The Wary One

The Wary One

Share this post

The Wary One
The Wary One
So, what exactly does Davis tap water contain other than good old H2O?

So, what exactly does Davis tap water contain other than good old H2O?

Contaminants, Constituents and Exceedances for your consideration

Bob Dunning's avatar
Bob Dunning
Jul 18, 2025
∙ Paid
28

Share this post

The Wary One
The Wary One
So, what exactly does Davis tap water contain other than good old H2O?
14
1
Share

Okay, I've been promising for some time now that I'd analyze all the contaminants and constituents that are hiding inside our safe-to-drink-straight-from-the-tap City of Davis water.

As I've said before, I love Davis water. And since I've been drinking it regularly since the day I turned five years old and I'm still on the planet getting younger and better looking every day, it must be good for both your body and your soul.

In a "Message to Our Valued Water Customers," a designation that made me feel special and loved all at the same time, we are told that "The City of Davis is pleased to provide the 2024 Water Quality Report to you."

And let's just say that while we are not facing what the fine citizens of Flint, Michigan had to put up with in the last few years, our water is not nearly as pure as the rain that falls from the sky.

Yes, Davis water is certainly drinkable, but it changed substantially when we went to Sacramento River water as our primary source in 2016.

Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park | Explore Butte County
The Sacramento River

I know that doesn't square with our hard-earned image as the City of All Things Right and Relevant, but rest assured, Sacramento River water can be sufficiently scrubbed to make it safe to drink.

The rough estimate is that 80 percent of our water now comes from the Sacramento River, with the other 20 percent coming from nine wells, five of the deep aquifer variety and four that are classified as intermediate.

It used to be that everything we used was well water, unless you instead preferred to take a mop bucket out to the Mighty Putah any time you were thirsty or needed a bath.

If you're wondering if your home is getting river water or well water, wonder no more. The City apparently mixes the two before home delivery, so we all get some of each.

This post is for paid subscribers

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Bob Dunning
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share