Metropolitan relies exclusively on the Colorado River and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. These surface sources have never been seriously threatened by toxic chemical wastes. Concentration of hazardous chemicals found in the U.S. water are reported to be at least 10 times greater in groundwater than in surface water. Tragedies like the Stringfellow acid pits in Riverside County and the tainted public wells in the San Fernando Valley are carefully watched.

The EPA has classified nearly 35,000 chemical substances as potentially hazardous to human health. Until recently, no one has fully understood the hazards. Substances thought to be harmlessly discarded years ago are now beginning to show up in well water.

This isn't an individual problem. It concerns everyone. In 1980 the government began requiring dangerous chemical wastes to be tracked "from cradle to grave." Anyone receiving these substances must document their use and disposal and will be held responsible if they aren't handled properly.

In 1989 the California Safe Drinking Water Act became a law: This will strengthen existing regulations and make sure the safest water is being provided.

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