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Death Valley National Park Utilities Branch
579 Cow Creek Service Road
Furnace Creek, CA 92328
Phone: (760) 786-3298, Fax (760) 786-2844
DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
FURNACE CREEK WATER SYSTEM CA1410505
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT
We are pleased to provide you with this year’s Annual Quality Water Report also known as Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). We want to keep you informed about the excellent water and services we have delivered to you over the past year. Our goal is and always has been, to provide to you a safe and dependable supply of drinking water. Our staff receives updated, professional training on a continuing basis so that we may better serve you.
At the present there are over 150 water customers and users on the system, consisting of more than 1.5 miles of water distribution pipe within Furnace Creek. There is one partially buried tank located in Furnace Creek that holds approximately 2‐million gallons of water. We are chlorinating, we do so as a protection to our customers and users. Chlorinating kills bacteria that might enter our system. Another question frequently asked of our department is “do you fluoridate”? The answer is “no”.
We’re pleased to report that our drinking water is safe and meets or exceeds state water board requirements. This report shows our water quality and what it means.
If you have any questions about this report or concerns of your water utility, please contact Charles Thompson, at 760‐786‐3262. We want our customers and users to be informed about their water utility. If you want to learn more, please do not hesitate to contact Maintenace Division Chief.
Death Valley Utilities Branch routinely monitors for constituents in our drinking water according to State laws. Our water system is tested monthly. The attached report shows the results of our monitoring for the period of January 1st to December 31st, 2023.
ADDITIONAL COPIES MAY BE OBTAINED FROM
Death Valley National Park Utilities Branch
579 Cow Creek Service Road
Furnace Creek, CA 92328
__________________________________________________________________
Water System Name:Furnace Creek Water System - 1410505 Report Date: August 16, 2024 Type of Water Source(s) in Use: Ground water Name and General Location of Source(s): The Furnace Creek community water supply is produced from wells located about 2 miles from the Furnace Creek Inn. Drinking Water Source Assessment Information:A source water assessment was conducted for all Furnace Creek wells in January 2009. Sources were considered vulnerable to water supply and monitoring wells. Arsenic, fluoride, and general minerals were detected but are not attributed to activities and are considered naturally occurring. Reverse osmosis treatment is provided for these. A copy of the complete assessment may be viewed at the Death Valley National Park office or requested from the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water at (909) 383-4328 or 464 West 4th Street, Suite 437, San Bernardino, CA 92401.The water is considered moderately mineralized consisting of sodium, calcium and magnesium, salts and bicarbonate, fluoride, arsenic, and chloride. The water is considered high silica water in which amorphous silica and magnesium silicate deposits could create serious problems by fouling surfaces of water handling equipment. This type of silica scale is very tenacious and difficult to remove.Specific water quality data relating to system water supplies can be found below. Time and Place of Regularly Scheduled Board Meetings for Public Participation: Please call Charles Thompson for an appointment at 760-786-3262 or e-mail: e-mail us For More Information, Contact: Charles Thompson at 760-786-3262
We test the drinking water quality for many constituents as required by state and federal regulations. This report shows the results of our monitoring for the period of January 1 to December 31, 2023 and may include earlier monitoring data.
Importance of This Report Statement in Five Non-English Languages (Spanish, Mandarin, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Hmong)
Language in Spanish: Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua para beber. Favor de comunicarse [Furnace Creek Water System - 1410505] a [760-786-3262] para asistirlo en español.Language in Mandarin: 这份报告含有关于您的饮用水的重要讯息。请用以下地址和电话联系 [Furnace Creek Water System - 1410505]以获得中文的帮助: [ 760-786-3262].Language in Tagalog: Ang pag-uulat na ito ay naglalaman ng mahalagang impormasyon tungkol sa inyong inuming tubig. Mangyaring makipag-ugnayan sa [Furnace Creek Water System - 1410505] o tumawag sa [760-786-3262] para matulungan sa wikang Tagalog.Language in Vietnamese: Báo cáo này chứa thông tin quan trọng về nước uống của bạn. Xin vui lòng liên hệ [Furnace Creek Water System - 1410505] tại [760-786-3262] để được hỗ trợ giúp bằng tiếng Việt.Language in Hmong: Tsab ntawv no muaj cov ntsiab lus tseem ceeb txog koj cov dej haus. Thov hu rau [Furnace Creek Water System - 1410505] ntawm [760-786-3262 ] rau kev pab hauv lus Askiv.
A Level 1 assessment is a study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system.
Level 2 Assessment
A Level 2 assessment is a very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL violation has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system on multiple occasions.
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)
The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. Primary MCLs are set as close to the PHGs (or MCLGs) as is economically and technologically feasible. Secondary MCLs are set to protect the odor, taste, and appearance of drinking water.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG)
The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs are set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA).
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL)
The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG)
The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
Primary Drinking Water Standards (PDWS)
MCLs and MRDLs for contaminants that affect health along with their monitoring and reporting requirements, and water treatment requirements.
Public Health Goal(PHG)
The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. PHGs are set by the California Environmental Protection Agency.
Regulatory Action Level(AL)
The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow.
Secondary Drinking Water Standards (SDWS)
MCLs for contaminants that affect taste, odor, or appearance of the drinking water. Contaminants with SDWSs do not affect the health at the MCL levels.
Treatment Technique(TT)
A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
Variances and Exemptions
Permissions from the State Water Resources Control Board (State Board) to exceed an MCL or not comply with a treatment technique under certain conditions.
ND
Not detectable at testing limit.
ppm
parts per million or milligrams per liter (mg/L)
ppb
parts per billion or micrograms per liter (µg/L)
ppt
parts per trillion or nanograms per liter (ng/L)
ppq
parts per quadrillion or picogram per liter (pg/L)
The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.Contaminants that may be present in source water include:
Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, that may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, that can be naturally-occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
Pesticides and herbicides, that may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, that are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, agricultural application, and septic systems.
Radioactive contaminants, that can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.
Regulation of Drinking Water and Bottled Water Quality
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. EPA and the State Board prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations and California law also establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that provide the same protection for public health.
Tables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 list all of the drinking water contaminants that were detected during the most recent sampling for the constituent. The presence of these contaminants in the water does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. The State Board allows us to monitor for certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Some of the data, though representative of the water quality, are more than one year old. Any violation of an AL, MCL, MRDL, or TT is asterisked. Additional information regarding the violation is provided later in this report.Table 1. Sampling Results Showing the Detection of Coliform BacteriaComplete if bacteria are detected.
Microbiological Contaminants
Highest No. of Detections
No. of Months in Violation
MCL
MCLG
Typical Source of Bacteria
E. coli
(In the year)0
(a)
0
Human and animal fecal waste
(a) Routine and repeat samples are total coliform-positive and either is E. coli-positive or system fails to take repeat samples following E. coli-positive routine sample or system fails to analyze total coliform-positive repeat sample for E. coli.Table 2. Sampling Results Showing the Detection of Lead and CopperComplete if lead or copper is detected in the last sample set.
Lead and Copper
Sample Date
No. of Samples Collected
90th Percentile Level Detected
No. Sites Exceeding AL
AL
Range of Detection
PHG
Typical Source ofContaminant
Lead (ppb)
09-01-2209-14-22
91
0
00
15
ND - 22
0.2
Internal corrosion of household water plumbing systems; discharges from industrial manufacturers; erosion of natural deposits
Copper (ppm)
09-01-2209-14-22
91
0.26
00
1.3
ND - 290
0.3
Internal corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives
Table 3. Sampling Results for Sodium and Hardness
Chemical or Constituent (and reporting units)
Sample Date
Level Detected
Range of Detections
MCL
PHG (MCLG)
Typical Source of Contaminant
Sodium (ppm)
11-30-23
150
NA
None
None
Salt present in the water and is generally naturally occurring
Hardness (ppm)
11-30-23
170
NA
None
None
Sum of polyvalent cations present in the water, generally magnesium and calcium, and are usually naturally occurring
Table 4. Detection of Contaminants with a Primary Drinking Water Standard
Chemical or Constituent(andreporting units)
Sample Date
Level Detected
Range of Detections
MCL [MRDL]
PHG (MCLG) [MRDLG]
Typical Source of Contaminant
Arsenic (ppb)
2023
4.7
2.8 – 8.8
10
0.004
Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards; glass and electronics production wastes
Barium (ppb)
11-30-23
37
NA
1000
2000
Discharges of oil drilling wastes and from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits
Fluoride (ppb)
2023
0.52
ND – 0.79
2.0
1
Erosion of natural deposits; water additive that promotes strong teeth; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories.
Table 5. Detection of Contaminants with a Secondary Drinking Water Standard
Chemical or Constituent (and reporting units)
Sample Date
Level Detected
Range of Detections
SMCL
PHG (MCLG)
Typical SourceofContaminant
Chloride (ppb)
11-14-23
35
NA
500
NA
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; seawater influence
Conductivity μS/cm
11-14-23
970
NA
1600
NA
[Substances that form ions when in water, seawater influence.
Sulfate (ppb)
11-14-23
150
NA
500
NA
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; industrial wastes
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the U.S. EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. U.S. EPA/Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).Lead-Specific Language: 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. [Enter Water System’s Name] is responsible for providing high quality drinking water but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. 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. [Optional: If you do so, you may wish to collect the flushed water and reuse it for another beneficial purpose, such as watering plants.] If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) or at http://www.epa.gov/lead.
Special Notice of Fecal Indicator-Positive Groundwater Source Sample: A bac-t sample was taken on 05-03-23 at Furnace Creek SS #2 that resulted in a presence of coliform. The same sample also indicated a zero result for e-coli. At the time of sampling, SS #2 tested with a 0.9 ppm chlorine residual. A repeat sample (at FC SS #2) was taken on 05-05-23. These samples included a raw sample of well 1-3 composite, a sample from SS #2, an upstream sample from SS #2, and a downstream sample from SS #2. At the time of sampling all locations (except raw) tested with a 0.9 ppm chlorine residual. All samples taken on 05-05-23 indicated a zero or ND test result.
Special Notice for Uncorrected Significant Deficiencies: [Enter Special Notice for Uncorrected Significant Deficiencies]
Table 9. Violation of Groundwater TT
Violation
Explanation
Duration
Actions Taken to Correct Violation
Health Effects Language
NONE
Death Valley National Park Utilities Branch
579 Cow Creek Service Road
Furnace Creek, CA 92328
Phone: (760) 786-3298, Fax (760) 786-2844
DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
COW CREEK WATER SYSTEM CA14105032023
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT
We are pleased to provide you with this year’s Annual Quality Water Report also known as Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). We want to keep you informed about the excellent water and services we have delivered to you over the past year. Our goal is and always has been, to provide to you a safe and dependable supply of drinking water. Our staff receives updated, professional training on a continuing basis so that we may better serve you.
At the present there are over 60 water customers and users on the system, consisting of more than 6.5 miles of water distribution pipe within Cow Creek. There is one partially buried tank located in Cow Creek that holds approximately 350,000 gallons of water. We are chlorinating, we do so as a protection to our customers and users. Chlorinating kills bacteria that might enter our system. Another question frequently asked of our department is “do you fluoridate”? The answer is “no”.
We’re pleased to report that our drinking water is safe and meets or exceeds state water board requirements. This report shows our water quality and what it means.
If you have any questions about this report or concerns of your water utility, please contact Charles Thompson, at 760-786-3262. We want our customers and users to be informed about their water utility. If you want to learn more, please do not hesitate to contact Maintenace Division Chief.
Death Valley Utilities Branch routinely monitors for constituents in our drinking water according to State laws. Our water system is tested monthly. The attached report shows the results of our monitoring for the period of January 1st to December 31st, 2023.
ADDITIONAL COPIES MAY BE OBTAINED FROM
Death Valley National Park Utilities Branch
579 Cow Creek Service Road
Furnace Creek, CA 92328
__________________________________________________________________
Water System Name: Cow Creek Water System -1410503 Report Date: August 16, 2024 Type of Water Source(s) in Use: Ground water Name and General Location of Source(s): The Cow Creek water supply is collected from the Nevares Spring’s infiltration gallery which is located about two miles east of the Cow Creek housing area. Drinking Water Source Assessment Information: A source water assessment was conducted for the sources of the Death Valley National Park public water systems in May 2002. The Nevares Spring is not considered vulnerable to any potentially contaminating activities at this time. The detection of arsenic and fluoride is considered naturally occurring. Reverse osmosis treatment is provided for these. A copy of the complete assessment may be viewed at the Death Valley National Park office or requested from the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water at (909) 383-4328 or 464 West 4th Street, Suite 437, San Bernardino, CA 92401.The raw water is considered moderately mineralized consisting of sodium, calcium and magnesium, salts and bicarbonate, sulfates, and chloride. The water is considered high silica water in which amorphous silica and magnesium deposits could create serious problems by fouling surfaces of water handling equipment. This type of silica scale is very tenacious and difficult to remove. The Reverse Osmosis Plant is effectively removing the minerals. Specific water quality data relating to system water supplies can be found below. Time and Place of Regularly Scheduled Board Meetings for Public Participation:Please call Charles Thompson for an appointment at 760-786-3262 or e-mail: e-mail us For More Information, Contact: Charles Thompson at 760-786-3262
About This Report
We test the drinking water quality for many constituents as required by state and federal regulations. This report shows the results of our monitoring for the period of January 1 to December 31, 2022 and may include earlier monitoring data.
Importance of This Report Statement in Five Non-English Languages (Spanish, Mandarin, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Hmong)
Language in Spanish: Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua para beber. Favor de comunicarse [Cow Creek Water System -1410503] a [760-786-3262] para asistirlo en español.Language in Mandarin: 这份报告含有关于您的饮用水的重要讯息。请用以下地址和电话联系 [Cow Creek Water System -1410503]以获得中文的帮助: [760-786-3262].Language in Tagalog: Ang pag-uulat na ito ay naglalaman ng mahalagang impormasyon tungkol sa inyong inuming tubig. Mangyaring makipag-ugnayan sa [Cow Creek Water System -1410503] o tumawag sa [760-786-3262] para matulungan sa wikang Tagalog.Language in Vietnamese: Báo cáo này chứa thông tin quan trọng về nước uống của bạn. Xin vui lòng liên hệ [Cow Creek Water System -1410503] tại [760-786-3262] để được hỗ trợ giúp bằng tiếng Việt.Language in Hmong: Tsab ntawv no muaj cov ntsiab lus tseem ceeb txog koj cov dej haus. Thov hu rau [Cow Creek Water System -1410503] ntawm [760-786-3262] rau kev pab hauv lus Askiv.
A Level 1 assessment is a study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system.
Level 2 Assessment
A Level 2 assessment is a very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL violation has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system on multiple occasions.
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)
The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. Primary MCLs are set as close to the PHGs (or MCLGs) as is economically and technologically feasible. Secondary MCLs are set to protect the odor, taste, and appearance of drinking water.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG)
The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs are set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA).
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL)
The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG)
The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
Primary Drinking Water Standards (PDWS)
MCLs and MRDLs for contaminants that affect health along with their monitoring and reporting requirements, and water treatment requirements.
Public Health Goal(PHG)
The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. PHGs are set by the California Environmental Protection Agency.
Regulatory Action Level(AL)
The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow.
Secondary Drinking Water Standards (SDWS)
MCLs for contaminants that affect taste, odor, or appearance of the drinking water. Contaminants with SDWSs do not affect the health at the MCL levels.
Treatment Technique(TT)
A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
Variances and Exemptions
Permissions from the State Water Resources Control Board (State Board) to exceed an MCL or not comply with a treatment technique under certain conditions.
ND
Not detectable at testing limit.
ppm
parts per million or milligrams per liter (mg/L)
ppb
parts per billion or micrograms per liter (µg/L)
ppt
parts per trillion or nanograms per liter (ng/L)
ppq
parts per quadrillion or picogram per liter (pg/L)
The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.Contaminants that may be present in source water include:
Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, that may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, that can be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
Pesticides and herbicides, that may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, that are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, agricultural application, and septic systems.
Radioactive contaminants, that can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.
Regulation of Drinking Water and Bottled Water Quality
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. EPA and the State Board prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations and California law also establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that provide the same protection for public health.
Tables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 list all of the drinking water contaminants that were detected during the most recent sampling for the constituent. The presence of these contaminants in the water does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. The State Board allows us to monitor for certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Some of the data, though representative of the water quality, are more than one year old. Any violation of an AL, MCL, MRDL, or TT is asterisked. Additional information regarding the violation is provided later in this report.Table 1. Sampling Results Showing the Detection of Coliform BacteriaComplete if bacteria are detected.
Microbiological Contaminants
Highest No. of Detections
No. of Months in Violation
MCL
MCLG
Typical Source of Bacteria
E. coli
(In the year)0
0
(a)
0
Human and animal fecal waste
(a) Routine and repeat samples are total coliform-positive and either is E. coli-positive, or system fails to take repeat samples following E. coli-positive routine sample or system fails to analyze total coliform-positive repeat sample for E. coli.Table 2. Sampling Results Showing the Detection of Lead and CopperComplete if lead or copper is detected in the last sample set.
Lead and Copper
Sample Date
No. of Samples Collected
90th Percentile Level Detected
No. Sites Exceeding AL
AL
PHG
Typical Source ofContaminant
Lead (ppb)
08-01-23
5
1.5
0
15
0.2
Internal corrosion of household water plumbing systems; discharges from industrial manufacturers; erosion of natural deposits
Copper (ppm)
08-01-23
5
0.190
0
1.3
0.3
Internal corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives
Table 3. Sampling Results for Sodium and Hardness
Chemical or Constituent (and reporting units)
Sample Date
Level Detected
Range of Detections
MCL
PHG (MCLG)
Typical Source of Contaminant
Sodium (ppm)
10-17-23
150
NA
None
None
Salt present in the water and is generally naturally occurring
Hardness (ppm)
10-17-23
190
NA
None
None
Sum of polyvalent cations present in the water, generally magnesium and calcium, and are usually naturally occurring
Table 4. Detection of Contaminants with a Primary Drinking Water Standard
Chemical or Constituent(andreporting units)
Sample Date
Level Detected
Range of Detections
MCL [MRDL]
PHG (MCLG) [MRDLG]
Typical Source of Contaminant
Arsenic (ppb)Treated with reverse osmosis
10-17-23
6.1
NA
10
0.004
Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards; glass and electronics production wastes
Fluoride (ppm)
2023
1.0
ND – 1.6
2.0
1
Erosion of natural deposits; water additive that promotes strong teeth; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories.
Gross Alpha (pCi/L)
06-07-23
4.72
NA
15
0
Erosion of natural deposits
Total Trihalomethanes (ppb)
07-05-23
5.83
0 – 5.8
80
NA
By product of drinking water disinfection
Total Haloacetic Acids (ppb)
07-05-23
3.0
2.8 – 3.2
60
NA
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
Table 5. Detection of Contaminants with a Secondary Drinking Water Standard
Chemical or Constituent (and reporting units)
Sample Date
Level Detected
Range of Detections
SMCL
PHG (MCLG)
Typical SourceofContaminant
Chloride (ppm)
10-17-23
37
NA
500
NA
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; seawater influence
Odor (Units)
07-19-22
1
NA
3
NA
Naturally occurring organic materials
Conductivity (μS/cm)
10-17-23
1200
NA
1,600
NA
Substances that form ions when in water, seawater influence
Sulfate (ppm)
10-17-23
170
NA
500
NA
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; seawater influence
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the U.S. EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. U.S. EPA/Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).Lead-Specific Language: 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. [Enter Water System’s Name] is responsible for providing high quality drinking water but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. 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. [Optional: If you do so, you may wish to collect the flushed water and reuse it for another beneficial purpose, such as watering plants.] If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) or at http://www.epa.gov/lead.
Special Notice of Fecal Indicator-Positive Groundwater Source Sample: N/A
Special Notice for Uncorrected Significant Deficiencies: N/A
Table 9. Violation of Groundwater TT
Violation
Explanation
Duration
Actions Taken to Correct Violation
Health Effects Language
NONE
Death Valley National Park Utilities Branch
579 Cow Creek Service Road
Furnace Creek, CA 92328
Phone: (760) 786-3298, Fax (760) 786-2844
DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
STOVEPIPE WELLS WATER SYSTEM CA1410502 CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT
We are pleased to provide you with this year’s Annual Quality Water Report also known as Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). We want to keep you informed about the excellent water and services we have delivered to you over the past year. Our goal is and always has been, to provide to you a safe and dependable supply of drinking water. Our staff receives updated, professional training on a continuing basis so that we may better serve you.
At the present there are over 12 water customers and users on the system, consisting of more than 1.25 miles of water distribution pipe within Stovepipe Wells. There two partially buried tanks located in Stovepipe Wells, tank 1 holds approximately 100,000 gallons of water and tank 2 holds approximately 20,000 gallons of water. We are chlorinating, we do so as a protection to our customers and users. Chlorinating kills bacteria that might enter our system. Another question frequently asked of our department is “do you fluoridate”? The answer is “no”.
We’re pleased to report that our drinking water is safe and meets or exceeds state water board requirements. This report shows our water quality and what it means.
If you have any questions about this report or concerns of your water utility, please contact Charles Thompson, at 760‐786‐3262. We want our customers and users to be informed about their water utility. If you want to learn more, please do not hesitate to contact Maintenace Division Chief.
Death Valley Utilities Branch routinely monitors for constituents in our drinking water according to State laws. Our water system is tested monthly. The attached report shows the results of our monitoring for the period of January 1st to December 31st, 2023.
ADDITIONAL COPIES MAY BE OBTAINED FROM
Death Valley National Park Utilities Branch
579 Cow Creek Service Road
Furnace Creek, CA 92328
__________________________________________________________________
Water System Name:Stovepipe Wells Water System - 1410502 Report Date: August 16, 2024 Type of Water Source(s) in Use: Ground water Name and General Location of Source(s): The Stovepipe Wells community water supply is produced from wells located about a third of a mile from the Stovepipe Wells concessions. Drinking Water Source Assessment Information: A source water assessment was conducted for the sources of the Death Valley National Park public water systems in May 2018. Well 1 & 2 are not considered vulnerable to any potentially contaminating activities at this time. The detection of fluoride is considered naturally occurring. Reverse osmosis treatment is provided for this. A copy of the complete assessment may be viewed at the Death Valley National Park office or requested from the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water at (909) 383-4328 or 464 West 4th Street, Suite 437, San Bernardino, CA 92401.The water is considered moderately mineralized consisting of sodium, calcium and magnesium, salts and bicarbonate, sulfates, and chloride. The water is considered high silica water in which amorphous silica and magnesium silicate deposits could create serious problems by fouling surfaces of water handling equipment. This type of silica scale is very tenacious and difficult to remove. Reverse Osmosis is used to treat this water and a very high quality of drinking water is produced. Specific water quality data relating to system water supplies can be found below. Time and Place of Regularly Scheduled Board Meetings for Public Participation: Please call Charles Thompson for an appointment at 760-786-3262 or e-mail: e-mail us For More Information, Contact: Charles Thompson at 760-786-3262
We test the drinking water quality for many constituents as required by state and federal regulations. This report shows the results of our monitoring for the period of January 1 to December 31, 2022 and may include earlier monitoring data.
Importance of This Report Statement in Five Non-English Languages (Spanish, Mandarin, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Hmong)
Language in Spanish: Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua para beber. Favor de comunicarse [Stovepipe Wells Water System - 1410502] a [760-786-3262] para asistirlo en español.Language in Mandarin: 这份报告含有关于您的饮用水的重要讯息。请用以下地址和电话联系 [Stovepipe Wells Water System - 1410502]以获得中文的帮助:[ 760-786-3262].Language in Tagalog: Ang pag-uulat na ito ay naglalaman ng mahalagang impormasyon tungkol sa inyong inuming tubig. Mangyaring makipag-ugnayan sa [Stovepipe Wells Water System - 1410502] o tumawag sa [760-786-3262] para matulungan sa wikang Tagalog.Language in Vietnamese: Báo cáo này chứa thông tin quan trọng về nước uống của bạn. Xin vui lòng liên hệ [Stovepipe Wells Water System - 1410502] tại [760-786-3262] để được hỗ trợ giúp bằng tiếng Việt.Language in Hmong: Tsab ntawv no muaj cov ntsiab lus tseem ceeb txog koj cov dej haus. Thov hu rau [Stovepipe Wells Water System - 1410502] ntawm [760-786-3262] rau kev pab hauv lus Askiv.
A Level 1 assessment is a study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system.
Level 2 Assessment
A Level 2 assessment is a very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL violation has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system on multiple occasions.
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)
The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. Primary MCLs are set as close to the PHGs (or MCLGs) as is economically and technologically feasible. Secondary MCLs are set to protect the odor, taste, and appearance of drinking water.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG)
The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs are set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA).
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL)
The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG)
The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
Primary Drinking Water Standards (PDWS)
MCLs and MRDLs for contaminants that affect health along with their monitoring and reporting requirements, and water treatment requirements.
Public Health Goal(PHG)
The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. PHGs are set by the California Environmental Protection Agency.
Regulatory Action Level(AL)
The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow.
Secondary Drinking Water Standards (SDWS)
MCLs for contaminants that affect taste, odor, or appearance of the drinking water. Contaminants with SDWSs do not affect the health at the MCL levels.
Treatment Technique(TT)
A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
Variances and Exemptions
Permissions from the State Water Resources Control Board (State Board) to exceed an MCL or not comply with a treatment technique under certain conditions.
ND
Not detectable at testing limit.
ppm
parts per million or milligrams per liter (mg/L)
ppb
parts per billion or micrograms per liter (µg/L)
ppt
parts per trillion or nanograms per liter (ng/L)
ppq
parts per quadrillion or picogram per liter (pg/L)
The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.Contaminants that may be present in source water include:
Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, that may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, that can be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
Pesticides and herbicides, that may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, that are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, agricultural application, and septic systems.
Radioactive contaminants, that can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.
Regulation of Drinking Water and Bottled Water Quality
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. EPA and the State Board prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations and California law also establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that provide the same protection for public health.
Tables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 list all of the drinking water contaminants that were detected during the most recent sampling for the constituent. The presence of these contaminants in the water does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. The State Board allows us to monitor for certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Some of the data, though representative of the water quality, are more than one year old. Any violation of an AL, MCL, MRDL, or TT is asterisked. Additional information regarding the violation is provided later in this report.Table 1. Sampling Results Showing the Detection of Coliform BacteriaComplete if bacteria are detected.
Microbiological Contaminants
Highest No. of Detections
No. of Months in Violation
MCL
MCLG
Typical Source of Bacteria
E. coli
(In the year)0
[Enter No.]
(a)
0
Human and animal fecal waste
(a) Routine and repeat samples are total coliform-positive and either is E. coli-positive or system fails to take repeat samples following E. coli-positive routine sample or system fails to analyze total coliform-positive repeat sample for E. coli.Table 2. Sampling Results Showing the Detection of Lead and CopperComplete if lead or copper is detected in the last sample set.
Lead and Copper
Sample Date
No. of Samples Collected
90th Percentile Level Detected
No. Sites Exceeding AL
AL
PHG
Typical Source ofContaminant
Lead (ppb)
09-01-22
5
11
1
15
0.2
Internal corrosion of household water plumbing systems; discharges from industrial manufacturers; erosion of natural deposits
Copper (ppm)
09-01-22
5
0.180
0
1.3
0.3
Internal corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives
Table 3. Sampling Results for Sodium and Hardness
Chemical or Constituent (and reporting units)
Sample Date
Level Detected
Range of Detections
MCL
PHG (MCLG)
Typical Source of Contaminant
Sodium (ppm)
11-30-23
700
NA
None
None
Salt present in the water and is generally naturally occurring
Hardness (ppm)
11-30-23
670
NA
None
None
Sum of polyvalent cations present in the water, generally magnesium and calcium, and are usually naturally occurring
Table 4. Detection of Contaminants with a Primary Drinking Water Standard
Chemical or Constituent(andreporting units)
Sample Date
Level Detected
Range of Detections
MCL [MRDL]
PHG (MCLG) [MRDLG]
Typical Source of Contaminant
Arsenic (ppb)
11-30-23
2.9
NA
10
0.004
Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards; glass and electronics production wastes
Barium (ppb)
11-30-23
24
NA
1000
2000
Discharges of oil drilling wastes and from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits
Gross Alpha (pCi/L)
11-01-23
0.659
NA
15
0
Erosion of natural deposits
Selenium (ppb)
11-30-23
5
NA
50
30
Discharge from petroleum, glass, and metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from mines and chemical manufacturers; runoff from livestock lots
Total Trihalomethanes (ppb)
09-06-23
SPW 601 – 13.1 SPW 602 – 21.5
0 - 1.1
80
NA
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
Table 5. Detection of Contaminants with a Secondary Drinking Water Standard
Chemical or Constituent (and reporting units)
Sample Date
Level Detected
Range of Detections
SMCL
PHG (MCLG)
Typical SourceofContaminant
Chloride (ppm)
11-30-23
1200
NA
500
NA
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; seawater influence
Conductivity (μS/cm)
11-30-23
5000
NA
1600
NA
Substances that form ions when in water, seawater influence
Copper (ppb)
11-30-23
56
NA
1000
NA
Erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives
Sulfate (ppm)
11-30-23
420
NA
500
NA
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; seawater influence
Total Dissolved Solids (ppm)
11-01-23
240
230-360
1000
NA
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits
Turbidity (NTU)
11-30-23
0.11
NA
5
NA
Soil Runoff
Zinc (ppb)
11-30-23
72
NA
5000
NA
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; industrial wastes
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the U.S. EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. U.S. EPA/Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).Lead-Specific Language: 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. [Enter Water System’s Name] is responsible for providing high quality drinking water but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. 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. [Optional: If you do so, you may wish to collect the flushed water and reuse it for another beneficial purpose, such as watering plants.] If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) or at http://www.epa.gov/lead.
Water System Name: Furnace Creek Water SystemReport Date: June 11,2025Type of Water Source(s) in Use: Ground waterName and General Location of Source(s): The Furnace Creek community water supply is produced from wells located about 2 miles from the furnace creek Inn.Drinking Water Source Assessment Information: A source water assessment was conducted for all Furnace Creek wells in January 2009. Sources were considered vulnerable to water supply and monitoring wells. Arsenic, fluoride, and general minerals were detected but are not attributed to activities and are considered naturally occurring. Reverse osmosis treatment is provided for these. A copy of the complete assessment may be viewed at the Death Valley National Park office or requested from the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water at (909) 383-4328 or 464 West 4th street, suite 437, San Bernardino, CA 92401. The water is considered moderately mineralized consisting of sodium, calcium and magnesium, salts and bicarbonate, fluoride, arsenic, and chloride. The water is considered high silica water in which amorphous silica and magnesium silicate deposits could create serious problems by fouling surfaces of water handling equipment. This type of silica scale is very tenacious and difficult to remove. Specific water quality data relating to system water supplies can be found below.Time and Place of Regularly Scheduled Board Meetings for Public Participation: Please call Kate Bogges for an appointment at (760) 786-3264 or email: kate_bogges@nps.govFor More Information, Contact: Kate Bogges at (760) 786-3264
We test the drinking water quality for many constituents as required by state and federal regulations. This report shows the results of our monitoring for the period of January 1 to December 31, 2024, and may include earlier monitoring data.
Importance of This Report Statement in Five Non-English Languages (Spanish, Mandarin, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Hmong)
Language in Spanish: Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua para beber. Favor de comunicarse Furnace Creek water system a 760-786-3264 para asistirlo en español.Language in Mandarin: 这份报告含有关于您的饮用水的重要讯息。请用以下地址和电话联系 Furnace Creek water system以获得中文的帮助: 760-786-3264.Language in Tagalog: Ang pag-uulat na ito ay naglalaman ng mahalagang impormasyon tungkol sa inyong inuming tubig. Mangyaring makipag-ugnayan sa Furnace Creek water system o tumawag sa 760-786-3264 para matulungan sa wikang Tagalog.Language in Vietnamese: Báo cáo này chứa thông tin quan trọng về nước uống của bạn. Xin vui lòng liên hệ Furnace Creek water system tại 760-786-3264 để được hỗ trợ giúp bằng tiếng Việt.Language in Hmong: Tsab ntawv no muaj cov ntsiab lus tseem ceeb txog koj cov dej haus. Thov hu rau Furnace Creek water system ntawm 760-786-3264 rau kev pab hauv lus Askiv.
A Level 1 assessment is a study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system.
Level 2 Assessment
A Level 2 assessment is a very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL violation has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system on multiple occasions.
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)
The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. Primary MCLs are set as close to the PHGs (or MCLGs) as is economically and technologically feasible. Secondary MCLs are set to protect the odor, taste, and appearance of drinking water.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG)
The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs are set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA).
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL)
The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG)
The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
Primary Drinking Water Standards (PDWS)
MCLs and MRDLs for contaminants that affect health along with their monitoring and reporting requirements, and water treatment requirements.
Public Health Goal(PHG)
The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. PHGs are set by the California Environmental Protection Agency.
Regulatory Action Level(AL)
The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow.
Secondary Drinking Water Standards (SDWS)
MCLs for contaminants that affect taste, odor, or appearance of the drinking water. Contaminants with SDWSs do not affect the health at the MCL levels.
Treatment Technique(TT)
A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
Variances and Exemptions
Permissions from the State Water Resources Control Board (State Board) to exceed an MCL or not comply with a treatment technique under certain conditions.
ND
Not detectable at testing limit.
ppm
parts per million or milligrams per liter (mg/L)
ppb
parts per billion or micrograms per liter (µg/L)
ppt
parts per trillion or nanograms per liter (ng/L)
ppq
parts per quadrillion or picogram per liter (pg/L)
The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.Contaminants that may be present in source water include:
Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, that may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, that can be naturally-occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
Pesticides and herbicides, that may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, that are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, agricultural application, and septic systems.
Radioactive contaminants, that can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.
Regulation of Drinking Water and Bottled Water Quality
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. EPA and the State Board prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations and California law also establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that provide the same protection for public health.
Tables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 list all of the drinking water contaminants that were detected during the most recent sampling for the constituent. The presence of these contaminants in the water does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. The State Board allows us to monitor for certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Some of the data, though representative of the water quality, are more than one year old. Any violation of an AL, MCL, MRDL, or TT is asterisked. Additional information regarding the violation is provided later in this report.Table 1. Sampling Results Showing the Detection of Coliform BacteriaComplete if bacteria are detected.
Microbiological Contaminants
Highest No. of Detections
No. of Months in Violation
MCL
MCLG
Typical Source of Bacteria
E. coli
0
(a)
0
Human and animal fecal waste
(a) Routine and repeat samples are total coliform-positive and either is E. coli-positive or system fails to take repeat samples following E. coli-positive routine sample or system fails to analyze total coliform-positive repeat sample for E. coli.Table 2. Sampling Results Showing the Detection of Lead and CopperComplete if lead or copper is detected in the last sample set.
Lead and Copper
Sample Date
No. of Samples Collected
90th Percentile Level Detected
No. Sites Exceeding AL
AL
PHG
Typical Source ofContaminant
Lead (ppb)
9-1-229-14-22
91
0
00
15
0.2
Internal corrosion of household water plumbing systems; discharges from industrial manufacturers; erosion of natural deposits
Copper (ppm)
9-1-22 9-14-22
91
0.26
00
1.3
0.3
Internal corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives
Table 3. Sampling Results for Sodium and Hardness
Chemical or Constituent (and reporting units)
Sample Date
Level Detected
Range of Detections
MCL
PHG (MCLG)
Typical Source of Contaminant
Sodium (ppm)
11-30-23
150
NA
None
None
Salt present in the water and is generally naturally occurring
Hardness (ppm)
11-30-23
170
NA
None
None
Sum of polyvalent cations present in the water, generally magnesium and calcium, and are usually naturally occurring
Table 4. Detection of Contaminants with a Primary Drinking Water Standard
Chemical or Constituent(andreporting units)
Sample Date
Level Detected
Range of Detections
MCL [MRDL]
PHG (MCLG) [MRDLG]
Typical Source of Contaminant
Arsenic (ppb)
12-11-24
.005
.004-.006
10
.004
Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards; glass and electronics production wastes
Barium (ppb)
11-30-23
37
NA
1000
2000
Discharges of oil drilling wastes and from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits
Fluoride (ppb)
12-11-24
0.71
0.59-1.2
2.0
1
Erosion of natural deposits; water additive that promotes strong teeth; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories
Table 5. Detection of Contaminants with a Secondary Drinking Water Standard
Chemical or Constituent (and reporting units)
Sample Date
Level Detected
Range of Detections
SMCL
PHG (MCLG)
Typical SourceofContaminant
Chloride (ppb)
11-14-23
35
NA
500
NA
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; seawater influence
Conductivity (uS/cm)
11-14-23
970
NA
1600
NA
Substances that form ions when in water, seawater influence
Sulfate (ppb)
11-14-23
150
NA
500
NA
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; industrial wastes
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the U.S. EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. U.S. EPA/Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).Lead-Specific Language: 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. [Enter Water System’s Name] is responsible for providing high quality drinking water but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. 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. [Optional: If you do so, you may wish to collect the flushed water and reuse it for another beneficial purpose, such as watering plants.] If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) or at http://www.epa.gov/lead.Additional Special Language for Nitrate, Arsenic, Lead, Radon, and Cryptosporidium: [Enter Additional Information Described in Instructions for SWS CCR Document]State Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR): [Enter Additional Information Described in Instructions for SWS CCR Document]
Water System Name: Cow Creek Water System-1410503Report Date: June 11,2025Type of Water Source(s) in Use: Ground waterName and General Location of Source(s): The Cow Creek water supply is collected from the Nevares Spring’s infiltration gallery which is located about two miles east of the Cow Creek housing areaDrinking Water Source Assessment Information: A source water assessment was conducted for the sources of the Death Valley National Park public water systems in May 2002. The Nevares spring is not considered vulnerable to any potentially contaminating activities at this time. The detection of arsenic and fluoride is considered naturally occurring. Reverse osmosis treatment is provided for these. A copy of the complete assessment may be viewed at the Death Valley National Park office or 4328 or 464 West 4th street, suite 437, San Bernardino, CA 92401. The raw water is considered moderately mineralized consisting of sodium, calcium and magnesium, salts and bicarbonate, sulfates and chloride. The water is considered high silica water in which amorphous silica and magnesium deposits could create serious problems by fouling surfaces of water handling equipment. This type of silica scale is very tenacious and difficult to remove. The Reverse Osmosis Plant is effectively removing the minerals. Specific water quality data relating to system water supplies can be found below. Time and Place of Regularly Scheduled Board Meetings for Public Participation: Please contact Kate Bogges, Utilities supervisor for an appointment at 760-786-3264 or email kate_bogges@nps.govFor More Information, Contact: Kate Bogges, Utilities Supervisor at 760-786-3264
We test the drinking water quality for many constituents as required by state and federal regulations. This report shows the results of our monitoring for the period of January 1 to December 31, 2024, and may include earlier monitoring data.
Importance of This Report Statement in Five Non-English Languages (Spanish, Mandarin, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Hmong)
Language in Spanish: Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua para beber. Favor de comunicarse Cow Creek wáter system a 760-786-3264 para asistirlo en español.Language in Mandarin: 这份报告含有关于您的饮用水的重要讯息。请用以下地址和电话联系 Cow Creek water system 以获得中文的帮助: 760-786-3264.Language in Tagalog: Ang pag-uulat na ito ay naglalaman ng mahalagang impormasyon tungkol sa inyong inuming tubig. Mangyaring makipag-ugnayan sa Cow Creek water system o tumawag sa 760-786-3264 para matulungan sa wikang Tagalog.Language in Vietnamese: Báo cáo này chứa thông tin quan trọng về nước uống của bạn. Xin vui lòng liên hệ Cow Creek water system tại 760-786-3264 để được hỗ trợ giúp bằng tiếng Việt.Language in Hmong: Tsab ntawv no muaj cov ntsiab lus tseem ceeb txog koj cov dej haus. Thov hu rau Cow Creek water sytem ntawm 760-786-3264 rau kev pab hauv lus Askiv.
A Level 1 assessment is a study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system.
Level 2 Assessment
A Level 2 assessment is a very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL violation has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system on multiple occasions.
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)
The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. Primary MCLs are set as close to the PHGs (or MCLGs) as is economically and technologically feasible. Secondary MCLs are set to protect the odor, taste, and appearance of drinking water.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG)
The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs are set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA).
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL)
The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG)
The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
Primary Drinking Water Standards (PDWS)
MCLs and MRDLs for contaminants that affect health along with their monitoring and reporting requirements, and water treatment requirements.
Public Health Goal(PHG)
The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. PHGs are set by the California Environmental Protection Agency.
Regulatory Action Level(AL)
The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow.
Secondary Drinking Water Standards (SDWS)
MCLs for contaminants that affect taste, odor, or appearance of the drinking water. Contaminants with SDWSs do not affect the health at the MCL levels.
Treatment Technique(TT)
A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
Variances and Exemptions
Permissions from the State Water Resources Control Board (State Board) to exceed an MCL or not comply with a treatment technique under certain conditions.
ND
Not detectable at testing limit.
ppm
parts per million or milligrams per liter (mg/L)
ppb
parts per billion or micrograms per liter (µg/L)
ppt
parts per trillion or nanograms per liter (ng/L)
ppq
parts per quadrillion or picogram per liter (pg/L)
The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.Contaminants that may be present in source water include:
Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, that may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, that can be naturally-occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
Pesticides and herbicides, that may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, that are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, agricultural application, and septic systems.
Radioactive contaminants, that can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.
Regulation of Drinking Water and Bottled Water Quality
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. EPA and the State Board prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations and California law also establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that provide the same protection for public health.
Tables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 list all of the drinking water contaminants that were detected during the most recent sampling for the constituent. The presence of these contaminants in the water does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. The State Board allows us to monitor for certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Some of the data, though representative of the water quality, are more than one year old. Any violation of an AL, MCL, MRDL, or TT is asterisked. Additional information regarding the violation is provided later in this report.Table 1. Sampling Results Showing the Detection of Coliform BacteriaComplete if bacteria are detected.
Microbiological Contaminants
Highest No. of Detections
No. of Months in Violation
MCL
MCLG
Typical Source of Bacteria
E. coli
(In the year)0
0
(a)
0
Human and animal fecal waste
(a) Routine and repeat samples are total coliform-positive and either is E. coli-positive or system fails to take repeat samples following E. coli-positive routine sample or system fails to analyze total coliform-positive repeat sample for E. coli.Table 2. Sampling Results Showing the Detection of Lead and CopperComplete if lead or copper is detected in the last sample set.
Lead and Copper
Sample Date
No. of Samples Collected
90th Percentile Level Detected
No. Sites Exceeding AL
AL
PHG
Typical Source ofContaminant
Lead (ppb)
08-01-23
5
1.5
0
15
0.2
Internal corrosion of household water plumbing systems; discharges from industrial manufacturers; erosion of natural deposits
Copper (ppm)
08-01-23
5
0.190
0
1.3
0.3
Internal corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives
Table 3. Sampling Results for Sodium and Hardness
Chemical or Constituent (and reporting units)
Sample Date
Level Detected
Range of Detections
MCL
PHG (MCLG)
Typical Source of Contaminant
Sodium (ppm)
10-17-23
150
NA
None
None
Salt present in the water and is generally naturally occurring
Hardness (ppm)
10-17-23
190
NA
None
None
Sum of polyvalent cations present in the water, generally magnesium and calcium, and are usually naturally occurring
Table 4. Detection of Contaminants with a Primary Drinking Water Standard
Chemical or Constituent(andreporting units)
Sample Date
Level Detected
Range of Detections
MCL [MRDL]
PHG (MCLG) [MRDLG]
Typical Source of Contaminant
Arsenic (ppm)
10-17-23
6.1
NA
10
0.004
Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards; glass and electronics production wastes
Fluoride (ppm)
12-11-24
0.84
0-1.1
2.0
1
Erosion of natural deposits; water additive that promotes strong teeth; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories
Gross Alpha(pCi/L)
12-18-24
7.96
6.58-9.35
15
0
Erosion of natural deposits
Total Trihalomethanes (ppb)
7-10-24
0
NA
80
NA
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
Toal Haloacetic Acids (ppb)
7-10-24
0
NA
60
NA
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
Table 5. Detection of Contaminants with a Secondary Drinking Water Standard
Chemical or Constituent (and reporting units)
Sample Date
Level Detected
Range of Detections
SMCL
PHG (MCLG)
Typical SourceofContaminant
Chloride (ppm)
10-17-23
37
NA
500
NA
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; seawater influence
Odor (units)
10-17-23
1
NA
3
NA
Naturally occurring organic materials
Conductivity (uS/cm)
10-17-23
1200
NA
1600
NA
Substances that form ions when in water, seawater influence
Sulfate (ppm)
10-17-23
170
NA
500
NA
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; seawater influence
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the U.S. EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. U.S. EPA/Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).Lead-Specific Language: 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. [Enter Water System’s Name] is responsible for providing high quality drinking water but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. 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. [Optional: If you do so, you may wish to collect the flushed water and reuse it for another beneficial purpose, such as watering plants.] If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) or at http://www.epa.gov/lead.Additional Special Language for Nitrate, Arsenic, Lead, Radon, and Cryptosporidium: [Enter Additional Information Described in Instructions for SWS CCR Document]State Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR): [Enter Additional Information Described in Instructions for SWS CCR Document]
Water System Name: Stovepipe Wells Water System-1410502Report Date: June 10, 2025Type of Water Source(s) in Use: GroundwaterName and General Location of Source(s): The Stovepipe Wells community water supply is produced from wells about 1/3 of a mile from the Stovepipe Wells concessions.Drinking Water Source Assessment Information: A source water assessment was conducted for the sources of the Death Valley National Park public water systems in May 2018. Well 1 & 2 are not considered vulnerable to any potentially contaminating activities at this time. The detection of fluoride is considered naturally occurring. Reverse osmosis treatment is provided for this. A copy of the complete assessment may be viewed at the Death Valley National Park office or requested from the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water at (909) 383-4328 or 464 West 4th street, suite 437, San Bernardino, CA 92401. The water is considered moderately mineralized consisting of sodium, calcium and magnesium, salts and bicarbonate, sulfate, and chloride. The water is considered high silica water in which amorphous silica and magnesium silicate deposits could create serious problems by fouling surfaces of water handling equipment. This type of silica scale is very tenacious and difficult to remove. Reverse osmosis is used to treat this water and a very high quality drinking water is produced. Specific water quality data relating to system water supplies can be found below.Time and Place of Regularly Scheduled Board Meetings for Public Participation: Please call Kate Bogges for an appointment at (760) 786-3264 or email kate_bogges@nps.govFor More Information, Contact: Kate Bogges at (760) 786-3264
We test the drinking water quality for many constituents as required by state and federal regulations. This report shows the results of our monitoring for the period of January 1 to December 31, 2024, and may include earlier monitoring data.
Importance of This Report Statement in Five Non-English Languages (Spanish, Mandarin, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Hmong)
Language in Spanish: Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua para beber. Favor de comunicarse Stovepipe Wells wáter system a (760) 786-3264 para asistirlo en español.Language in Mandarin: 这份报告含有关于您的饮用水的重要讯息。请用以下地址和电话联系 Stove Pipe Wells water system以获得中文的帮助: (760) 786-3264.Language in Tagalog: Ang pag-uulat na ito ay naglalaman ng mahalagang impormasyon tungkol sa inyong inuming tubig. Mangyaring makipag-ugnayan sa Stovepipe Wells water system o tumawag sa (760) 786-3264 para matulungan sa wikang Tagalog.Language in Vietnamese: Báo cáo này chứa thông tin quan trọng về nước uống của bạn. Xin vui lòng liên hệ Stovepipe Wells tại (760) 786-3264 để được hỗ trợ giúp bằng tiếng Việt.Language in Hmong: Tsab ntawv no muaj cov ntsiab lus tseem ceeb txog koj cov dej haus. Thov hu rau Stovepipe Wells ntawm (760) 786-3264 rau kev pab hauv lus Askiv.
A Level 1 assessment is a study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system.
Level 2 Assessment
A Level 2 assessment is a very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL violation has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system on multiple occasions.
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)
The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. Primary MCLs are set as close to the PHGs (or MCLGs) as is economically and technologically feasible. Secondary MCLs are set to protect the odor, taste, and appearance of drinking water.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG)
The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs are set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA).
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL)
The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG)
The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
Primary Drinking Water Standards (PDWS)
MCLs and MRDLs for contaminants that affect health along with their monitoring and reporting requirements, and water treatment requirements.
Public Health Goal(PHG)
The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. PHGs are set by the California Environmental Protection Agency.
Regulatory Action Level(AL)
The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow.
Secondary Drinking Water Standards (SDWS)
MCLs for contaminants that affect taste, odor, or appearance of the drinking water. Contaminants with SDWSs do not affect the health at the MCL levels.
Treatment Technique(TT)
A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
Variances and Exemptions
Permissions from the State Water Resources Control Board (State Board) to exceed an MCL or not comply with a treatment technique under certain conditions.
ND
Not detectable at testing limit.
ppm
parts per million or milligrams per liter (mg/L)
ppb
parts per billion or micrograms per liter (µg/L)
ppt
parts per trillion or nanograms per liter (ng/L)
ppq
parts per quadrillion or picogram per liter (pg/L)
The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.Contaminants that may be present in source water include:
Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, that may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, that can be naturally-occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
Pesticides and herbicides, that may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, that are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, agricultural application, and septic systems.
Radioactive contaminants, that can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.
Regulation of Drinking Water and Bottled Water Quality
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. EPA and the State Board prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations and California law also establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that provide the same protection for public health.
Tables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 list all of the drinking water contaminants that were detected during the most recent sampling for the constituent. The presence of these contaminants in the water does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. The State Board allows us to monitor for certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Some of the data, though representative of the water quality, are more than one year old. Any violation of an AL, MCL, MRDL, or TT is asterisked. Additional information regarding the violation is provided later in this report.Table 1. Sampling Results Showing the Detection of Coliform BacteriaComplete if bacteria are detected.
Microbiological Contaminants
Highest No. of Detections
No. of Months in Violation
MCL
MCLG
Typical Source of Bacteria
E. coli
(In the year)0
[Enter No.]
(a)
0
Human and animal fecal waste
(a) Routine and repeat samples are total coliform-positive and either is E. coli-positive or system fails to take repeat samples following E. coli-positive routine sample or system fails to analyze total coliform-positive repeat sample for E. coli.Table 2. Sampling Results Showing the Detection of Lead and CopperComplete if lead or copper is detected in the last sample set.
Lead and Copper
Sample Date
No. of Samples Collected
90th Percentile Level Detected
No. Sites Exceeding AL
AL
PHG
Typical Source ofContaminant
Lead (ppb)
9-1-22
5
11
1
15
0.2
Internal corrosion of household water plumbing systems; discharges from industrial manufacturers; erosion of natural deposits
Copper (ppm)
9-1-22
5
0.180
0
1.3
0.3
Internal corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives
Table 3. Sampling Results for Sodium and Hardness
Chemical or Constituent (and reporting units)
Sample Date
Level Detected
Range of Detections
MCL
PHG (MCLG)
Typical Source of Contaminant
Sodium (ppm)
11-30-23
700
NA
None
None
Salt present in the water and is generally naturally occurring
Hardness (ppm)
11-30-23
670
NA
None
None
Sum of polyvalent cations present in the water, generally magnesium and calcium, and are usually naturally occurring
Table 4. Detection of Contaminants with a Primary Drinking Water Standard
Chemical or Constituent(andreporting units)
Sample Date
Level Detected
Range of Detections
MCL [MRDL]
PHG (MCLG) [MRDLG]
Typical Source of Contaminant
Arsenic (ppb)
11-30-23
2.9
NA
10
0.004
Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards; glass and electronics production wastes
Barium (ppb)
11-30-23
24
NA
1000
2000
Discharges of oil drilling wastes and from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits
Gross Alpha (pCi/L)
11-01-23
0.659
NA
15
0
Erosion of natural deposits
Selenium (ppb)
11-30-23
5
NA
50
30
Discharge from petroleum, glass, and metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from mines and chemical manufacturers; run off from livestock lots
Total Trihalomethanes (ppb)
7-10-24
6.87
6.24-7.57
80
NA
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
Table 5. Detection of Contaminants with a Secondary Drinking Water Standard
Chemical or Constituent (and reporting units)
Sample Date
Level Detected
Range of Detections
SMCL
PHG (MCLG)
Typical SourceofContaminant
Chloride (ppm)
11-30-23
1200
NA
500
NA
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; seawater influence
Conductivity (us/cm)
11-30-23
5000
NA
1600
NA
Substances that form ions when in water; seawater influence
Copper (ppb)
11-30-23
56
NA
1000
NA
Erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives
Sulfate (ppm)
11-30-23
420
NA
500
NA
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; seawater influence
Total Dissolved Solids (ppm)
12-11-24
224
200-280
1000
NA
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits
Turbidity (NTU)
11-30-23
0.11
NA
5
NA
Soil Runoff
Zinc (ppb)
11-30-23
72
NA
5000
NA
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; industrial wastes
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the U.S. EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. U.S. EPA/Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).Lead-Specific Language: 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. [Enter Water System’s Name] is responsible for providing high quality drinking water but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. 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. [Optional: If you do so, you may wish to collect the flushed water and reuse it for another beneficial purpose, such as watering plants.] If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) or at http://www.epa.gov/lead.Additional Special Language for Nitrate, Arsenic, Lead, Radon, and Cryptosporidium: [Enter Additional Information Described in Instructions for SWS CCR Document]State Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR): [Enter Additional Information Described in Instructions for SWS CCR Document]
Water System Name: Furnace Creek Water System -1410505Report Date: June 30, 2026Type of Water Source(s) in Use: GroundwaterName and General Location of Source(s): The Furnace Creek community water supply is produced from wells located about 2 miles from the furnace creek Inn. Drinking Water Source Assessment Information: A source water assessment was conducted for all Furnace Creek wells in January 2009. Sources were considered vulnerable to water supply and monitoring wells. Arsenic, fluoride, and general minerals were detected but are not attributed to activities and are considered naturally occurring. Reverse osmosis treatment is provided for these. A copy of the complete assessment may be viewed at the Death Valley National Park office or requested from the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water at (909) 383 4328 or 464 West 4th street, suite 437, San Bernardino, CA 92401. The water is considered moderately mineralized consisting of sodium, calcium and magnesium, salts and bicarbonate, fluoride, arsenic, and chloride. The water is considered high silica water in which amorphous silica and magnesium silicate deposits could create serious problems by fouling surfaces of water handling equipment. This type of silica scale is very tenacious and difficult to remove. Specific water quality data relating to system water supplies can be found below.Time and Place of Regularly Scheduled Board Meetings for Public Participation: Please contact Andrew Young, Work Lead Utilities Systems for an appointment at 760-786-3263 or email Andrew_Young@nps.govFor More Information, Contact: Andrew Young, Work Lead Utilities at 760-786-3263.
We test the drinking water quality for many constituents as required by state and federal regulations. This report shows the results of our monitoring for the period of January 1 to December 31, 2025, and may include earlier monitoring data.
Importance of This Report Statement in Five Non-English Languages (Spanish, Mandarin, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Hmong)
Language in Spanish: Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua para beber. Favor de comunicarse Furnace Creek Water System a 760-786-3263 para asistirlo en español.Language in Mandarin: 这份报告含有关于您的饮用水的重要讯息。请用以下地址和电话联系 Furnace Creek Water System 以获得中文的帮助:760-786-3263Language in Tagalog: Ang pag-uulat na ito ay naglalaman ng mahalagang impormasyon tungkol sa inyong inuming tubig. Mangyaring makipag-ugnayan sa Furnace Creek Water System o tumawag sa 760-786-3263 para matulungan sa wikang Tagalog.Language in Vietnamese: Báo cáo này chứa thông tin quan trọng về nước uống của bạn. Xin vui lòng liên hệ Furnace Creek Water System tại 760-786-3263 để được hỗ trợ giúp bằng tiếng Việt.Language in Hmong: Tsab ntawv no muaj cov ntsiab lus tseem ceeb txog koj cov dej haus. Thov hu rau Furnace Creek Water System ntawm 760-786-3263 rau kev pab hauv lus Askiv.
A Level 1 assessment is a study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system.
Level 2 Assessment
A Level 2 assessment is a very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL violation has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system on multiple occasions.
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)
The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. Primary MCLs are set as close to the PHGs (or MCLGs) as is economically and technologically feasible. Secondary MCLs are set to protect the odor, taste, and appearance of drinking water.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG)
The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs are set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA).
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL)
The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG)
The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
Primary Drinking Water Standards (PDWS)
MCLs and MRDLs for contaminants that affect health along with their monitoring and reporting requirements, and water treatment requirements.
Public Health Goal(PHG)
The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. PHGs are set by the California Environmental Protection Agency.
Regulatory Action Level(AL)
The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow.
Secondary Drinking Water Standards (SDWS)
MCLs for contaminants that affect taste, odor, or appearance of the drinking water. Contaminants with SDWSs do not affect the health at the MCL levels.
Treatment Technique(TT)
A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
Variances and Exemptions
Permissions from the State Water Resources Control Board (State Board) to exceed an MCL or not comply with a treatment technique under certain conditions.
ND
Not detectable at testing limit.
ppm
parts per million or milligrams per liter (mg/L)
ppb
parts per billion or micrograms per liter (µg/L)
ppt
parts per trillion or nanograms per liter (ng/L)
ppq
parts per quadrillion or picogram per liter (pg/L)
The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.Contaminants that may be present in source water include:
Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, that may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, that can be naturally-occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
Pesticides and herbicides, that may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, that are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, agricultural application, and septic systems.
Radioactive contaminants, that can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.
Regulation of Drinking Water and Bottled Water Quality
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. EPA and the State Board prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations and California law also establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that provide the same protection for public health.
Tables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 list all of the drinking water contaminants that were detected during the most recent sampling for the constituent. The presence of these contaminants in the water does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. The State Board allows us to monitor for certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Some of the data, though representative of the water quality, are more than one year old. Any violation of an AL, MCL, MRDL, or TT is asterisked. Additional information regarding the violation is provided later in this report.Table 1. Sampling Results Showing the Detection of Coliform Bacteria
Microbiological Contaminants
Highest No. of Detections
No. of Months in Violation
MCL
MCLG
Typical Source of Bacteria
E. coli
(In the year)0
0
(a)
0
Human and animal fecal waste
(a) Routine and repeat samples are total coliform-positive and either is E. coli-positive or system fails to take repeat samples following E. coli-positive routine sample or system fails to analyze total coliform-positive repeat sample for E. coli.Table 2. Sampling Results Showing the Detection of Lead and CopperComplete if lead or copper is detected in the last sample set.
Lead and Copper
Sample Date
No. of Samples Collected
90th Percentile Level Detected
No. Sites Exceeding AL
Range of Results
AL
PHG
Typical Source ofContaminant
Lead (ppb)
07-21-25, 07-20-25
10
3.3
0
0-4
15
0.2
Internal corrosion of household water plumbing systems; discharges from industrial manufacturers; erosion of natural deposits
Copper (ppm)
07-21-25, 07-20-25
10
0.130
0
0.031-0.180
1.3
0.3
Internal corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives
Table 3. Sampling Results for Sodium and Hardness
Chemical or Constituent (and reporting units)
Sample Date
Level Detected
Range of Detections
MCL
PHG (MCLG)
Typical Source of Contaminant
Sodium (ppm)(Source Water)
11-30-23
150
NA
None
None
Salt present in the water and is generally naturally occurring
Hardness (ppm)(Source Water)
11-30-23
170
NA
None
None
Sum of polyvalent cations present in the water, generally magnesium and calcium, and are usually naturally occurring
Table 4. Detection of Contaminants with a Primary Drinking Water Standard
Chemical or Constituent(andreporting units)
Sample Date
Level Detected
Range of Detections
MCL [MRDL]
PHG (MCLG) [MRDLG]
Typical Source of Contaminant
Arsenic (ppb)
From 01-13-25 To 12-11-25
4.81
3.2-5.8
10
0.004
Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards; glass and electronics production wastes
Barium (ppb)(Source Water)
11-30-23
37
NA
1000
2000
Discharges of oil drilling wastes and from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits
Fluoride (ppm)
From 01-06-25 To 12-06-25
0.69
0.61-0.82
2.0
1
Discharge from petroleum, glass, and metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from mines and chemical manufacturers; run off from livestock lots
Table 5. Detection of Contaminants with a Secondary Drinking Water Standard
Chemical or Constituent (and reporting units)
Sample Date
Level Detected
Range of Detections
SMCL
PHG (MCLG)
Typical SourceofContaminant
Chloride (ppm)(Source Water)
11-14-23
35
NA
500
NA
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; seawater influence
Conductivity (uS/cm) (Source Water)
11-14-23
970
NA
1600
NA
Substances that form ions when in water, seawater influence
Sulfate (ppm)(Source Water)
11-14-23
150
NA
500
NA
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; seawater influence
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the U.S. EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. U.S. EPA/Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).Lead-Specific Language: 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. [NAME OF UTILITY] is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. 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. [Optional: If you do so, you may wish to collect the flushed water and reuse it for another beneficial purpose, such as watering plants.] If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/lead.Arsenic-Specific Language: While your drinking water meets the federal and state standard for arsenic, it does contain low levels of arsenic. The arsenic standard balances the current understanding of arsenic’s possible health effects against the cost of removing arsenic from drinking water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency continues to research the health effects of low levels of arsenic, which is a mineral known to cause cancer in humans at high concentrations and is linked to other health effects such as skin damage and circulatory problems.
Table 7. Violation of a MCL, MRDL, AL, TT or Monitoring Reporting Requirement
Violation
Explanation
Duration
Actions Taken to Correct Violation
Health Effects Language
06-13-26J-011
Failure to Monitor for Nitrate Levels in the Source Water
2025
Correct Monitoring has been resumed
Nitrate concentration is regulated for health reasons. Furnace Creek water historically has low nitrate levels due to the source and the treatment used.
06-13-25J-015
Failure to Monitor for Disinfection Byproducts in the Distribution Water
2025
Correct Monitoring will be resumed. Sampling for testing to be taken during the warmest month.
Disinfection Byproduct concentration is regulated for health reasons. Furnace Creek water historically has low levels due to the source and the treatment used.
Water System Name: Cow Creek Water System-1410503Report Date: June 30, 2026Type of Water Source(s) in Use: GroundwaterName and General Location of Source(s): The Cow Creek water supply is collected from the Nevares Spring’s infiltration gallery which is located about two miles east of the Cow Creek housing areaDrinking Water Source Assessment Information: A source water assessment was conducted for the sources of the Death Valley National Park public water systems in May 2002. The Nevares spring is not considered vulnerable to any potentially contaminating activities at this time. The detection of arsenic and fluoride is considered naturally occurring. Reverse osmosis treatment is provided for these. A copy of the complete assessment may be viewed at the Death Valley National Park office or 4328 or 464 West 4th street, suite 437, San Bernardino, CA 92401. The raw water is considered moderately mineralized consisting of sodium, calcium and magnesium, salts and bicarbonate, sulfates and chloride. The water is considered high silica water in which amorphous silica and magnesium deposits could create serious problems by fouling surfaces of water handling equipment. This type of silica scale is very tenacious and difficult to remove. The Reverse Osmosis Plant is effectively removing the minerals. Specific water quality data relating to system water supplies can be found below.Time and Place of Regularly Scheduled Board Meetings for Public Participation: Please contact Andrew Young, Work Lead Utilities Systems for an appointment at 760-786-3263 or email Andrew_Young@nps.govFor More Information, Contact: Andrew Young, Work Lead Utilities at 760-786-3263.
We test the drinking water quality for many constituents as required by state and federal regulations. This report shows the results of our monitoring for the period of January 1 to December 31, 2025, and may include earlier monitoring data.
Importance of This Report Statement in Five Non-English Languages (Spanish, Mandarin, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Hmong)
Language in Spanish: Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua para beber. Favor de comunicarse Cow Creek Water System-1410503 a 760-786-3263 para asistirlo en español.Language in Mandarin: 这份报告含有关于您的饮用水的重要讯息。请用以下地址和电话联系Cow Creek Water System-1410503 以获得中文的帮助: 760-786-3263.Language in Tagalog: Ang pag-uulat na ito ay naglalaman ng mahalagang impormasyon tungkol sa inyong inuming tubig. Mangyaring makipag-ugnayan sa Cow Creek Water System-1410503 o tumawag sa 760-786-3263 para matulungan sa wikang Tagalog.Language in Vietnamese: Báo cáo này chứa thông tin quan trọng về nước uống của bạn. Xin vui lòng liên hệ Cow Creek Water System-1410503 tại 760-786-3263 để được hỗ trợ giúp bằng tiếng Việt.Language in Hmong: Tsab ntawv no muaj cov ntsiab lus tseem ceeb txog koj cov dej haus. Thov hu rau Cow Creek Water System-1410503 ntawm 760-786-3263 rau kev pab hauv lus Askiv.
A Level 1 assessment is a study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system.
Level 2 Assessment
A Level 2 assessment is a very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL violation has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system on multiple occasions.
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)
The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. Primary MCLs are set as close to the PHGs (or MCLGs) as is economically and technologically feasible. Secondary MCLs are set to protect the odor, taste, and appearance of drinking water.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG)
The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs are set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA).
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL)
The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG)
The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
Primary Drinking Water Standards (PDWS)
MCLs and MRDLs for contaminants that affect health along with their monitoring and reporting requirements, and water treatment requirements.
Public Health Goal(PHG)
The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. PHGs are set by the California Environmental Protection Agency.
Regulatory Action Level(AL)
The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow.
Secondary Drinking Water Standards (SDWS)
MCLs for contaminants that affect taste, odor, or appearance of the drinking water. Contaminants with SDWSs do not affect the health at the MCL levels.
Treatment Technique(TT)
A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
Variances and Exemptions
Permissions from the State Water Resources Control Board (State Board) to exceed an MCL or not comply with a treatment technique under certain conditions.
ND
Not detectable at testing limit.
ppm
parts per million or milligrams per liter (mg/L)
ppb
parts per billion or micrograms per liter (µg/L)
ppt
parts per trillion or nanograms per liter (ng/L)
ppq
parts per quadrillion or picogram per liter (pg/L)
The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.Contaminants that may be present in source water include:
Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, that may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, that can be naturally-occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
Pesticides and herbicides, that may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, that are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, agricultural application, and septic systems.
Radioactive contaminants, that can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.
Regulation of Drinking Water and Bottled Water Quality
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. EPA and the State Board prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations and California law also establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that provide the same protection for public health.
Tables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 list all of the drinking water contaminants that were detected during the most recent sampling for the constituent. The presence of these contaminants in the water does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. The State Board allows us to monitor for certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Some of the data, though representative of the water quality, are more than one year old. Any violation of an AL, MCL, MRDL, or TT is asterisked. Additional information regarding the violation is provided later in this report.Table 1. Sampling Results Showing the Detection of Coliform Bacteria
Microbiological Contaminants
Highest No. of Detections
No. of Months in Violation
MCL
MCLG
Typical Source of Bacteria
E. coli
(In the year)0
0
(a)
0
Human and animal fecal waste
(a) Routine and repeat samples are total coliform-positive and either is E. coli-positive or system fails to take repeat samples following E. coli-positive routine sample or system fails to analyze total coliform-positive repeat sample for E. coli.Table 2. Sampling Results Showing the Detection of Lead and CopperComplete if lead or copper is detected in the last sample set.
Lead and Copper
Sample Date
No. of Samples Collected
90th Percentile Level Detected
No. Sites Exceeding AL
Range of Results
AL
PHG
Typical Source ofContaminant
Lead (ppb)
08-21-25
6
110*
1
0-110
15
0.2
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits
Copper (ppm)
08-21-25
6
0.660
0
0.069-0.660
1.3
0.3
Internal corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives
Table 3. Sampling Results for Sodium and Hardness
Chemical or Constituent (and reporting units)
Sample Date
Level Detected
Range of Detections
MCL
PHG (MCLG)
Typical Source of Contaminant
Sodium (ppm)(Source Water)
10-17-23
150
NA
None
None
Salt present in the water and is generally naturally occurring
Hardness (ppm)(Source Water)
10-17-23
190
NA
None
None
Sum of polyvalent cations present in the water, generally magnesium and calcium, and are usually naturally occurring
Table 4. Detection of Contaminants with a Primary Drinking Water Standard
Chemical or Constituent(andreporting units)
Sample Date
Level Detected
Range of Detections
MCL [MRDL]
PHG (MCLG) [MRDLG]
Typical Source of Contaminant
Arsenic (ppb) (Source Water)
10-17-23
6.1
NA
10
0.004
Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards; glass and electronics production wastes
Fluoride (ppm)
12-06-25
0.94
0.81-1.2
2.0
1
Erosion of natural deposits; water additive that promotes strong teeth; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories
Gross Alpha(pCi/L)(Source Water)
12-18-24
7.96
6.58-9.35
15
0
Erosion of natural deposits
Total Trihalomethanes (ppb)
7-10-24
0
NA
80
NA
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
Toal Haloacetic Acids (ppb)
7-10-24
0
NA
60
NA
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
Table 5. Detection of Contaminants with a Secondary Drinking Water Standard
Chemical or Constituent (and reporting units)
Sample Date
Level Detected
Range of Detections
SMCL
PHG (MCLG)
Typical SourceofContaminant
Chloride (ppm)(Source Water)
10-17-23
37
NA
500
NA
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; seawater influence
Odor (units) (Source Water)
10-17-23
1
NA
3
NA
Naturally occurring organic materials
Conductivity (uS/cm) (Source Water)
10-17-23
1200
NA
1600
NA
Substances that form ions when in water, seawater influence
Sulfate (ppm)(Source Water)
10-17-23
170
NA
500
NA
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; seawater influence
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the U.S. EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. U.S. EPA/Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).Lead-Specific Language: 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. DEVA Utilities is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. 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. [Optional: If you do so, you may wish to collect the flushed water and reuse it for another beneficial purpose, such as watering plants.] If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/lead.Arsenic-Specific Language: While your drinking water meets the federal and state standard for arsenic, it does contain low levels of arsenic. The arsenic standard balances the current understanding of arsenic’s possible health effects against the cost of removing arsenic from drinking water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency continues to research the health effects of low levels of arsenic, which is a mineral known to cause cancer in humans at high concentrations and is linked to other health effects such as skin damage and circulatory problems.
Table 7. Violation of a MCL, MRDL, AL, TT or Monitoring Reporting Requirement
Violation
Explanation
Duration
Actions Taken to Correct Violation
Health Effects Language
06-13-26J-008
Failure to Monitor for Nitrate Levels in the Source Water
2025
Correct Monitoring has been resumed
Nitrate concentration is regulated for health reasons. Cow Creek water historically has low nitrate levels due to the source and the treatment used.
06-13-26J-014
Failure to Monitor for Disinfection Byproducts in the Distribution Water
2025
Correct Monitoring will be resumed. Sampling for testing to be taken during the warmest month.
Disinfection Byproduct concentration is regulated for health reasons. Cow Creek water historically has low levels due to the source and the treatment used.
Water System Name: Stovepipe Wells Water System-1410502Report Date: June 30, 2026Type of Water Source(s) in Use: GroundwaterName and General Location of Source(s): The Stovepipe Wells community water supply is produced from wells about 1/3 of a mile from the Stovepipe Wells concessions. Drinking Water Source Assessment Information: A source water assessment was conducted for the sources of the Death Valley National Park public water systems in May 2018. Wells 1A & 2 are not considered vulnerable to any potentially contaminating activities at this time. The detection of fluoride is considered naturally occurring. Reverse osmosis treatment is provided for this. A copy of the complete assessment may be viewed at the Death Valley National Park office or requested from the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water at (909) 383-4328 or 464 West 4th street, suite 437, San Bernardino, CA 92401. The water is considered moderately mineralized consisting of sodium, calcium and magnesium, salts and bicarbonate, sulfate, and chloride. The water is considered high silica water in which amorphous silica and magnesium silicate deposits could create serious problems by fouling surfaces of water handling equipment. This type of silica scale is very tenacious and difficult to remove. Reverse osmosis is used to treat this water and a very high quality drinking water is produced. Specific water quality data relating to system water supplies can be found below.Time and Place of Regularly Scheduled Board Meetings for Public Participation: Please contact Andrew Young, Work Lead Utilities Systems for an appointment at 760-786-3263 or email Andrew_Young@nps.govFor More Information, Contact: Andrew Young, Work Lead Utilities at 760-786-3263.
We test the drinking water quality for many constituents as required by state and federal regulations. This report shows the results of our monitoring for the period of January 1 to December 31, 2025, and may include earlier monitoring data.
Importance of This Report Statement in Five Non-English Languages (Spanish, Mandarin, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Hmong)
Language in Spanish: Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua para beber. Favor de comunicarse Stovepipe Wells Water System-141050 a 760-786-3263 para asistirlo en español.Language in Mandarin: 这份报告含有关于您的饮用水的重要讯息。请用以下地址和电话联系Stovepipe Wells Water System-141050 以获得中文的帮助: 760-786-3263.Language in Tagalog: Ang pag-uulat na ito ay naglalaman ng mahalagang impormasyon tungkol sa inyong inuming tubig. Mangyaring makipag-ugnayan sa Stovepipe Wells Water System-141050 o tumawag sa 760-786-3263 para matulungan sa wikang Tagalog.Language in Vietnamese: Báo cáo này chứa thông tin quan trọng về nước uống của bạn. Xin vui lòng liên hệ Stovepipe Wells Water System-141050 tại 760-786-3263 để được hỗ trợ giúp bằng tiếng Việt.Language in Hmong: Tsab ntawv no muaj cov ntsiab lus tseem ceeb txog koj cov dej haus. Thov hu rau Stovepipe Wells Water System-141050 ntawm 760-786-3263 rau kev pab hauv lus Askiv.
A Level 1 assessment is a study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system.
Level 2 Assessment
A Level 2 assessment is a very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL violation has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system on multiple occasions.
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)
The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. Primary MCLs are set as close to the PHGs (or MCLGs) as is economically and technologically feasible. Secondary MCLs are set to protect the odor, taste, and appearance of drinking water.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG)
The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs are set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA).
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL)
The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG)
The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
Primary Drinking Water Standards (PDWS)
MCLs and MRDLs for contaminants that affect health along with their monitoring and reporting requirements, and water treatment requirements.
Public Health Goal(PHG)
The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. PHGs are set by the California Environmental Protection Agency.
Regulatory Action Level(AL)
The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow.
Secondary Drinking Water Standards (SDWS)
MCLs for contaminants that affect taste, odor, or appearance of the drinking water. Contaminants with SDWSs do not affect the health at the MCL levels.
Treatment Technique(TT)
A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
Variances and Exemptions
Permissions from the State Water Resources Control Board (State Board) to exceed an MCL or not comply with a treatment technique under certain conditions.
ND
Not detectable at testing limit.
ppm
parts per million or milligrams per liter (mg/L)
ppb
parts per billion or micrograms per liter (µg/L)
ppt
parts per trillion or nanograms per liter (ng/L)
ppq
parts per quadrillion or picogram per liter (pg/L)
The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.Contaminants that may be present in source water include:
Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, that may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, that can be naturally-occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
Pesticides and herbicides, that may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, that are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, agricultural application, and septic systems.
Radioactive contaminants, that can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.
Regulation of Drinking Water and Bottled Water Quality
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. EPA and the State Board prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations and California law also establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that provide the same protection for public health.
Tables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 list all of the drinking water contaminants that were detected during the most recent sampling for the constituent. The presence of these contaminants in the water does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. The State Board allows us to monitor for certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Some of the data, though representative of the water quality, are more than one year old. Any violation of an AL, MCL, MRDL, or TT is asterisked. Additional information regarding the violation is provided later in this report.Table 1. Sampling Results Showing the Detection of Coliform Bacteria
Microbiological Contaminants
Highest No. of Detections
No. of Months in Violation
MCL
MCLG
Typical Source of Bacteria
E. coli
(In the year)0
0
(a)
0
Human and animal fecal waste
(a) Routine and repeat samples are total coliform-positive and either is E. coli-positive or system fails to take repeat samples following E. coli-positive routine sample or system fails to analyze total coliform-positive repeat sample for E. coli.Table 2. Sampling Results Showing the Detection of Lead and CopperComplete if lead or copper is detected in the last sample set.
Lead and Copper
Sample Date
No. of Samples Collected
90th Percentile Level Detected
No. Sites Exceeding AL
Range of Results
AL
PHG
Typical Source ofContaminant
Lead (ppb)
07-20-25
5
4.9
0
0-4.9
15
0.2
Internal corrosion of household water plumbing systems; discharges from industrial manufacturers; erosion of natural deposits
Copper (ppm)
07-20-25
5
0.210
0
0.014-0.210
1.3
0.3
Internal corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives
Table 3. Sampling Results for Sodium and Hardness
Chemical or Constituent (and reporting units)
Sample Date
Level Detected
Range of Detections
MCL
PHG (MCLG)
Typical Source of Contaminant
Sodium (ppm)(Source Water)
11-30-23
700
NA
None
None
Salt present in the water and is generally naturally occurring
Hardness (ppm)(Source Water)
11-30-23
670
NA
None
None
Sum of polyvalent cations present in the water, generally magnesium and calcium, and are usually naturally occurring
Table 4. Detection of Contaminants with a Primary Drinking Water Standard
Chemical or Constituent(andreporting units)
Sample Date
Level Detected
Range of Detections
MCL [MRDL]
PHG (MCLG) [MRDLG]
Typical Source of Contaminant
Arsenic (ppb) (Source Water)
11-30-23
2.9
NA
10
0.004
Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards; glass and electronics production wastes
Barium (ppb)
11-30-23
24
NA
1000
2000
Discharges of oil drilling wastes and from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits
Gross Alpha(pCi/L)(Source Water)
11-01-23
1.41
NA
15
0
Erosion of natural deposits
Selenium (ppb)(Source Water)
11-30-23
5
NA
50
30
Discharge from petroleum, glass, and metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from mines and chemical manufacturers; run off from livestock lots
Total Trihalomethanes (ppb)
7-10-24
6.87
6.24-7.57
80
NA
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
TotalHaloacetic Acids (ppb)
7-10-24
1.2
0-2.4
60
NA
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
Table 5. Detection of Contaminants with a Secondary Drinking Water Standard
Chemical or Constituent (and reporting units)
Sample Date
Level Detected
Range of Detections
SMCL
PHG (MCLG)
Typical SourceofContaminant
Chloride (ppm)(Source Water)
11-30-23
1200
NA
500
NA
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; seawater influence
Turbidity (NTU)(Source Water)
11-30-23
0.11
NA
5
NA
Soil Runoff
Conductivity (uS/cm) (Source Water)
11-30-23
5000
NA
1600
NA
Substances that form ions when in water, seawater influence
Sulfate (ppm)(Source Water)
11-30-23
420
NA
500
NA
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; seawater influence
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) ppm
01-05-25 to 12-06-25
239
190-270
1000
NA
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits
Zinc (ppb) (Source Water)
11-30-23
72
NA
5000
NA
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; industrial wastes
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the U.S. EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. U.S. EPA/Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).Lead-Specific Language: 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. [NAME OF UTILITY] is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. 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. [Optional: If you do so, you may wish to collect the flushed water and reuse it for another beneficial purpose, such as watering plants.] If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/lead.Arsenic-Specific Language: While your drinking water meets the federal and state standard for arsenic, it does contain low levels of arsenic. The arsenic standard balances the current understanding of arsenic’s possible health effects against the cost of removing arsenic from drinking water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency continues to research the health effects of low levels of arsenic, which is a mineral known to cause cancer in humans at high concentrations and is linked to other health effects such as skin damage and circulatory problems.
Table 7. Violation of a MCL, MRDL, AL, TT or Monitoring Reporting Requirement
Violation
Explanation
Duration
Actions Taken to Correct Violation
Health Effects Language
06-13-26J-010
Failure to Monitor for Nitrate Levels in the Source Water
2025
Correct Monitoring has been resumed
Nitrate concentration is regulated for health reasons. StovePipe water historically has low nitrate levels due to the source and the treatment used.
06-13-25J-013
Failure to Monitor for Disinfection Byproducts in the Distribution Water
2025
Correct Monitoring will be resumed. Sampling for testing to be taken during the warmest month.
Disinfection Byproduct concentration is regulated for health reasons. StovePipe water historically has low levels due to the source and the treatment used.
06-13-25N-025
Failure to Test all Backflow Prevention Assemblies Annually
2024
Testing has been resumed. Note, this violation was issued in 2025 but covers the year 2024.
Backflow Assemblies are mechanical valves protecting public drinking water from dangerous contamination.
