DELANO, CA - The state of California is granting Delano nearly $5 million to remove nitrates out of the city's drinking water.
The city engineer says the money will be used for a unique pilot project, the first step in making Delano's water safer.
The city says not only does it have a problem with nitrates in its drinking water, it also has arsenic.
For many Delano residents, drinking water out of the faucet makes them feel uneasy. It's a feeling, they say, is unnecessary.
"Many students go to school with canteens or water bottles because parents tell their children don't drink from the faucet," said Valerie Gorospe with the Center on Race, Poverty and the Environment.
Gorospe says the city's drinking water is highly contaminated and calls it a sad reality for Delano residents.
"I think it's safe to say that every resident in Delano can agree that we all want clean, safe drinking water without being hesitant on what we're drinking," said Gorospe.
City Engineer Roman Dowling told 17 News previously, one well nearly exceeds the state's safety level for nitrates.
It's one of 16 wells that provides water to city residents.
Dowling says recently, the city received a nearly $5 million state grant to build a treatment center with new technology aimed at removing nitrates in drinking water.
But with help on the way, community members have questions.
"How much does it cost to clean up the nitrates in the water? Is this $5 million grant enough or are we going to seek more grants?," said Gorospe.
Even if the city has to apply for more grants, residents say they're happy the city is taking action, trying to clean up a problem that has a big impact on Delano.
Dowling says even though the state has approved the grant for Delano, the city council still has to approve it.
That's scheduled for April 21st.