City of San Jacinto — Water Quality Update
What happened
Over the past few days, some residents may have noticed darker or cloudy water coming from their taps. This is the result of a temporary increase in naturally occurring minerals such as iron and manganese in the water system. These minerals are common in groundwater throughout California and, while they can affect the color or taste of the water, they do not pose a health risk.
The City’s water system includes multiple treatment plants that remove these minerals before water enters the domestic distribution system. Our team identified the source of the increased mineral levels and has adjusted system operations to bypass that source and ensure consistent water quality. Crews are also flushing water mains in affected areas to help clear out any remaining discoloration and restore normal water clarity.
Your water is safe to drink: The City of San Jacinto is committed to providing safe and reliable drinking water and to keeping you informed whenever there is an issue that affects water quality.
Areas most affected
Increased levels were more noticeable in areas with low water use, such as cul-de-sacs, dead-end streets, and neighborhoods with slower flow. Customers in these areas may have experienced more pronounced discoloration.
What the City is doing
Crews have begun targeted flushing of water mains in affected areas to dislodge and remove mineral deposits that can collect inside the pipes. We will continue flushing and monitoring until conditions return to normal across the system.
Investing for the long term: The City has invested more than $20 million over the past two years to construct two new treatment plants specifically designed to remove iron and manganese from new and existing wells. The first facility is expected to come online by the end of the year.
What you may see and what to do
- You may notice temporary discoloration or cloudy water while flushing is underway. This is a normal part of the cleaning process.
- If you see discolored water at your tap, run a cold water tap or hose for several minutes until it clears.
- Consider postponing laundry until the water runs clear.
Regulatory background
Iron and manganese are regulated in California under secondary maximum contaminant levels, which address water appearance, taste, and odor. Manganese also has a separate health-based notification level. Current testing results for San Jacinto's water are below these thresholds, and the water is safe to drink.
The City will continue actively monitoring and testing the water system to confirm that it remains in full compliance with all state and federal drinking water standards.