Photo illustration
FULLERTON — The city of Fullerton announced that there is too much selenium in the drinking water.
A drinking water notice has been sent to residents, and a copy has been posted around the community. The notice states that selenium was measured at a running annual average of 51 micrograms per liter during the third quarter of 2026. The established selenium maximum contaminant level is 50 micrograms per liter.
According to the notice, some people who drink water containing selenium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience hair or fingernail losses, numbness in fingers or toes, or problems with their circulation.
The city is not calling for a boil order. Boiling, freezing or letting water stand does not reduce the selenium level. Excessive boiling can make the selenium more concentrated because the selenium remains behind when the water evaporates.
The city issued a separate public notice that is publishing in this week’s edition. The notice says that this is not an emergency but advises residents to read their mailed notice carefully.
The city blames the high selenium reading on residents who are not following water restrictions that are in place. The notice states that several property owners are not following the restrictions and it puts an extreme strain on the city’s one and only well, which leads to higher readings for selenium.
The city’s current water restrictions allow residents to water their lawns on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. The notice also states that the city is considering imposing fines of up to $500 per violation for residents not following the water restrictions.
The city is hopeful to break ground on the new wells in the fall.