June 14, 2026
El Monte, CA Water Quality Report 2026
Unlock the full breakdown — detected levels vs. legal limits, plus what removes each one.
Full contaminant breakdown
EPA Six-Year Review compliance monitoring, 2012–2019 — the most recent national compliance dataset EPA has published. See the sections above for more recent violation and PFAS records.
| Contaminant | Avg. detected | Highest sample | Federal limit | Avg. vs. limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrate + nitrite | 47300 ppb | 580000 ppb | 10000 ppb | 473% — above |
| Trichloroethylene (TCE)EPA health goal: zero | 22.1 ppb | 140 ppb | 5 ppb | 442% — above |
| Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)EPA health goal: zero | 20.7 ppb | 220 ppb | 5 ppb | 414% — above |
| PentachlorophenolEPA health goal: zero | 0.82 ppb | 0.85 ppb | 1 ppb | 82% |
| Carbon tetrachlorideEPA health goal: zero | 3.44 ppb | 17 ppb | 5 ppb | 69% |
| 1,1,2-Trichloroethane | 3.07 ppb | 3.8 ppb | 5 ppb | 61% |
| Nitrate | 6120 ppb | 22000 ppb | 10000 ppb | 61% |
| 1,1-Dichloroethylene | 3.27 ppb | 64 ppb | 7 ppb | 47% |
| 1,2-DichloroethaneEPA health goal: zero | 1.2 ppb | 3.7 ppb | 5 ppb | 24% |
| ArsenicEPA health goal: zero | 2.44 ppb | 3.8 ppb | 10 ppb | 24% |
| UraniumEPA health goal: zero | 4.71 ppb | 14.9 ppb | 30 ppb | 16% |
| Fluoride | 387 ppb | 910 ppb | 4000 ppb | 10% |
| Selenium | 5 ppb | 5 ppb | 50 ppb | 10% |
| Barium | 142 ppb | 220 ppb | 2000 ppb | 7% |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 3.29 ppb | 15 ppb | 80 ppb | 4% |
| cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene | 2.14 ppb | 6.1 ppb | 70 ppb | 3% |
| trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene | 3.12 ppb | 23 ppb | 100 ppb | 3% |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 1.47 ppb | 5.5 ppb | 60 ppb | 2% |
| Nitrite | 0.47 ppb | 0.47 ppb | 1000 ppb | <1% |
| Toluene | 0.52 ppb | 0.52 ppb | 1000 ppb | <1% |
Also tested, no detections: 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2-Dichloropropane, 2,4,5-TP (Silvex), 2,4-D, Alachlor, Antimony, Asbestos, Atrazine, Benzene, Benzo(a)pyrene, Beryllium, Cadmium, Carbofuran, Chlordane, Chlorobenzene, Chromium (total), Copper, Cyanide, DBCP, DEHA (adipate), DEHP (phthalate), Dalapon, Dichloromethane, Dinoseb, Dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD), Diquat, Endothall, Endrin, Ethylbenzene, Ethylene dibromide (EDB), Glyphosate, Heptachlor, Heptachlor epoxide, Hexachlorobenzene, Hexachlorocyclopentadiene, Lead, Lindane, Mercury (inorganic), Methoxychlor, Oxamyl, PCBs, Picloram, Simazine, Styrene, Thallium, Toxaphene, Vinyl chloride, Xylenes (total), o-Dichlorobenzene, p-Dichlorobenzene.
Reverse osmosis (drinking water)
The treatment category most often matched to dissolved contaminants like lead, arsenic, nitrate, fluoride, and radiological contaminants detected in this system.
Shop reverse osmosis →Whole-house carbon filtration
The treatment category most often matched to disinfection byproducts (TTHMs, haloacetic acids), chlorine taste and odor, and organic compounds detected in this system.
Shop whole-house systems →Source: U.S. EPA Six-Year Review 4 compliance monitoring data (2012–2019), the most recent nationwide compliance dataset EPA has released, reported at the water-system level. A detection is not a violation. “Avg. vs. limit” compares the average of laboratory detections to the federal MCL or action level; individual faucets can differ — household plumbing affects lead and copper, and a state-certified laboratory test of your own tap is the only way to confirm levels in your home. Treatment categories are general matches, not a certification claim for a specific product and contaminant.
Water Utility: San Gabriel Valley Water Co.-El Monte
Population Served: 248,000 residents
Data Sources: EPA SDWIS + EPA UCMR5
Report Year: 2026
El Monte, California drinking water is supplied by San Gabriel Valley Water Co.-El Monte. All US public water systems must test drinking water and report results to the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This report summarizes health-based violations and PFAS detections recorded in federal databases to help you make informed decisions about home water filtration.
EPA Health-Based Violation History
The following contaminants exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) at this utility since 2010:
| Contaminant | Violation Years | Filter Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Groundwater Rule | 2018-2019 | Water Filters |
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), updated quarterly. Health-based violations only.
PFAS "Forever Chemical" Detections
PFAS compounds were detected in this water system during EPA's Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5) testing program (2023-2025). EPA has set maximum contaminant levels of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS individually.
| PFAS Compound | Level Detected | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| PFBA | 0.0100 ug/L | PFAS Filters |
| PFPeA | 0.0056 ug/L | PFAS Filters |
Source: EPA UCMR5 occurrence data. Levels in micrograms per liter (ug/L = parts per billion). 1 ug/L = 1,000 ppt.
Should You Filter Your El Monte Water?
Even utilities with no EPA violations may have contaminants present below legal limits but above health guidelines. The EPA sets maximum contaminant levels based on what is feasible and affordable to treat at scale -- not necessarily what carries zero health risk. Many independent health organizations recommend filtration for households with children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals regardless of utility compliance status.
Protect Your El Monte Home Water
PureWaterGuys.com carries filtration systems engineered to address the most common contaminants in US tap water. We ship to all California addresses with free expert guidance on the right system.
Shop Water Filtration Systems →Take the Water QuizFrequently Asked Questions
Is El Monte tap water safe to drink?
San Gabriel Valley Water Co.-El Monte is required to meet EPA federal drinking water standards. However, meeting legal standards is not the same as being contaminant-free. Trace levels of disinfection byproducts, PFAS compounds, and other regulated contaminants are common in US municipal water systems.
Does El Monte water have PFAS?
PFAS compounds were detected in this utility's water during EPA UCMR5 monitoring. A certified PFAS filter -- such as reverse osmosis or activated carbon block -- can significantly reduce these compounds at your tap.
What water filter works best for El Monte?
A whole-house carbon block filter removes chlorine, chloramines, and many VOCs. For PFAS, arsenic, and nitrates, a reverse osmosis under-sink system provides the highest reduction rates. Take our free 2-minute quiz to find the right system for your home and budget.
Data sourced from EPA SDWIS and UCMR5 federal databases. PureWaterGuys.com is not affiliated with any municipal water utility. Contact your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for complete local data.