By Sara Beth Williams–
Local water providers in Citrus Heights and other jurisdictions are warning residents to be on alert for individuals posing as water officials and attempting to sell costly and unnecessary water treatment equipment.
The Citrus Heights Water District, Sacramento Suburban Water District, Orange Vale Water Company and California American Water issued a joint press release after reports surfaced of door-to-door solicitations throughout the districts. The incidents involved individuals claiming that household tap water may be unsafe and offering unsolicited in-home water testing.
According to the agencies’ release, these visits lead to “high-pressure” sales tactics where the individuals would convince residents to purchase expensive water treatment systems. Similar incidents have been reported in other Northern California communities, including Elk Grove, Fairfield, and Sacramento, according to water district officials.
The agencies emphasized that drinking water provided by the four agencies is safe and meets strict federal and state standards. Regular testing is conducted at treatment facilities, wells, and through official programs, not through door-to-door visits.
“Drinking water served by CHWD, SSWD, OVWC, and California American Water meet some of the strictest water quality standards. Water is regularly tested and follows federal and state regulations to ensure community health and safety,” officials stated in the media release.
Officials say none of the local agencies conduct in-home water testing unless it has been scheduled directly with the customer and advice customers to be aware of whether appointments have been pre-scheduled. Additionally, legitimate employees always wear official uniforms, drive marked vehicles, and carry agency-issued identification cards.
Unsolicited water testing offers are a red flag and often tied to costly sales schemes, the agencies warn.
Residents who are approached by individuals they suspect are not legitimate water district employees, should not allow anyone suspicious into their home for water testing, should ask for official ID, and should contact their specific water agency directly to verify if an individual claims the need to test their water.
The agencies also encourage residents to report suspicious activity and share the warning with neighbors, friends, and family.
Residents can find more information and contact numbers online. A list of water agencies and their corresponding website are below:
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Citrus Heights Water District: chwd.org
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Sacramento Suburban Water District: sswd.org
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Orange Vale Water Company: orangevalewater.com
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California American Water: amwater.com/caaw
