Watsonville working to ensure water quality

The City of Watsonville is working to provide residents with clean and healthy tap water. New California water quality regulations are forcing the city to invest more money in those treatments

About a year ago, the State of California increased the required tap water quality from what’s required on the Federal level by 90%. Now, the City of Watsonville is in the works to meet those new standards.

“We’re constantly testing the distribution systems and our source waters to make sure we’re meeting all the standards required by the state of California,” said Beau Kayser, Water Operations Supervisor with Watsonville.

And to make sure standards are met, the city is not only testing water quality on a weekly basis but is looking to improve pipelines and infrastructure.

“Along with just delivering high quality water, we need to make sure that the infrastructure that’s in place is suitable to do that as well,” said Kayser.

But this maintenance comes at a steep price, Watsonville has invested $20 million over the next 5 years. This means a hike in resident’s water bills. But in the long run, it’s cheaper than having to restock the fridge with bottled water.

Beau kayser: water operations supervisor
“I’d say it’s the best bang for your buck,” said Kayser, “it makes the water affordable to use.”

The City of Watsonville will also be applying for grants and loans as well to help cover these costs.