Manteca notifies state after PFOA/PFHxS found in raw samples from Well 19 and 22; treated water meets standards, filtration planned

The Manteca City Council adopted a resolution acknowledging that the Public Works Department detected PFOA and PFHxS — man-made per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — in raw water source samples from Well 19 and Well 22 at levels that exceed State Water Resources Control Board notification levels. The council authorized staff to forward the resolution to the State Water Board’s Division of Drinking Water.

Deputy Director of Public Works George Montross told council the city’s distribution water "meets all drinking water standards." He said the affected well water is blended with other sources, and Public Works manages production so that the finished drinking water in the distribution system remains in compliance.

Montross said the city is advancing a capital project to install carbon filtration on Well 22 to reduce PFAS concentrations at the source. He described the city’s strategy as ranking wells by contaminant contribution and treating or curtailing production from higher-contributing wells while blending with other supplies. "We blend it with surface water… that's why I'd like to thank the engineering department — they've taken a project and moving it forward to put a carbon filtration on that well," Montross said.

Council members asked whether the findings affect household use; staff said treated water is safe to drink, cook and otherwise use. Council members urged public outreach and said filters and bottled water are options available to residents if they wish additional precaution.

Council Member Lackey moved approval; Vice Mayor Halford seconded. The motion passed 5-0.