FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 14, 2026

CCWD Drinking Water Remains Safe; Recent Testing Shows Non-Detect Levels of Cyanotoxins at the raw water intake for the Copper Cove Water Treatment Plant

SAN ANDREAS, CA – In light of recent public discussion regarding algae conditions in regional waterways, the Calaveras County Water District (CCWD) would like to reassure customers that the District's drinking water remains safe, reliable, and in full compliance with all state and federal drinking water standards.

CCWD continuously monitors, tests, and treats water throughout its systems to protect public health. Recent testing of raw water from Lake Tulloch, which supplies CCWD's Copper Cove Water Treatment Plant, found non-detect levels of cyanotoxins, the toxins that can sometimes be associated with harmful algal blooms (HABs).

"Providing safe, high-quality drinking water is our highest priority," said Damon Wyckoff, Director of Operations for CCWD. "Recent testing confirmed non-detect levels of cyanotoxins in our raw water supply, and customers can remain confident in the safety and reliability of the water delivered to their homes and businesses."

While algae can occur naturally in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, public drinking water systems utilize treatment, monitoring, testing, and regulatory oversight to protect public health. Even if cyanotoxins were detected in source water, CCWD's treatment and monitoring programs provide multiple layers of protection to ensure drinking water delivered to customers continues to meet state and federal drinking water standards.

CCWD will continue routine water quality monitoring and remains committed to keeping customers informed.

Customers interested in learning more about drinking water quality, harmful algal blooms, and CCWD's water quality program can visit: www.ccwd.org/water-quality

CCWD provides water, wastewater, and related services throughout Calaveras County and is committed to delivering safe, reliable, high-quality water while protecting public health and the environment.

081426 Copper Cove Water Quality Press Release.pdf