but cannot control materials in home plumbing. Because lead levels may vary over time, lead exposure is possible even when sampling results do not detect lead at one point in time. You can help protect yourself and your family by identifying and removing lead materials within your home plumbing and taking steps to reduce your family’s risk. Using a filter certified by an American National Standards Institute accredited certifier to reduce lead is effective in reducing lead exposures. Follow the instructions provided with the filter to ensure the filter is used properly. Use only cold water for drinking, cooking and making baby formula. Boiling water does not remove lead from water. Before using tap water for drinking, cooking or making baby formula, flush your pipes for several minutes by running your tap, taking a shower or doing laundry or dishes. If you have a lead service line or galvanized requiring replacement service line, you may need to flush your pipes for a longer period. Contact info@IRWD.com if you are concerned about lead in water and have questions. Find information on testing methods and steps to minimize exposure at epa.gov/safewater/lead . Nitrates The drinking water IRWD supplies to its customers is below the maximum allowable levels for nitrates. Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 mg/L is a health risk for infants less than 6 months of age. Such nitrate levels in drinking water can interfere with the capacity of infants’ blood to carry oxygen, resulting in a serious illness; symptoms include shortness of breath and blueness of skin. Nitrate levels above 10 mg/L may affect the ability of blood to carry oxygen in other individuals, such as pregnant women and those with certain specific enzyme deficiencies. If you are caring for an infant or are pregnant, ask advice from a health care provider.
Disinfectants Drinking water regulations require some form of chlorine to be used at water treatment plants and to be maintained throughout the entire distribution system to prevent harmful bacteria from making it to the customer’s tap. IRWD uses chloramines to maintain a robust disinfectant for these purposes. Chloramines effectively inactivate harmful bacteria and are safe for consumption by humans (as well as our furry four-legged friends) at certain levels. Chloramines are monitored throughout the system, and we also watch for the presence of bacteria to be sure your drinking water is safe from end to end. People who use kidney dialysis machines may want to take special precautions and consult their physician for the appropriate type of water treatment. Customers who maintain fishponds, tanks or aquariums should also make necessary adjustments in water quality treatment, as these disinfectants are toxic to fish. For more information or questions about chloramines, visit IRWD.com or call 949-453-5300 .
IRWD Water Quality Report 2025 | Page 6
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