For City Council and Rialto Utility Authority Meeting July 25, 2023
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
APPROVAL: Arron Brown, Acting City Manager
FROM: Thomas J. Crowley, P.E., Utilities Manager
Title
Request City Council Receive and File the 2022 Consumer Confidence Drinking Water Report.
(RECEIVE AND FILE)
Body
BACKGROUND
The City of Rialto/Rialto Utility Authority (RUA) is committed to serving our customers through the transparent and accountable management of our water resources. In addition, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires water systems to deliver a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), also known as an annual drinking water quality report, to their customers. These reports provide the Community with information about their local drinking water quality.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
To comply with US Environmental Protection Agency requirements, the Consumer Confidence Drinking Water Reports must be made available to customers and provided to the state of California by July 1 of each year. Reports must also contain the following information at a minimum:
• The source of the drinking water;
• A summary of the risk of contamination of the local drinking water source;
• The regulated contaminant found in local drinking water;
• The potential health effects of any contaminant detected in violation of an EPA health standard;
• An accounting of the system's actions to restore safe drinking water;
• An educational statement for vulnerable populations about avoiding Cryptosporidium. Cryptosporidium is a genus of apicomplexan parasitic alveolates that can cause a respiratory and gastrointestinal illness (cryptosporidiosis);
• Educational information on nitrate, arsenic, or lead in areas where these contaminants may be a concern;
• Phone numbers of additional sources of information, including the water system;
• EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline number 1-800-426-4791.
We are happy to report that we have consistently delivered water that has met or exceeded the standards set by State and Federal Law. The 2022 edition of the CCR is included as Attachment 1.
This item was presented to the Utility Commission on June 20, 2023, who recommended presenting it to the full City Council/Rialto Utility Authority Board. The item was then presented to the Water Subcommittee on June 28, 2023, who recommended the City Council/Rialto Utility Authority Board receive and file the report.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The proposed action is not a “Project” as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Pursuant to Section 15378(a), a “Project” means the whole of an action, which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. According to Section 15378(b), a Project does not include: (5) Organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY
Approval of the proposed action also complies with the following City of Rialto Guiding Principles, General Plan Goals and Policies:
Our City government will lead by example, and will operate in an open, transparent, and responsive manner that meets the needs of the citizens and is a good place to do business.
Goal 3-8: Promote affordable and quality water service capable of adequately meeting normal and emergency water demands to all areas in Rialto.
Policy 3-8.4: Advocate regular evaluation of the entire water supply and distribution system to ensure its continued adequacy, reliability, and safety.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney has reviewed and supports the staff report.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Operating Budget Impact
The financial impact associated with the CCR is minimal, as the primary method of distribution is the website.
Capital Improvement Budget Impact
There will not be any impact to the Capital Improvement Budget from the proposed action.
Licensing
Payment of a Business License tax is not required for the proposed action.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council Receive and File the 2022 Consumer Confidence Drinking Water Report.