Water Quality FAQs

Do you test for lead and copper?

The Lead and Copper Rule (Rule) requires Vista Irrigation District (District) to collect special samples every three years. The treatment technique for the Rule requires the District to monitor drinking water at customer taps. If lead concentrations exceed an action level of 0.015 mg/L or copper concentrations exceed an action level of 1.3 mg/L in more than 10% of customer taps sampled, the District must undertake a number of actions to control corrosion. In 2024, none of the samples collected from customer taps exceeded the action levels for lead or copper.

If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children.  Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing.  The District is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components on the customer's side of the meter.  When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested independently.  Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.