La Habra City Council discusses water safety and public health goals report

The La Habra City Council convened on August 18, 2025, to address several key agenda items, primarily focusing on public health and city governance.

The meeting began with a discussion on the results of a recent lead study conducted throughout the city. Council members reported that every home and lateral connection tested for lead showed no detection of contaminants, a significant finding given the ongoing concerns about water quality in various regions, notably Flint, Michigan. The council emphasized the importance of this study, noting that the city has over 12,500 service connections, which mandates compliance with state reporting requirements.

Further discussions highlighted the potential costs associated with treating water for contaminants such as PFAS, which could range from approximately $4.6 million to $28 million. However, officials reassured the public that La Habra currently does not face these issues, attributing the city's water quality to past investments in infrastructure and diverse water sources.

Following this, the council opened the floor for public comments regarding the health goals report mandated by California health and safety code. No public comments were made, leading to the closure of the public hearing.

The council then moved to a motion to conduct a duly noticed public hearing to receive public comments on the 2025 public health goals report. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved by the council.

The meeting proceeded to consideration items, with the only agenda item being the designation of a voting delegate and alternates for the upcoming League of California Cities Annual Conference. Staff member Brianna Hurt provided a report on the conference, which is an annual event for member cities to discuss governance and collaboration.

In summary, the La Habra City Council meeting effectively addressed critical public health issues related to water quality and governance, with a focus on transparency and community engagement. The council's proactive measures and past investments in water infrastructure were highlighted as key factors in maintaining the city's water safety.