Expert backs report that washes away water quality worries

For Camarillo residents who've ever wondered whether the water from their tap is fit to drink, the answer is yes.

A recent report released by the city gives good grades to Camarillo tap water—findings backed by the opinion of an expert on cancers caused by environment pollution.

Joseph Landolph Jr., professor of molecular microbiology and immunology with University of Southern California, reviewed the city's report and said the water quality is as good as any found throughout most of the country.

"I think they're doing a good job," he said. "I'm not worried about you guys at all."

Municipalities in general do a good job providing healthful drinking water because of extensive testing and "very stringent" state and federal standards, said Landolph, a member of the science advisory board to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. If a problem does occur, it's usually because of trouble with a filtration system, he said.

Camarillo's annual water quality report can be accessed through the city's website.

Landolph praised the low amount of chlorine in city water— 1.2 parts per million parts water (ppm). One part per million is the equivalent to a full shot glass at the bottom of an Olympicsize swimming pool.

The law allows no more than 4 ppm of the disinfectant. No chlorine in the water would mean no protection from bacteria, virus and other water-borne pathogens, Landolph said.

Forty percent of Camarillo tap water comes from two ground wells; the city purchases the rest from Calleguas Municipal Water District, whose water quality is also listed in the report.

The amount of fluoride, the result of natural erosion and discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories, in Camarillo water is 0.26 parts per million, well under the government's maximum of 2 ppm and its ideal objective, what's known as the public health goal, of 1 ppm.

Landolph also said the level of nitrate—a chemical that results from natural erosion, fertilizer use and the leaching of septic tanks— is "very good." The law allows for no more than 45 ppm; the average amount detected in Camarillo water is 0.6 ppm.

Camarillo tests for more than 100 constituents in its ground water but the report cites only substances that were detected, said Water Superintendent Tom Smith.

For instance, the water was tested for asbestos and mercury but they weren't found or included in the report.

"Historically, we've always had good water quality," said Smith, head of the water division for the past 15 years.

The city also tests for contaminants that control water's odor and taste, such as iron, manganese, sulfate and total dissolved solids.

The iron level of city water was 216 parts per billion, below the limit of 300 ppb. But the level of manganese, sulfate and total dissolved solids somewhat exceeded the maximum levels.

"It's important to note (they're) not a health hazard," Smith said. They're "more a nuisance than anything."

Smith said they are basically dissolved minerals typically found in Ventura County ground water that could present an aesthetic problem of water discoloration and occasionally stained laundry if left unchecked.

Water additives helps keep them under control and blending city water with water from Calleguas dilutes their influence, he said.

In September, the city began supplying water to the Camarillo Airport.

Smith said the airport's sole well had produced good quality water but storage was a problem.Also, the small backup well probably couldn't meet all the demands of the airport if called into service, he said.

Being part of the city's water system ensures the airport, which is home to the county's fire department headquarters, has a more reliable source of water, Smith said.

The water quality at the Camarillo Airport is also noted in the report.

For more about the water quality report, call (805) 388-5373.