Monday, Aug. 23, 2010

State wants less chromium in the drinking supply; rates could see an increase

A potential new state standard may cause Los Banos to increase water rates within the next five years.

Public Works Director Mark Fachin said at issue is a naturally occurring mineral in Los Banos known as chromium six. Currently the state has no standard for that specific non-inert type of mineral. Fachin said the California Department of Health has indicated it wants to set a chromium six standard that would allow no more than .06 parts per billion to be in drinking water.

If the standard is set it could mean a water-rate increase for Los Banosans.

"It probably would mean we'll have to do some treatment at the well head in order to remove the chromium six to an acceptable level. The only way to pay for existing water treatment is through the people that use the water. We have no other source of funds than that," Fachin said.

He said the California Department of Health set the new chromium level as a public health goal last year. He said it usually takes an additional two to five years before the new standard goes into effect.

City Manager Steve Rath commented on the issue during a review of a joint study on local water that was paid for by the city and the Central California Irrigation District.

"We have a question of whether it's technology driven," Rath said. "Is there a scientific reason for that? Is it because you can measure it? 'Zero is a pretty good number.' "

The joint study determined that the city has enough groundwater to sustain projected population growth through 2019. Fachin said the groundwater will likely last much longer.

"I think it will because I don't think estimations of the build out are being met," Fachin said.

In the city's general plan four new wells will be constructed at a cost of $1.2 million each.

Mayor Tommy Jones said the city should not pay for the chromium six treatment at the new wells if the new standard is put in place and California's master plan continues to direct population growth to the Central Valley.

"This should definitely be something the state should pay for," Jones said.

Rath referred to the standard as an "unfunded mandate."