County small water systems meet state reporting requirements

Published on September 24, 2015

With persistence and follow up, Placer County’s 86 small public water systems have now all reported water data as required by the state. Placer County, which regulates water systems with fewer than 200 connections, is the first county in the state to achieve 100 percent compliance with these reporting requirements.

Water systems with more than 200 connections are regulated by the State Water Resources Control Board. For Placer County’s small systems, the board mandates annual reporting of water data that includes the number and types of service connections, active and standby water sources, water usage, contaminant levels and compliance with operator certifications.

“This data helps the state determine water usage and compliance with drinking water standards,” said Wesley Nicks, Placer County’s Director of Environmental Health. “It tells us what’s happening with our 86 public water systems. With a historic drought going on, this information helps the state water board with both statewide and regional water planning.”  

Vicki Ramsey with the Placer County Environmental Health Division worked with the water purveyors early in the reporting process then followed those efforts with phone calls and emails and offers of assistance with system operators.

The electronic data reporting system is used by the state to track water quality and ensure the Safe Water Drinking Act is implemented by water utilities. For more information about the state’s Electronic Annual Reporting System, read Water.