Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua potable. Traduzcalo o hable con alguien que lo entienda bien. Tambien puede comunicarse con las oficinas del Distrito (562) 692-3756 para pedir una copia de este reporte en español.
Pico Water District Has Levels of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) Above the Response Level
Our water system recently confirmed the detection of PFOA above the public-health-based Response Level (RL). Although this is not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what you should do, what happened, and what we are doing to correct this situation.
We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants. Water sample results received on August 28, 2025, showed PFOA levels of 16.25 nanograms per liter (parts per trillion). This is above the State Water Board-established response level of 10 nanograms per liter (ng/L) based on results of annual average monitoring.
What should the customer do?
- You do not need to use an alternative water supply (e.g., bottled water).
- This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately.
- This is not considered a high-concentration exposure and therefore is not associated with immediate health concerns.
- Some people who drink water containing PFOA over many years may experience liver effects and may be at greater risk of developing cancer.
- If you have other health issues concerning the consumption of this water, you may wish to consult your doctor.
What happened? What is being done?
On October 28, 2022, Pico Water District received the 2022 PFAS General Order from the State Water Board requiring the District to collect quarterly samples of four Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) with established notification levels and Response Levels. Historical results confirm that out of four PFAS, the Perfluorooctanoic sulfonic acid (PFOA) was detected from the District’s wells above its established RL of 10 ng/L.
In anticipation that monitoring for PFAS could lead to levels detected which are above the RL, the District has already begun work to construct three new treatment plants to address treatment (removal) of these chemicals from the District’s wells. The District has purchased the new treatment systems and has approved an agreement with a general contractor. The District has received approval from the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, to operate PFAS treatment facilities at one well site, and anticipates that the remaining two sites will be fully operational by December 2025.
For more information, please contact Joe D. Basulto, General Manager, at (562) 692-3756 or visit the District’s website at picowaterdistrict.net.
Please share this information with all other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have
received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You
can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by Pico Water District.
Population served: 22,051 residents of the City of Pico Rivera