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Important Information Regarding the State’s Chromium-6 (Cr-6) Notification

The Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District (BCVWD) is committed to providing safe, high-quality drinking water to all of our customers. Recently, the State of California required all water systems with a Chromium-6 (Cr-6) detection above the State’s new standard to issue a notice to every customer, even if only a small portion of the system was affected (see map).

Map provided for general reference only. The highlighted area represents an approximate portion of the District’s service area associated with Chromium-6 monitoring and notification requirements.

Why You Received a Notice

The State of California established a new Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for Chromium-6 at 10 parts per billion (ppb), a standard that is far more restrictive than the federal level, which regulates total chromium (all forms combined) at 100 ppb. California and New Jersey are currently the only two states in the nation with a separate Chromium-6 standard.

Although this new State regulation is currently being challenged in court, it is in effect. Because one of BCVWD’s 23 groundwater wells tested slightly above the State’s new MCL (11 ppb), the State required that we send this notice to all customers. If we failed to do so, the District could face fines of up to $1,000 per day, even though only a small portion of the District’s water sources are impacted.

Our Position and Response

BCVWD has consistently voiced concern over this unfunded State mandate and has emphasized the significant financial burden it places on public water agencies and their ratepayers. Despite this, we are taking proactive steps to comply with State requirements while minimizing costs to our customers.

We have:

  • Adjusted our Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to include projects that address the State’s concerns.
  • Submitted a Hexavalent Chromium Compliance Plan to the State Water Resources Control Board outlining a blended approach that combines new low-Cr-6 well development and the conversion of certain wells to non-potable use.
  • Prioritized cost-effective solutions that continue to provide safe and reliable water while maintaining fiscal responsibility

Our Water Remains Safe and of High Quality

It’s important to note that:

  • This is not an emergency, your water remains safe to drink.
  • BCVWD’s water consistently meets or exceeds federal drinking water standards.
  • There has been no change in the District’s water quality; the notice is based solely on the State’s new definition of acceptable Chromium-6 levels.
  • BCVWD performs hundreds of water quality tests each year, month, week, and day to ensure that your water remains clean, reliable, and of exceptional quality.

Our Annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs), available on our website, provide detailed information about all testing results and water quality metrics.

In Summary

We understand that the wording of the State-required notice may cause unnecessary concern. Please be assured that:

  • The District’s water is high quality, and the exceedance is limited and well within natural variation.
  • No immediate action is required by customers.
  • BCVWD continues to take a proactive, responsible approach to ensure compliance while advocating for reasonable, science-based, and financially sustainable regulations for our community.

For additional information, please contact James Bean, Director of Operations, at (951) 845-9581 or send an email to info@bcvwd.gov.

Well 1A Project Update: Flushing in Progress for Our Community’s Future

At Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District, we’re continuing work on the Well 1A Replacement Project, one of our most important infrastructure investments. Originally drilled in 1936, the former Well 1 served our community for nearly nine decades. Its replacement, Well 1A, is designed to ensure reliable, high-quality water for generations to come.

As we near completion, crews are conducting flushing operations to prepare the new well for service. This essential step removes naturally occurring sediment and fine materials from the well and connecting pipelines, ensuring that the water meets the District’s strict quality standards before entering the system.

We understand that the flushing process can sometimes be an inconvenience, such as temporary water flow, noise, or traffic impacts, but this short-term work is a critical step in guaranteeing clean, dependable water for our customers.

We appreciate our community’s patience and understanding as we complete this important phase. Projects like Well 1A are investments in our shared water future, supporting reliability, safety, and the long-term sustainability of our water supply.

Project Location: 12th Street & Palm Avenue
Learn more about this and other projects at https://bcvwd.gov

#BCVWD #Well1A #CIP #WaterInfrastructure #ReliableWater #CommunityInvestment #WaterMatters #BeaumontWater

💧 Your Water Remains Safe and High Quality

At Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District (BCVWD), we’re dedicated to providing safe, clean, and reliable drinking water every single day.

Recently, the State of California updated its regulations for Chromium-6 (Cr-6), setting one of the strictest standards in the nation. One of our 23 wells tested slightly above the new state limit (11 parts per billion), which required us to notify all customers.

Here’s what you need to know:
✅ This is not an emergency — your water remains safe to drink.
✅ BCVWD’s water meets or exceeds all federal standards for drinking water.
✅ The State’s new rule changes the definition of acceptable Chromium-6 levels — not the actual quality of your water.

We continue to take a proactive and cost-effective approach to meet State requirements while ensuring the high-quality water our community depends on.

📘 Learn more in our annual Water Quality Report:
👉 https://bcvwd.gov/documents/plans-studies-reports/

#BCVWD #WaterQuality #SafeWater #CleanWater #CommunityFirst

Did You Know? Sneaky Leaks Edition

Guess which of these sneaky leaks can cost you the most money on your water bill:

A) A dripping faucet
B) A running toilet
C) A forgotten garden hose

👉 The answer: B! A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons a day!
But don’t forget, all of these sneaky leaks add up. Dripping faucets and forgotten hoses might not seem like much, but over time they can waste thousands of gallons of water and raise your bill.

Check your home regularly and stop sneaky leaks before they drain your wallet. 💸💧

#SneakyLeaks#FixTheDrip#EveryDropCounts #BCVWD

Regular Board Meeting Today 10/29/2025

Here’s your chance to #participate! We welcome feedback from the community during our Board of Directors meetings. Join us in person or online tonight at 6:00 p.m. Visit https://bcvwd.gov/documents/2025-board-meeting-agendas for the agenda. #BCVWD

Online via Zoom –

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84318559070?pwd=SXIzMFZCMGh0YTFIL2tnUGlpU3h0UT09

Telephone, please dial: (669) 900-9128

Enter Meeting ID: 843 1855 9070

Enter Passcode: 113552

For public comment, use the “Raise Hand” feature on the video call when prompted. If dialing in, please dial *9 to “Raise Hand” when prompted. #BCVWD

Where Our Water Comes From 💧

Once we know why replenishment is required, the next question is: where does that water come from?

The answer is the California State Water Project (SWP), a massive system of reservoirs, canals, and pipelines that delivers water throughout the state.

Here in Beaumont, we work with the San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency (SGPWA), our regional wholesale water provider, to purchase water from the SWP. BCVWD then uses that imported water to replenish the Beaumont Basin and deliver safe, reliable drinking water directly to our customers.

It’s a true partnership:

  • State Water Project (SWP): Moves water across California.
  • SGPWA: Purchases SWP water for our region.
  • BCVWD: Replenishes the basin and delivers water to you.

On your bill, you may notice a State Water Project pass-through charge. This is the cost BCVWD pays to SGPWA for the imported water we purchase on behalf of our community. It’s not an extra fee from BCVWD, but simply the share of costs required to secure the long-term water supplies we all rely on.

Together, this partnership ensures our community has access to safe, reliable water today, and tomorrow.

#BCVWD #SGPWA #StateWaterProject #ReliableWater #EveryDropCounts

Safety and Responsibility at BCVWD

At Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District, our commitment to the community extends beyond providing safe, reliable water. We are also dedicated to employee safety and responsibility. That means:

  • Investing in uniforms, marked trucks, and safety equipment so our employees are protected while serving you.
  • Ensuring our community can recognize official BCVWD staff. Employees will never ask for payment or account information at your home.
  • All BCVWD staff carry district ID badges, and you can always call our office to confirm if an employee should be on site.

“The safety of our staff is a top priority for the Board of Directors. Our Board is committed to supporting staff with the tools and safeguards they need to work safely,” stated BCVWD Board member David Hoffman. “When we make sure our employees are protected, we’re also making sure our community receives the dependable water service it deserves.”

We take safety seriously because protecting our employees means protecting our community.

Learn more about BCVWD services at https://bcvwd.gov

#BCVWD #CommunitySafety #EmployeeSafety #ResponsibleService

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