Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a Unilateral Administrative Order to the Havasu Water Company, mandating several actions to prevent further violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The EPA cited the company's failure to comply with drinking water regulations, including exceeding the maximum allowable level for total trihalomethanes. These byproducts can form during disinfection and pose health risks through long-term exposure above federal limits.
"A top priority under EPA’s public health mission is to ensure that the drinking water of all of our communities – no matter how big or small, or wealthy or disadvantaged – is safe and reliable," said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. "We will continue to fully utilize our authority to make sure that safe drinking water standards are met."
The National Primary Drinking Water Regulations set a maximum contaminant level for total trihalomethanes at 80 micrograms per liter. Long-term exposure above this threshold may increase cancer risk and cause liver, kidney, or central nervous system problems. Additional violations by Havasu Water Company include operating without qualified personnel, failing to provide required public notifications, not correcting significant deficiencies in the system, and failing to report appropriate surface water treatment data.
Havasu Water Company is a privately-owned community water system located along Lake Havasu's western shore within the Chemehuevi Indian Reservation boundaries. It serves approximately 361 people using surface water filtration treatment.
The Unilateral Administrative Order requires the company to develop a compliance plan according to EPA-imposed deadlines. This includes adhering to the trihalomethanes limit, retaining certified operators, issuing necessary public notices, addressing remaining deficiencies, and submitting timely surface water treatment data.
EPA uses Unilateral Administrative Orders as enforceable instruments requiring violators to correct outstanding issues on an established schedule. For more information about this order and EPA’s actions, visit Regulatory Oversight of the Havasu Water Company Public Water System in Needles, CA.
For details on reporting possible environmental law violations, visit EPA’s enforcement reporting website.
