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Brentwood, CA
Home MenuWater Supply and Quality
The City of Brentwood utilizes ground water and surface water to supply domestic water to about 20,000 service connections through approximately 345 miles of water mains. The ground water is pumped from the City's active ground water wells. Surface water originates from rivers within the Sierra mountain range; the water flows into the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers, and into the Delta. The surface water is treated at the City of Brentwood Water Treatment Plant and the Randall Bold Water Treatment Plant. Brentwood residents receive a blend of surface and ground water from these sources.
In 2020 the City's wells supplied over 0.79 billion gallons of water. An additional 3.10 billion gallons were supplied from the City of Brentwood Water Treatment Plant and the Randall-Bold Water Treatment Plant. The City has multiple storage reservoirs located throughout the City that allow for the storage of water during low demand periods for use during peak demand periods by the City's water customers.
Taste and Odor Change in Drinking Water
Occasionally, residents may notice a temporary change in the taste or odor of their drinking water. This is due to naturally occurring algae activity in local source water.
At certain times of the year, warmer temperatures and changing seasonal conditions can contribute to increased algae activity. While this is a common seasonal occurrence, occasional increases can lead to an earthy or musty taste and odor in drinking water.
The compounds responsible are known as geosmin and MIB. These naturally occurring compounds can develop during seasonal algae activity in surface water and may cause an earthy or musty taste and odor, even at very low levels. It is important to know that the water remains safe to drink.
The City actively takes steps to address these seasonal concerns, including:
- Increasing the use of groundwater wells, which are naturally free of geosmin and MIB, to help dilute affected surface water.
- Adjusting treatment processes at the water treatment plant to manage naturally occurring organic compounds before they move through the system.
- Blending water from different sources to help reduce the taste and odor effects associated with the seasonal algae bloom.
We appreciate residents’ patience as the City continues to monitor these temporary seasonal events.
The City of Brentwood is proud to provide high-quality drinking water that continues to meet, and often exceed, all federal and state standards for safe drinking water.
Water Supply Topics & FAQs
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