III. Water Quality for the Los Angeles District
Since its last GRC, the Los Angeles District has not received any Notices of Violations or any other compliance actions from the California Department of Health Services (DHS). However, Cal-Am provided a two-page section discussing water quality issues in each of its Los Angeles subsystems and a table showing the water sampling activity and sampling results, and this material shows that the Baldwin Hills system has exceeded the Lead Action Level since 2001.7 In addressing this issue, Cal-Am stated that customers have been provided public educational materials in the form of letters, bill inserts and information. In addition, Cal-Am has determined that compliance with Lead Action Levels could be achieved by installing phosphate-based corrosion inhibitors at the Garth reservoir and the Slauson Vault. These installations are underway.
The Commission received no public comment on water quality issues, but DRA's report shows some customer complaints for the 2000-2004 period.8 DRA did not provide any testimony on water quality issues.
In our new rulemaking on the rate case plan for water utilities, R.06-12-016, issued December 18, 2006, we discuss the Commission's constitutional and statutory responsibilities to ensure that regulated water utilities provide water that protects public health and safety. We also propose additional minimum data requirements and the possible appointment of an independent expert witness to assist the Commission in meeting its responsibilities.
Based on the evidence here, Cal-Am appears to be taking appropriate action to bring its systems into full compliance with Lead Action Levels. However, lead exceedance is a serious issue, and the Commission needs verification that Cal-Am is now in full compliance with lead levels or a detailed showing of current Action Levels and how Cal-Am is addressing all the mitigation measures required or recommended by DHS and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).9 Therefore, we direct Cal-Am to make a supplemental filing within ten days of the effective date of this decision providing this showing. This filing will be reviewed in Phase 2 of this proceeding.
7 Exhibit 3, Chapter 3, Section 2.
8 Exhibit 36, table at page 10-1.
9 See, e.g., http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lcrmr/pdfs/qrg_lcmr_2004.pdf.
