Background & Testing
Groundwater in the underground basins that supply the District is of good quality and has no known contamination. Drinking water served by the District meets and exceeds all government health and safety standards. In fact, our water is considered to be of superior quality because of:
- low sodium content
- low nitrate levels
- low levels of calcium carbonate, which make it soft
When discussing water quality in Twentynine Palms, fluoride content is an issue that merits attention. The District took steps to address high concentrations of fluoride in some local water sources beginning in the early 1980s. Local groundwater has widely varying levels of naturally occurring fluoride, depending on the source. These levels, when averaged, maintain an overall District fluoride level of less than 1.4 parts per million. State regulations allow for a fluoride level of 2 parts per million in drinking water, while federal rules permit up to 4 parts per million. Because groundwater is the sole source of supply for the Twentynine Palms area, the State has granted the District a variance that allows for a fluoride level up to 3 parts per million. The District’s goal is to maintain fluoride levels of less than 2 parts per million.
TESTING
The District employs a stringent testing schedule for all local water sources, based upon state and federal regulations. Testing is conducted weekly for bacteria and fluoride, annually for radioactivity, and every three years for pesticides, minerals, inorganic substances, clarity, taste and odor.
SALT NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PLAN
The District, in conjunction with the City of Twentynine Palms, collaborated on a Salt Nutrient Management Plan (SNMP) to develop a strategy to assess groundwater quality impacts from salt nutrient sources derived from septic tanks. In accordance to State regulatory compliance, the District tests and monitors water quality to ensure a safe and reliable source of drinking water.
2019 SNMP Annual Report
2020 SNMP Annual Report
2021 SNMP Annual Report
Ground Water Monitoring Implementation Plan
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT
The 2023 consumer confidence report includes information about where your water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to standard set by regulatory agencies. To view the document, click here.