A Baldwin Park (CA) treatment plant has flushed millions of gallons of drinkable water out to the Pacific Ocean since last fall while it waits on a state agency to certify the liquid as non-hazardous. Water from the plant continuously drains from a nearly 3-foot diameter pipe. Residents, who said they noticed the spill several months ago, became concerned in recent days as state and local officials began to urge conservation measures in the midst of a severe drought. Officials say the water, which comes from the San Gabriel Basin aquifer, was contaminated with a chemical known as 1-2-3 trichloropropane or 1-2-3 TCP. The diversion is "to make sure \ meets all state and federal drinking water standards," said Lea Brooks, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Health Services. Until tests prove the chemical has been removed, the DHS will not allow the water to be delivered to customers. Earlier this week, officials in Azusa warned residents they could be fined up to $200 for wasting water. Last week, Los Angeles Mayor urged residents of the city to cut back usage. In May, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called for passage of his $5.9 billion water plan that included $200 million for conservation.

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