The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is beginning distribution of brochures summaries the quality of the drinking water it sells. Summaries will be included with bills by service area; the sample report below reflects service area A in West Los Angeles and in the San Fernando Valley. The DWP tests for numerous substances on a periodic schedule; state and federal regulations control the amount of chemicals allowed in drinking water. In the brochure, the DWP states that all of its water meets such regulations; that statement is disputed by some environmentalists who say that, on some days, contaminants exceed safe limits. The City Council approved the brochure, agreeing with the DWP that yearly averages show that the water is safe.
DWP'S GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING WATER QUALITY
1. The DWP lists the sources of drinking water, as figured by the average percentage of supply over six months.
2. The Maximum Allowable Level is set at the Federal Maximum Contaminant Level or at the State Action Level. The federal level reflects not only the goals set as a result of health concerns, but cost and feasibility as well. The goal is set at levels where no known or anticipated adverse health effect may occur, including a margin of safety. The state guilding is set by the Department of Health Services.