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Walton Groundwater Area
The Need for Change
in the Walton Groundwater Area
There are problems in the Walton Groundwater Area that we need to fix:
- Hillcrest water is pumped from wells and contains higher arsenic and nitrate levels than surface water that comes from the Feather River. At times, the arsenic levels in Hillcrest water violate state and federal health standards. Nitrate levels in Regions 2 & 3 have resulted in a well being shut down, which means that demand for water exceeds supply, making water pressure inconsistent.
- Hillcrest water is very “hard,” meaning it contains a high concentration of minerals. It can look discolored; stain sinks, toilets and clothes; create soap scum; and reduce appliance efficiency. It can also have a mineral taste.
Who is affected?
If you have received this brochure, you are either a customer of Hillcrest Groundwater System Regions 1, 2 or 3, receiving your water from wells (groundwater), or you live in another area that is also served by a groundwater
system. Most other Yuba City residents receive their water from the Feather River (surface water). Groundwater users like you will now have the opportunity to decide how to improve your water quality. What are the cost-effective solutions?
The continuing cost of maintaining and operating the existing groundwater system is increasing, while the reliability and quality of the water cannot be assured. There are two reasonable solutions: permanently fix the Hillcrest Groundwater System for reliable water treatment and water supply, or connect residents to the city’s surface
water system. Doing nothing in Regions 2 & 3 is not an option, as there is not sufficient groundwater supply for everyone and it could subject customers to health risks. What will it cost?
City leaders have heard Hillcrest Water customers loud and clear: ”We want to keep the costs down as much as possible.” We are currently working to find the lowest-cost solution that meets the customers' long-term needs. It is anticipated that costs for converting to surface water will be similar to those paid by Tierra Buena customers (adjusted for inflation), who connected to the city’s surface water system in 2004. What’s next?
In response to customers’ concerns, city leaders have slowed the process down to ensure that everyone has a chance to learn about the options and voice their opinions. Still, the customers will need to reach a consensus soon so customers can take advantage of a 2.3% low-interest loan.
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