Water We Going to Do About Alhambra’s Water Source?

JACQUELYN LOI
Staff Writer

About 92,000 of Alhambra’s residents get their water supply from Alhambra’s groundwater aquifer below the city, yet many residents are unaware that the water is contaminated. According to Alhambra Source, since 2002, several water companies have agreed to pay $200 million to help clean up the water over the course of 15 years.

According to the Alhambra Source, Alhambra’s groundwater surpasses the maximum contamination levels in some instances by approximately 1,000 times. These contaminants may include microbial, inorganic, pesticides and herbicides, organic chemicals and radioactive contaminants. Therefore, the city must administer the groundwater after it has been pumped to the surface to remove the contaminants.

“I never knew the water was contaminated, but I’m glad that the city is addressing the issue,” freshman Christina Tran said.

Alhambra’s water situation is comparable to the recent case in West Virginia. On Jan. 10, 2014, a chemical, known as 4 methylcyclohexane methanol, leaked into the water. This chemical can break down into formaldehyde, a colorless gas that can cause some health issues. About 300,000 residents in the southwest area of the state were unable to use tap water until Feb. 5, 2014.

All in consideration, according to the City of Alhambra, there are is a team of professionals who are working to ensure that the waters of Alhambra meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Department of Public Health requirements.