Benzene

The City of Lomita responded to a detection of benzene at the City’s single groundwater well, Well No. 5, and worked with the State to investigate the source to hold accountable to any parties responsible.

The City’s water sampling and testing program confirmed results of an annual water quality test conducted in May 2019 that showed levels of benzene exceeding State standards. The City immediately took the well offline and transitioned to importing water through its approved backup sources to eliminate benzene exposure.

In 2018, the City’s regular annual sampling showed benzene at a level well below the State’s threshold for health and safety but above the detection limit. Because samples were not collected between May 2018 and May 2019, the City could not be sure of the water quality during that time.  It is important to note that the City’s normal operations included the provision of raw water blended with pre-treated imported water (generally approximately a 40/60 blend). As such, levels in the water that reached City residents were likely much lower than detected in the ground water alone.

In May 2020, the Water Replenishment District (WRD) approved the GAC treatment project under the Safe Drinking Water Program and awarded the City grant funds for the project. Following the City Council’s unanimous selection of RC Foster Corporation to construct the new GAC filtration system, the project officially kicked off in March 2021.

As part of the upgraded Cypress Water Production Facility (CWPF), the City invested in a new Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filtration system. This new technology is part of a larger modernization effort to improve system reliability and support the long-term, cost-effective delivery of safe, dependable drinking water. As of June 2026, the CWPF site has completed inspections and is currently awaiting permit approval. Learn more about the upgraded CWPF site.

If you have questions about this matter, please send us your feedback by clicking on the “Contact Us” tab.