Buyers should be aware that there are three primary sources of water within the greater Yuba City area.

Surface Water - This is clearly the most desirable water in the area. It comes from the Feather River and is naturally soft. It is then treated at the Yuba City water treatment plant before distribution.

Hillcrest Water - The Hillcrest Water Company was a privately held water company. It was purchased by the City of Yuba City which now operates and maintains it. The system is divided into two sub systems. Hillcrest 1 serves those residents East of Highway 99. Hillcrest 2/3 serves those residents West of Highway 99. The source of the water was from wells.

Because of problems associated with changing Federal arsenic standards and rising nitrate levels, the city is in the process of converting customers of the old Hillcrest Water system to the City's surface water system. The only areas left to be converted are south of Lincoln Road and west of Highway 99. The City expects that all customers will be connected by this fall.

There is to be a surcharge of not to exceed $19.80 per month for Hillcrest Water customers to pay for the infrastructure necessary to complete the project. The exact amount of the surcharge will not be known until after all construction is compete but current indications are that the surcharge will be closer to $15.00 per month.

Home buyers should be aware that the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) makes no distinction between the surface water system and the ground water (HWS) systems. As a buyer, it is important that you investigate the source of water for any home you are considering purchasing. You should also keep in mind that there are a lot of very knowledgeable real estate agents who can help you in this process. However, there are also a lot of agents who are unfamiliar with this issue. We suggest that you take a few simple steps to find an honest and knowledgeable real estate agent.

Private Wells - Private wells are another source of water for homes in the greater Yuba City area. Water quality and safety can vary dramatically from property to property. Buyers considering the purchase of property served by a private well should insist that the seller provide, at a minimum, a well clearance for potability. High nitrate levels have also been a problem in some areas and we now know about the revised arsenic standards. Nitrate and arsenic levels can be tested for and we recommend that the water test should include these as well.

Make sure you know where your water will be coming from. You should contact the City of Yuba City if you want more information on this issue. You can visit the Utility Department's web site, view their web page that deals with the HWS, view the 2007 Water Consumer Confidence Report, or contact John Westhouse, Water Treatment Plant Supervisor at (530) 822-4636.

Last Updated July 14, 2010