Events

85% of California public water systems use only groundwater as their primary source of water. A significant number of California communities rely on contaminated groundwater sources for their public drinking water supply, requiring the source to undergo a comprehensive treatment effort. Groundwater treatment is a complex topic. The range of contaminants of concern to safe drinking water is broad, covering essentially the entire chemical spectrum. Occurrence of groundwater contamination is similarly diverse encompassing both naturally occurring and man-made contaminants. Operators of groundwater systems therefore need a comprehensive reconnaissance-level knowledge of groundwater treatment technologies and how these technologies are applied to removal/control of specific groundwater contaminants. This learning event will provide California water system operators with a reconnaissance level knowledge of the technologies employed to treat drinking water from groundwater supplies. Participants will learn about: Microbial contaminants (bacteria and virus) Iron and Manganese Arsenic Nitrate Uranium Organics VOCs SOCs Hydrogen sulfide The recommended audience includes operators, managers, and board members.

Concern about PFAS contamination is on the rise, as more water systems are discovering them in their water supply. PFAS is a group of man-made chemicals which include Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid (PFOS). Known as “forever chemicals,” they do not break down in the environment. PFAS compounds have been found widely in the environment, including thousands of groundwater sources throughout the US. PFAS is now the #1 emerging threat to water systems. Studies identify potential health risks associated with these chemicals. This session probes into the origin of PFAS, the environmental and health concerns, and provides information for small systems about protecting public health. Participants will learn: Why do we call PFAS “forever chemicals”  Where does PFAS come from and is it still manufactured What are the environmental and health effects of PFAS  What are the current PFAS regulations for drinking water What are PFAS treatment technologies for drinking water systems

Concern about PFAS contamination is on the rise, as more water systems are discovering them in their water supply. PFAS is a group of man-made chemicals which include Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid (PFOS). Known as “forever chemicals,” they do not break down in the environment. PFAS compounds have been found widely in the environment, including thousands of groundwatersources throughout the US. PFAS is now the #1 emerging threat to water systems. Studies identify potential health risks associated with these chemicals. This session probes into the origin of PFAS, the environmental and health concerns, and provides information for small systems about protecting public health. Participants will learn: Why do we call PFAS “forever chemicals”  Where does PFAS come from and is it still manufactured What are the environmental and health effects of PFAS  What are the current PFAS regulations for drinking water What are PFAS treatment technologies for drinking water systems

Throughout the country, small water system staff adhere to regulations to provide safe drinking water for their customers. The drinking water system staff follow directions from the state or county health department but may not realize that these regulations began at a federal level. This workshop will teach operators, managers and board members how and why these regulations exist. Participants will learn: The basis for SDWA and the related U.S. code and federal regulations How drinking water events correspond with amendments to the SDWA How to look-up drinking water regulations under development and review The recommended audience includes all water system operators and managers.