REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Travis Hopkins, City Manager
VIA: Chau Vu, Director of Public Works
PREPARED BY: Kristen Schroeder, Water Quality Supervisor
Subject:
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Approve Response Letter to the 2025-2026 Orange County Grand Jury Report, “PFAS and Public Awareness: A Closer Look at Orange County Drinking Water,” and Forward to the Presiding Judge
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Statement of Issue:
Transmitted for City Council consideration is a response letter to the 2025-2026 Orange County Grand Jury Report entitled “PFAS and Public Awareness: A Closer Look at Orange County Drinking Water,” and authorize the Mayor to sign the attached transmittal letter to the Honorable Sheila F. Hanson, Presiding Judge of the Orange County Superior Court. Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 933.05, the City must respond to the Grand Jury’s findings and recommendations within 90 days of publication, no later than September 7, 2026.
Financial Impact:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
Recommended Action:
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A) Approve the City's response letter containing the findings and recommendations in response to the Orange County Grand Jury Report entitled “PFAS and Public Awareness: A Closer Look at Orange County Drinking Water”; and
B) Authorize the Mayor to submit the response letter to the Presiding Judge of the Orange County Superior Court.
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Alternative Action(s):
Amend the response letter prior to submitting it to the Presiding Judge. Pursuant to state law, the City must submit a response within 90 days, no later than September 7, 2026.
Analysis:
On June 9, 2026, the Orange County Grand Jury released its report titled “PFAS and Public Awareness: A Closer Look at Orange County Drinking Water.” The report focuses on the presence of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in local water supplies and evaluates the actions taken by water agencies in Orange County to monitor, treat, and communicate information related to PFAS. As required by California Penal Code Section 933.05, the City of Huntington Beach is obligated to provide formal responses to the applicable findings and recommendations identified in the report.
The Grand Jury’s examination provides a detailed account of PFAS detections across Orange County water systems, recent regulatory requirements, and the status of PFAS treatment facility planning and implementation. It also evaluates the effectiveness of public education and outreach efforts. The findings underscore the importance of coordinated regional efforts to ensure safe drinking water and transparent communication with the public.
The City of Huntington Beach recognizes the significance of the Grand Jury’s work and supports its efforts to enhance public understanding of PFAS and water quality issues. Water resource management is a technically complex field, requiring constant investment, regulatory compliance, and public trust. The report affirms that Orange County agencies have established one of the most comprehensive PFAS testing, treatment, and communication programs in the state. The Orange County Water District (OCWD), working collaboratively with its member agencies, has taken a proactive leadership role by investing more than $600 million in PFAS removal infrastructure and related groundwater protection measures.
As both a groundwater producer and an OCWD member agency, the City benefits directly from these regional initiatives. OCWD’s Groundwater Replenishment System continues to play a critical role in long-term water supply reliability, producing approximately 130,000 acre-feet of purified water annually representing roughly one-third of the water demand within its service area. These efforts significantly bolster the reliability and sustainability of Huntington Beach’s water supply.
In general, the City concurs with the Grand Jury’s findings and recommendations. Over many years, the City and OCWD have implemented extensive PFAS monitoring, testing, and treatment efforts to ensure that drinking water delivered to residents and businesses meets all state and federal safety standards. The City also maintains accessible PFAS information on its website and includes PFAS advisories and compliance details in the annual Consumer Confidence Report.
Overall, the Grand Jury’s report reinforces the strength of local and regional initiatives addressing PFAS contamination and highlights the continued need for transparent public communication. The City’s proposed responses, prepared by Utilities Division staff with support from OCWD, reflect the City’s ongoing commitment to water quality protection and regulatory compliance. These responses are provided in Attachment 2 along with a transmittal letter for the Mayor’s signature.
Environmental Status:
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment do not constitute a project.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Non Applicable - Administrative Item
For details, visit www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/strategicplan.
Attachment(s):
1. 2025-2026 Orange County Grand Jury Report
2. Draft Transmittal Letter
3. PowerPoint Presentation