City Council Reviews 2025 Drinking Water Quality Report Ensuring Safety Compliance

The City of La Habra's drinking water quality is in excellent shape, according to the latest report presented at the City Council meeting on August 18, 2025. The report, mandated by state law every three years, emphasizes transparency and public health, detailing the city's compliance with health-based drinking water standards.

Key highlights from the report reveal that La Habra's water meets or exceeds all state and federal legal limits for safety. The report identifies public health goals (PHGs) and maximum contaminant levels (MCLs), with the city’s water quality consistently falling below these thresholds. Notably, contaminants often discussed in the media, such as PFOS—commonly known as "forever chemicals"—and chromium 6, were not detected in La Habra's water supply.

City officials conduct rigorous testing, including daily samples for total dissolved solids (TDS) and weekly checks for chloroform bacteria. The city tests for 126 potential contaminants annually, ensuring that the water remains safe for residents.

During the meeting, Council Member Gomez raised a question about how La Habra's water quality compares to other cities in Orange County. While the city does not provide a direct comparison report, officials noted that La Habra's TDS levels are slightly higher than some neighboring cities, which draw from sources with naturally lower TDS. However, the city’s water treatment processes effectively bring these levels down to meet safety goals.

The council also discussed the importance of public awareness, with plans to hold a public hearing to further engage the community on the findings of the report. Mayor and council members expressed gratitude for the staff's efforts in maintaining high water quality standards, highlighting La Habra's position as a leader in safe drinking water compared to other regions, including those facing significant challenges like Flint, Michigan.

In conclusion, La Habra's commitment to water safety and transparency reassures residents that their drinking water is not only safe but also well-managed, setting a standard for other communities.