The City of Brentwood delivers water to more than 18,000 connections through approximately 172 miles of water mains.

The City of Brentwood utilizes ground water and surface water supplies for its domestic water system. The ground water is pumped from the City's nine 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.

The City's wells supply over 1.9 billion gallons of water each year. An additional 2.5 billion gallons are 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. These reservoirs allow the storage of water during low demand periods for use during peak consumption by the City's water customers.

The City's Water Division is staffed with qualified state-certified water operators who are responsible for the production and delivery of safe drinking water. The staff performs daily site checks to ensure well productivity, weekly sampling, as well as maintaining the delivery systems. To ensure that your water is in compliance with all state and federal drinking water standards, your water is tested weekly.

Additionally, state and federal laws require that we provide our customers with annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR) that discloses whether or not all drinking water standards have been met. Since 1999, our CCR's have been made available online on this web site.

Keeping Your Drinking Water Safe
To comply with state and federal law, Water Distribution and Treatment Operators must possess and maintain valid State of California Department of Public Health certification in water treatment and distribution. Our operators and technicians obtain state certification of various grade levels (I-V) through a combination of course work in water science, years of work experience and successfully passing a state administered Water Treatment or Distribution Operator examination. Our certified employees operate, monitor, maintain and regulate the pump stations, wells and reservoirs that make up your water system 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure the water you drink meets all state and federal standards for drinking water.

Water Characteristics
Each area's natural waters have distinctive characteristics related to the dissolved minerals of local geology. Most water treatment plants do not alter water's mineral characteristics. All water tastes different because the nature of the materials that form the earth's crust affect not only the quantity of water that may be recovered, but also its chemical makeup. As surface water infiltrates and percolates downward to the water table, it dissolves some of the minerals contained in soils and rocks. Groundwater, therefore, sometimes contains more dissolved minerals than surface water. Occasionally, seasonal algae blooms, also import a distinctive taste. All drinking water must meet the same state and federal requirements and the City's water continues to meet and these standards.

Disinfection
At the Water Treatment Plant, and Well sites chemicals are added to water for the purpose of disinfection. Effective February 9, 2007, The City of Brentwood converted from Chlorine to Chloramines as the primary water disinfectant. Chloramines are the combination of chlorine and ammonia. The conversion to Chloramines has allowed the City of Brentwood to increase protection of public health, while meeting stricter state and federal water quality regulations. Chloramine is more stable than chlorine and will last longer in the distribution system, providing increased protection from bacterial contamination, and improving taste and odor. Additional information regarding Chloramines

Reclamation and Reuse
With many parts of the country facing drought and increased population and development, some communities have chosen to supplement their potable water resources with appropriately treated reclaimed water. Water reuse eases pressure on water supplies and conserves potable water reserves. Water reuse for non potable purposes has been a widely accepted practice around the world for decades and has uses such as irrigation, wetland restoration, industrial washing and cooling, fire protection, geothermic energy production and car washing.

Non-Potable
The City of Brentwood also has non potable (not suitable for drinking) water available in some areas. This non potable water is untreated (raw) water pumped directly from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta via the East Contra Costa Irrigation District. Its only use in Brentwood is for irrigation purposes. Current users include golf courses, City parks and parkways, schools and commercial landscaped areas.
In a drought year non potable water may be restricted due to its more beneficial use as treatable water (potable drinking water.)

Water Pressure
The water pressure in your home may range from about 30 to 100 psi. Operating water pressure within the City of Brentwood’s distribution system can range from about 30 pounds per square inch (psi) to 100 psi. Pressure within the system varies depending on the elevation of your property in relation to the elevation of the reservoir that provides water service for your area. Peak water use and routine water system operations also can cause water pressure in the distribution system to fluctuate. Other variables that may affect water pressure include water softeners, plumbing restrictions, point of use treatment devices (cartridge filters, etc.) and seasonal water demands.

The City cannot adjust the water pressure for specific properties; however, if you have concerns with high pressure or low pressure, there are some steps you can take that may help resolve the issue.
Most home improvement stores sell inexpensive water pressure gauges that can be simply attached to your outside faucet or hose bib. This will be useful when trying to determine the on-site water pressure at your property.

High Water Pressure
You may need a pressure reducing valve if your water pressure is more than 80 psi. If the water pressure at your property is 80 pounds per square inch (psi) or greater, a pressure reducing valve (PRV) will help decrease the water pressure. In accordance with Uniform Plumbing Codes, property owners and/or customers are responsible for installing and maintaining their own individual PRV devices whenever static water pressure exceeds 80 psi.

PRVs will not increase water pressure to a property; however, they do serve as a critical component to decrease water pressure to your level of preference. Most plumbing professionals recommend a PRV setting between 35 and 60 psi. High Water Pressure Can Damage Plumbing Sustained pressure that exceeds 80 psi can damage on-site plumbing systems and may affect your water fixtures. PRVs should be installed on the customer’s side of the water meter and are usually located near the water heater, water softener or on the inlet water line between your home and the water meter.

If your home water system does not have a PRV, you can purchase them from a licensed plumber, who can install the PRV. If a PRV already exists, it may just need an adjustment to decrease the pressure at the property.

The City recommends that you consult a licensed plumber for adjustments and service to your PRV.

Low Water Pressure
Decreased water pressure usually denotes a plumbing problem. If you're experiencing a decrease in water pressure at your property, the issue is typically within your plumbing system. The list below may help you identify the cause of the low pressure at your property.

• Water Softeners
  In many cases, the cause of a sudden change or decrease in home water pressure is the result of a water softener. If it has been a while since your water softener was serviced, you may want to consider having a professional service technician evaluate your water softener’s condition. Depending on the type of water softener and plumbing configuration at your property, you may be able to troubleshoot low-pressure issues caused by your water softener. One option is to temporarily put the softener on by-pass and see if pressure increases. If it does, the low pressure is probably caused by the water softener and it may need to be serviced or possibly replaced.
• Pressure Reducing Valve
  If the low pressure is at every faucet in the home and you have a pressure reducing valve (PRV) installed on your home plumbing system, you may want to verify that your PRV is set appropriately. Most PRVs are bell-shaped devices that may be installed outside on the inlet water line between your home and water meter. PRVs should be adjusted by a licensed plumber.
• Clogged Aerators
  If the low pressure is not affecting every faucet, the problem may just be a clogged or blocked faucet aerator. Check the aerator screens for rust, debris, scale or other particles that may be restricting flow. Simply clean or replace the aerator altogether.
• Hot Water, Low Pressure
  If the low pressure is only affecting the hot water at your property, there could be a problem with your water heater. Check the shut-off valve near the water heater and make sure it is fully open. You may need to consult a licensed plumber to evaluate the condition of your water heater and determine if it is affecting your water pressure.
• On-site Water Valve
  Most homes have an on-site water valve located near other on-site fixtures, like a water heater or water softener. The valve may also be located in the garage or on the inlet line between your home and water meter. This valve, which may be utilized to make plumbing repairs, allows you to shut off the flow of water to the home. Make certain that this valve is open completely; even the slightest closure can restrict flows and decrease the water pressure.
• On-site Leak
  Low pressure also can be caused by a water leak somewhere on the property.
  

Water Conservation
Think about water. It's yours for the asking, 24 hours a day. All you have to do is turn a faucet. It does not cost a lot. It tastes good and is good for you. In fact, we cannot live without it. Now think again.

It's a carefully manufactured product - clean, safe and pumped directly into your home - a valuable resource that shouldn't be wasted. The average person in Brentwood uses 160 gallons of water per day while peak summer use climbs to 267 gallons per person every day. The 107 gallon per day difference is largely attributed to landscape irrigation and evaporation from pools.

The magical thing about water is that it can be reused over and over. In fact, the amount of water on the earth is finite and has been reused/recycled forever. Nature has handled it forever. But high-quality water that we need and expect in our homes is not an infinite resource. Nature's way of cleaning water takes time. Our lives and the pace at which we live does not allow for Mother Nature's schedule to meet our needs. And while we have sped up nature's process and can supply water quickly and efficiently, it does come at a cost. So conservation can be a money saver too.

Here are some simple tasks you can do to start saving today! And saving water may reduce your water bill.

• Reduce irrigation. Most people over-water turf and plants. In the winter, spring and fall plants require approximately half the water needed in the hot summer months.
• Visit Waterwise Garden, Landscape and Plant Information and Tips for information to save water in your landscape.
• Use drought tolerant or low water need plants. This can save as much as 1500 gallons of water per year.
• Shut off water when shaving or brushing teeth. This can save at least 10 gallons of water per day.
• Run dishwashers and washing machines for full loads only.
• Repair or replace leaky faucets. The average leaky faucet wastes at least 5 gallons of water per day.
• Repair or replace leaky toilets. A leaky toilet wastes approximately 40 gallons of water per day.
• Cover swimming pools when not in use. Evaporation from uncovered pools can waste as much as 3,000 gallons per month through evaporation.

In an ongoing effort to promote the importance of water conservation, the City participates in various public outreach, education and information programs. Below is a list of programs currently available to residents. For additional information about these programs, please call the City’s Water Conservation Department at (925) 516-6000.

• Free 1.5 gallon per minute showerhead when you schedule a Residential Water Use Survey. Call (925) 516-6000 to schedule an appointment, contact the City’s Water Conservation Specialist at dwilliford@ci.brentwood.ca.us or fill out the Water Use Survey Request.
• High Efficiency Toilets Rebate – Residents may receive a rebate of up to $50 when they purchase a high efficiency toilet. High efficiency toilets use 1.28 gallons or less per flush.
• Weather-Based Irrigation Controller Pilot Study – Outdoor irrigation accounts for as much as 50% of all water used in the summer months. In an effort to reduce peak water usage, the City is conducting a study to determine if weather-based irrigation controllers can effectively reduce irrigation water usage. The irrigation controller assesses weather conditions and automatically adjusts the schedule to irrigate landscaping as needed. For additional information click here Weather-Based Irrigation Controller Pilot Study.
• Waterwise Garden, Landscape and Plant Information and Tips
• High Usage Notification Program – A notification program has been developed to identify homes that appear to use an above average amount of water when compared to similar size homes and lot sizes. If a resident’s water usage is three (3) times greater than the comparative average, a notification is sent to the resident along with an invitation for a free Residential Water Use Survey.

Pool and Spa Tips
A properly managed pool or spa can be an appropriate use of water. Use these tips to help save water and money.

• Cover your pool
  An exposed pool loses 50 to 70 gallons of water per square foot per year to evaporation. During the hot summer months, you may lose up to 4 inches of water each week. Pool covers reduce evaporation by 90 percent, limit windblown debris, and conserve energy.
• Protect the pool from wind
  Wind exposure can increase evaporation in uncovered pools. Plant trees and shrubs that buffer your pool, but won't shed or drop leaves in the water.
• Maintain pool filters
  Wash cartridge filters when your pump operating pressure increases by 10 psi (pounds per square inch). You can wash cartridges on landscape areas since chlorinated pool water is diluted with clean water. Never allow wash water to run into the street.
• Manage water quality
  Test pool and spa water frequently and maintain appropriate chemical balances.
• Heat pool conservatively
  Warmer water means higher evaporation rates. Professionals recommend 78 degrees Fahrenheit as the ideal recreational pool temperature.
• Test for leaks
  This four-step bucket test may help you determine if you have a leak or a high evaporation rate.
  1. Turn off the automatic fill valve.
  2. Place a bucket on a step where the bucket rim is at least a few inches above the water line. Place a heavy weight in the bucket and add water until the water level inside the bucket is equal with the water level in the pool.
  3. Leave the bucket and pool undistributed for several hot days, then compare the water level in the bucket to the water level in the pool.
  4. If the water level in the bucket is noticeably higher than the water level in the pool, you may be losing water to a leak. Contact a pool leak detection specialist.
• Drain to the sanitary sewer
  When you drain your pool or spa to the sanitary sewer, you allow the water to be cleaned and used again, rather than wasted.

Find and Fix Leaks
Follow these tips to find leaks inside or outside your home.

• Turn Off the Water
  Before you look for leaks, make sure no water is being used inside or outside of your home.
• Locate Your Water Meter
  Most Brentwood residential water meters are located in the front of the home between the street and the sidewalk. The first step is to check your water meter for movement. Look at the top of the meter. You'll notice a triangle or small dial called a flow indicator. The black triangle or red dial (low flow indicator) will move whenever water is passing through it. If your meter doesn't have a low flow indicator, you can use the sweep hand on the register to indicate water loss. If either the low flow indicator or the sweep hand is moving, you may have a leak or malfunction.
• Check Your Toilets
  Locating a leak is a process of elimination. Shut off one toilet at a time at the wall. In between each shutoff, go out to the water meter and check your flow indicator. If the flow indicator stopped moving, that means the toilet is the culprit. If the flow indicator is moving, that toilet is not the problem. Something else is causing the water flow.
• Check Your Irrigation System
  Shut off the valve that serves your sprinkler system. Check the flow indicator at the water meter. If the flow indicator stopped moving, the sprinkler system is the problem.
• Check Your Water Softener
  Most softeners have a bypass lever. Turn the lever to allow water to bypass the softener. Check the flow indicator at the meter. If the flow indicator is no longer moving, you have isolated the leak to your softener. (You also can check for leaking water-cooled air conditioners, ice machines and reverse osmosis units by turning the bypass lever on each and checking the meter.)
• Check Your Pool
  First turn off the automatic fill valve and place a bucket on a step where the bucket rim is at least a few inches above the water line. Then place a heavy weight in the bucket and add water until the water level inside the bucket is equal with the water level in the pool. Leave the bucket and pool undisturbed for several hot days, and then compare the water level in the bucket to the water level in the pool. If the water level in the bucket is noticeably higher than the water level in the pool, you may be losing water to a leak. If this is the case, contact a pool leak detection specialist for further assistance.
• Check Your Main Service Line
  First, you need to find your water shutoff valve. This is usually located at the spigot where the water enters the home. Shut off the valve, cutting off all water to your home, and go in the house and turn on a faucet to make sure the water is off. Check the flow indicator at the meter. If the flow indicator is moving, the leak is between the shutoff valve and the water meter.
• Now What?
  If you are not able to find the leak, call a professional plumber to locate and fix the leak(s). If you find a simple leak like your toilet flapper or kitchen faucet, you may want to fix the problem yourself.
  

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