Frequently Asked Questions?
If your residence or business is connected to a Public Water System, the service provider is required by law to follow strict health standards set by State and Federal agencies. Public water utilities are mandated by State law to ensure 100% of the drinking water delivered is safe to drink. Additionally, the State can shut down a system if contaminant levels exceed drinking water standards.
When a private well is the source of drinking water, only a water test can reveal if the water is safe to drink. Many contaminants are odorless and tasteless.
For additional information on water quality in the city of Chowchilla please see the Water Quality Consumer Report.
Chowchilla Management Zone is supported by water quality permit holders in the Chowchilla groundwater basin. CMZ funding comes from a self-assessment of the industry segments operation in the groundwater basin. This funding pays for well testing, delivering bottled water or installing a water treatment system.
Currently CMZ is utilizing a grant that supports additional analysis of water samples for groundwater contaminants including 1,2,3-TCP, E. coli, Total Coliform, DBCP, EDB, perchlorate, lead, copper, total chromium, and uranium
Water is delivered through a 3rd party water delivery company. Five-gallon jugs will be provided with a dispenser. The empty jugs will be replaced every two weeks. Only empty jugs will be replaced on the day of delivery. Empty jugs should be put out by the front door.
You will never be charged for any services associated with the Chowchilla Management Zone and the Nitrate Control Program. If your well has contaminants above the California Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for nitrate, CMZ will ALWAYS pay for your bottled water or water treatment system.
Nitrate is a chemical found in most fertilizers, manure, and septic tanks. It is a contaminant that can make drinking water unsafe when above a certain level (10mg/L as N). Nitrate: a tasteless, odorless chemical that you can’t boil out of your water, and at high levels it reduces your blood’s ability to absorb oxygen. Nitrates come from fertilizers, Dairies, Septic Tanks, Etc.
You can report a dry well to the following agencies to get assistance:
Currently CMZ is utilizing a grant that supports additional analysis of water samples for groundwater contaminants including 1,2,3-TCP, E. coli, Total Coliform, DBCP, EDB, perchlorate, lead, copper, and total chromium and uranium. The homeowner and/or resident will be provided with full test results. Water replacement will only be provided to homes testing over 10mg/L as N in Nitrate. Wells testing over the maximum contamination levels for other constituents will be referred to other programs for assistance.