South Pasadena does not fall within the scope of the ‘Pasadena Water Usage Alert’, and is ‘safe to drink’ as deemed by South Pasadena City Officials.
The South Pasadena water supply is managed, and stored separately from Pasadena.
Where Does My Drinking Water Come From?
In light of the recent major fire in Pasadena and its subsequent “don’t drink or cook” water advisory, South Pasadena residents can rest assured that their water supply remains safe and unaffected.
The City of South Pasadena has been, and continues to provide high-quality drinking water that meets or surpasses all federal and state safety standards, according to the 2023 Water Quality Report.
Independent Water Sources Ensure Safety
South Pasadena’s water supply comes from three main sources:
Groundwater Wells in the Main San Gabriel Groundwater Basin – These wells are carefully monitored and treated to remove contaminants.
Imported Surface Water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California – This water comes from the Colorado River and Northern California and is filtered and disinfected with chloramines before being delivered.
Groundwater from Pasadena (for the Pasadena Zone) – Although this supply is shared with Pasadena, rigorous quality testing ensures it meets South Pasadena’s high standards before distribution.
South Pasadena uses free chlorine for disinfection in its groundwater systems, while the Metropolitan Water District employs chloramines. These redundant disinfection processes prevent microorganism growth in the city’s pipes, offering an extra layer of safety.
Rigorous Testing and Compliance
The City conducts continuous testing of its water supply, ensuring compliance with all state and federal drinking water regulations. Testing includes monitoring for microbial contaminants, disinfection byproducts, and trace industrial chemicals, as well as naturally occurring substances like fluoride and nitrates. In 2023, South Pasadena’s water met or exceeded all safety benchmarks.
Residents concerned about specific contaminants, such as lead or nitrate, should note that South Pasadena remains well below regulatory action levels. For example, lead levels from tested homes showed no exceedance of limits, and nitrate concentrations stayed consistently below the maximum allowable levels.
Why Pasadena’s Crisis Doesn’t Impact South Pasadena
While South Pasadena receives a portion of its water supply from Pasadena for its “Pasadena Zone,” the two cities operate separate treatment and distribution systems. Pasadena’s current water issues are isolated to its system and have no bearing on South Pasadena’s water safety or quality.
The City of South Pasadena’s proactive monitoring, source diversification, and stringent treatment processes ensure that residents receive safe, clean water regardless of emergencies in neighboring areas.
Stay Informed
Residents are encouraged to stay engaged with the City’s water updates. Regular City Council meetings provide opportunities to learn more about water quality and conservation. For further information, the 2023 Water Quality Report PDF is available CLICK HERE
A Commitment to Excellence
Delivering high-quality water requires advanced engineering and scientific expertise. South Pasadena’s licensed water professionals employ state-of-the-art methods to ensure the safety and reliability of the city’s water. Residents can trust that every drop is backed by rigorous testing and dedicated care.
