Watsonville drinking water not up to state standards

State water managers said Watsonville’s drinking water not up to state standards. City leaders are under a tight deadline to lower the levels of Chromium 6 in it’s water supply.

News Channel 5 was in Watsonville to find out what it’s going to take to get these upgrades done.

“It doesn’t make me feel very comfortable you know. I’ve been living here for nine years already and it kind of sucks to be honest,” said Watsonville resident Miguel Vaca.

Vaca lives off Lighthouse Drive right up the road from one of the ground water wells that the city said needs to be fixed to meet state requirements. He said he’s noticed murky water coming out of his faucet the past couple of months.

The cities water resources center said since the new water regulations they have to get eight of their 12 groundwater wells up to standards.

Environmental analyst Jackie McCloud said in July of 2014 the state lowered the minimum amount of naturally occurring Chromium 6 levels allowed in drinking water. Right now, Watsonville’s levels average higher than the new standard. But McCloud said the drinking water is still safe.

“We have always met regulation so we’re working towards meeting the new standard. it is challenging,” said McCloud.

She said the upgrades will cost the city about $20 million, something the city can’t pay by July’s deadline.

“We’re looking for funding, we’re looking for our options,” said McCloud.

Cental Coast lawmaker Luis Alejo is proposing a bill to give Watsonville more time to make the changes.

“It makes me feel like we’re not clean enough or we’re not up to state standards but i know it will get better soon,” said Vaca.

The issue will be discussed at tomorrow’s city council meeting. Other areas affected by Chromium-6 contamination include, Las Lomas and Los Banos as well as areas in Southern California.