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1. What is the fluoride level of CWD's water?

CWD does not add fluoride to its water; however, fluoride occurs naturally in CWD's water. CWD's average fluoride level is 0.11 (mg/L). For additional information on your needs for fluoride in preventing tooth decay, please contact your family dentist.

2. Does Carmichael have hard or soft water?

The District's water supply during the winter months is surface water which is considered soft water. The hardness increases to mildly hard during the months of May - October when the demand increases and the water supply is a combination of surface and ground waters. During the past year, CWD's water hardness averaged 77 ppb for groundwater and 26 ppb for surface water. Hard water may cause ice cubes to be cloudy and leave water spots on glasses. Hardness is naturally occurring in water, generally from magnesium and calcium, which are both important to good health.

3. What is my water pressure?

The CWD water pressure ranges between 40 to 85 psi. The system average is 60 psi.

4. What is the pH of the water?

CWD's pH target is 8.2 with a range of 8.0 to 8.4.

5. Is my water safe?

Yes! CWD water is tested for more than 200 constituents on a daily, weekly, monthly, and/or annual basis. Water samples are subject to the most up-to-date testing methods and then are re-tested to verify accuracy. Samples are then measured against state and federal standards to ensure quality.

View the Annual Water Quality and CCR Reports.

6. Where does my water come from?

The Carmichael Water District (CWD) water supply during the winter months is primarily surface water which comes from the American River; during the months of May - October when the demand increases the water supply is a combination of surface and ground waters which comes from wells located throughout the District. All water provided to our customers meets or exceeds state and federal drinking water standards.

View The Story of Our Water video series.

7. What was the fluoridation survey results?

Thank you to the District customers that took the time to complete the survey. A total of 36% of our customers responded. The goal of the survey was to determine if the District's customers were in favor of adding fluoride to the CWD drinking water supply and if in favor of fluoridation would customers be willing to pay an additional amount on their water bill. In addition, the survey will help the staff determine how much public education we may need in the future. The final results of the survey are listed in the table:

• For Fluoridation (35%): 1,379
• Against Fluoridation (64%): 2,529
• For Fluoridation and willing to pay for it: 1,272
• For Fluoridation but not willing to pay for it: 90
• Undecided (1%): 15