Annual Water Quality Reports, now available to water utility customers online, demonstrate that once again California's investor-owned water utilities (IOUs) delivered high-quality water to customers during the past year. These reports compare drinking water quality to state and federal standards and are required annually of all water providers--both investor-owned and municipal alike.

"Investor-owned water utilities are proud of their ongoing track record of meeting or surpassing state and federal water quality standards, while continuing to deliver a reliable supply of water at a reasonable cost," said Jack Hawks, executive director of the California Water Agency, which represents IOUs throughout California. "Water quality reports continue to show their ongoing commitment to customers and the communities they serve."

The California State Water Resources Control Board and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) are charged with developing and enforcing state and federal drinking water standards, which are the same for both investor-owned and municipal water providers.

The water IOUs’ state-certified water quality staff tests water for 200-plus contaminants on a daily, weekly, monthly and/or annual basis. With technological advances, contaminants can now be detected down to the microscopic levels.

California's severe drought is adding new challenges to maintaining high-quality drinking water as many water providers switch to alternate supplies. In response, many water IOUs are testing supplies even more frequently and boosting disinfection where needed.

“Water IOUs take the quality of the water they deliver very seriously," Hawks said. "When it comes to complying with strict regulations for delivering clean, quality drinking water, they've consistently led the entire water industry in drinking water compliance."

According to a 2011 report by Water Intelligence Magazine, which analyzed U.S. EPA data on serious SDWA violators, water IOUs have an excellent record on compliance with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Several have been recognized for their exemplary water-quality compliance record. San Jose Water Company (SJWC), for example, was honored by the Partnership for Safe Water for SJWC’s commitment and execution of programs that improve the quality and safety of water delivered to customers.

Water quality reports are available online. Links to the reports for California's largest IOWC's (those serving more than 10,000 service connections) can be found below:

Apple Valley Ranchos Water Company

California American Water

California Water Service Company

Golden State Water Company

Park Water Company

San Gabriel Valley Water Company

San Jose Water Company

Suburban Water Systems

About the California Water Association:

The California Water Association (CWA) represents the interests of approximately 113 investor-owned public utilities that are regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission. These water companies strive to provide high-quality water utility services to customers throughout California. CWA provides a forum for sharing best management practices; a means of promoting sound water policy by legislators and regulatory agencies; and opportunities for educating the public on the protection and efficient use of water resources.

California Water AssociationJack Hawks, 415-561-9650 (o)415-305-4393 (c)jhawks@calwaterassn.com