During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the annual Consumer Confidence Report regarding water quality, a requirement under the Clean Water Act. The report confirmed that the city is meeting all drinking water standards, but it highlighted a concerning increase in arsenic levels detected in one groundwater well, known as City Well Two.

Veolia, the company responsible for operating the city's water systems, presented findings indicating that arsenic levels in City Well Two reached 9.7 parts per billion (ppb) during a three-year sampling conducted in March 2023. This level is below the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 ppb but is notable as it represents a rise from previous years, where levels averaged around 5 ppb. The well is located at the edge of the Lytle Creek basin and is blended with other water sources that do not contain arsenic, resulting in lower levels reaching consumers.

The increase in arsenic levels was attributed to the well being offline for repairs for three months, which may have affected the sampling process. Veolia acknowledged that a longer period of running the well to waste before sampling could have provided a more accurate representation of the water quality. Following the detection, the Department of Drinking Water (DDW) was notified, and quarterly samples were requested to monitor the situation.

Council members expressed concerns about the arsenic levels and the decision not to shut down the well during the incident. They emphasized the importance of ensuring safe drinking water and requested further information on the percentage of the city's water sourced from City Well Two. Additionally, discussions included the status of lead levels in the water supply, which were reported as non-detectable, and the ongoing efforts to inventory lead pipes in the system as part of new regulatory requirements.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring water quality and addressing any potential issues proactively.