Livermore Municipal Water performs weekly water quality tests at nine sites throughout its service area to ensure the safety of its water. If test results show that chloramine residual levels are lower than required, the system is flushed as a precaution.

Chloramine is a disinfectant that helps to protect water quality as it moves through pipelines to customers. It is important to water quality because over time, small particles of rust and sediment can accumulate inside water pipes, which could lead to bacteria growth.

Flushing water lines brings in “new” water to the system at a high velocity. Along with raising the water’s chloramine levels, flushing water lines removes residue and sediment from the pipe and helps reduce any taste and odor problems. Learn more about system flushing.

Water supplied by the Livermore Municipal Water does not contain fluoride.

Typically, Livermore Municipal Water customers receive more groundwater during the summer months than other times of the year. This increase in groundwater can change your tap water’s taste.

Additionally, algae blooms in the Delta can produce compounds that cause an earthy taste in drinking water. Algae blooms can occur at any time but are more common in late spring through early fall. These compounds are not harmful to human health, but if the taste is bothersome, add a slice of lemon or chill the water.

To find the cause of the smell, let your water run for 30 seconds before rinsing and filling a glass. Characterize the smell.

No Smell or Foul Smell

The smell is most likely from bacteria in the P-trap under the drain, garbage disposals, or home water treatment systems.To get rid of the odor, fill the sink with hot water, add an ounce of household bleach, and allow the water to drain slowly. If you have a water filter on your faucet or refrigerator, change it as often as recommended by the manufacturer to prevent bacteria growth.

Chlorine/Chemical Smell

Oftentimes, this smell is the result of using chlorine to disinfect the water supply. If the smell is particularly bothersome, let the water stand in an open container until the chlorine smell dissipates.

Earthy/Musty Smell

Algae blooms in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta can produce compounds that create an earthy/musty smell. These compounds are not harmful to human health, but if the smell is bothersome, add a slice of lemon or chill the water.

However, because our tap water is a blend of water from different sources, hardness changes throughout the year. Typically, Livermore Municipal Water receives more groundwater during the winter months. This leads to increased water hardness during this time.

Livermore Municipal Water discourages customers from installing salt-regenerated water softeners because they add excess salt to our wastewater, which in turn increases the salinity of recycled water used for irrigation. The salt in recycled water seeps back into our groundwater where it impacts the quality of our drinking water supply. Zone 7 Water Agency operates the Mocho Groundwater Demineralization Plant to remove salt from groundwater, but this is an expensive process. 

If you decide to install a water softener at your home or business, consider using an exchange tank service. An exchange tank service company will install portable water softening tanks and replace them on a regular schedule. The company disposes of the brine in the tanks under controlled conditions so it never enters Livermore's wastewater, recycled water, or groundwater supply.

• Squeegee shower walls and doors after each use.
• Try applying plain white vinegar and lemon juice -- acids that help loosen and remove hard water deposits from glass shower enclosures.
• If your showerhead plugs up from hardness, fill a sandwich bag with vinegar and use a rubber band to fasten the bag to your shower. Leave it overnight.
• Pour a cup of white vinegar in the toilet bowl and leave it there overnight. Flush in the morning.
• Use phosphoric acid-based cleansers when cleaning the bathtub or shower. These items can be purchased at home improvement, drug or grocery stores. The manufacturer’s instructions should always be followed.