June 14, 2026
Los Angeles, 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 | 121000 ppb | 980000 ppb | 10000 ppb | 1215% — above |
| Trichloroethylene (TCE)EPA health goal: zero | 6.58 ppb | 322 ppb | 5 ppb | 132% — above |
| Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)EPA health goal: zero | 4.02 ppb | 67.3 ppb | 5 ppb | 80% |
| BromateEPA health goal: zero | 6.77 ppb | 11.9 ppb | 10 ppb | 68% |
| Chromium (total) | 56.4 ppb | 348 ppb | 100 ppb | 56% |
| LeadEPA health goal: zero | 7.83 ppb | 42.1 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | 52% |
| ArsenicEPA health goal: zero | 4.92 ppb | 20.2 ppb | 10 ppb | 49% |
| 1,1-Dichloroethylene | 2.98 ppb | 15.9 ppb | 7 ppb | 43% |
| Nitrate | 3290 ppb | 14100 ppb | 10000 ppb | 33% |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 15.4 ppb | 85 ppb | 60 ppb | 26% |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 20 ppb | 214 ppb | 80 ppb | 25% |
| Cadmium | 1.2 ppb | 1.2 ppb | 5 ppb | 24% |
| UraniumEPA health goal: zero | 7.16 ppb | 30.9 ppb | 30 ppb | 24% |
| Carbon tetrachlorideEPA health goal: zero | 1.14 ppb | 2.96 ppb | 5 ppb | 23% |
| Selenium | 8.76 ppb | 22.4 ppb | 50 ppb | 18% |
| Radium (combined)EPA health goal: zero | 0.818 pCi/L | 1.26 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L | 16% |
| Fluoride | 651 ppb | 1560 ppb | 4000 ppb | 16% |
| 1,2-DichloroethaneEPA health goal: zero | 0.372 ppb | 0.603 ppb | 5 ppb | 7% |
| Barium | 118 ppb | 218 ppb | 2000 ppb | 6% |
| cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene | 1.3 ppb | 7.46 ppb | 70 ppb | 2% |
| Copper | 21 ppb | 167 ppb | 1300 ppb (action level) | 2% |
| 1,1,1-Trichloroethane | 1.17 ppb | 2.13 ppb | 200 ppb | 1% |
| Nitrite | 0.011 ppb | 0.0284 ppb | 1000 ppb | <1% |
| Toluene | 0.522 ppb | 0.522 ppb | 1000 ppb | <1% |
| Xylenes (total) | 1.89 ppb | 1.89 ppb | 10000 ppb | <1% |
Also tested, no detections: 1,1,2-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, Carbofuran, Chlordane, Chlorobenzene, 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, Lindane, Mercury (inorganic), Methoxychlor, Oxamyl, PCBs, Pentachlorophenol, Picloram, Simazine, Styrene, Thallium, Toxaphene, Vinyl chloride, o-Dichlorobenzene, p-Dichlorobenzene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene.
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: Los Angeles-City, Dept. Of Water & Power
Population Served: 7,751,132 residents
Data Sources: EPA SDWIS + EPA UCMR5
Report Year: 2026
Los Angeles, California drinking water is supplied by Los Angeles-City, Dept. Of Water & Power. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Coliform (Tcr) | 2014 | Whole House Filters |
| Groundwater Rule | 2016 | Water Filters |
| Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | 2018 | Water Filters |
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), updated quarterly. Health-based violations only.
Should You Filter Your Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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 QuizFilters for Los Angeles, CA Water Issues
Based on contaminants detected in this report, these systems are worth considering:
NSF-certified filters proven to remove PFAS, PFOA, PFOS, and 200+ contaminants.
Shop PFAS / Forever Chemicals Filters →
Reverse osmosis systems that reduce nitrates to safe levels.
Shop Nitrates / Nitrites Filters →
Whole-house carbon filters that eliminate chlorine taste, odor, and DBPs.
Shop Chlorine / Disinfection Byproducts Filters →
UV sterilizers and certified filtration to eliminate harmful bacteria and pathogens.
Shop Bacteria / Pathogens Filters →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles tap water safe to drink?
Los Angeles-City, Dept. Of Water & Power 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 Los Angeles water have PFAS?
PFAS monitoring data for this utility may not yet be published in EPA databases. We recommend a reverse osmosis system for maximum protection regardless of local results.
What water filter works best for Los Angeles?
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.