Los Angeles, California Tap Water Quality Report
Serving utility: Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
Updated March 2026 • Data from EWG Tap Water Database & EPA SDWIS
Notable Concerns
Los Angeles tap water has 9 contaminants exceeding EWG health guidelines, including Arsenic, Haloacetic acids (HAA5), Haloacetic acids (HAA9). Additionally, 10 known or suspected carcinogens were detected, including Arsenic, Haloacetic acids (HAA5), Haloacetic acids (HAA9).
Water Provider Information
Contaminants Detected
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EWG Guideline | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic carcinogen | 2.29 ppb | 0.00 ppb | 10 ppb | Above guideline |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) carcinogen | 36.20 ppb | 0.10 ppb | 60 ppb | Above guideline |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) carcinogen | 11 ppb | 0.06 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) carcinogen | 27.10 ppb | 0.15 ppb | 80 ppb | Above guideline |
| Bromate carcinogen | 2.80 ppb | 0.10 ppb | 10 ppb | Above guideline |
| Chromium (hexavalent) carcinogen | 0.25 ppb | 0.02 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Nitrate carcinogen | 1.71 ppm | 0.14 ppm | 10 ppm | Above guideline |
| Uranium carcinogen | 3.04 pCi/L | 0.43 pCi/L | 20 pCi/L | Above guideline |
| Nitrate and nitrite carcinogen | 0.91 ppm | 0.14 ppm | 10 ppm | Above guideline |
| 1,1-Dichloroethane | 0.00 ppb | 3 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| 1,4-Dioxane carcinogen | 0.02 ppb | 0.35 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Bromide | 99.50 ppb | N/A | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Bromochloromethane | 0.02 ppb | 0.06 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Chlorate | 77.30 ppb | 210 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Chlorodifluoromethane | 0.04 ppb | N/A | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Fluoride | 0.73 ppm | N/A | 4 ppm | Below guideline |
| Lithium | 57.60 ppb | N/A | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Manganese | 0.07 ppb | 100 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Molybdenum | 5.16 ppb | 40 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Strontium | 0.54 ppb | 1,500 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene) | 0.01 ppb | 0.06 ppb | 5 ppb | Below guideline |
| Trichloroethylene | 0.27 ppb | 0.40 ppb | 5 ppb | Below guideline |
| Vanadium | 1.31 ppb | 21 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| o-toluidine | 0.00 ppb | N/A | No legal limit | Below guideline |
Health Context
Arsenic carcinogen
Long-term exposure increases risk of skin cancer, bladder cancer, and lung cancer; chronic exposure causes neurological effects and cardiovascular disease.
Haloacetic acids (HAA5) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Haloacetic acids (HAA9) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Bromate carcinogen
Bromate is a probable human carcinogen that can increase kidney and gastrointestinal cancer risk with chronic exposure. Long-term consumption above 0.010 mg/L (EPA MCL) is associated with increased cancer mortality.
Recommended Filtration for This Water
Echo RO System
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Shop Hydrogen FlaskFrequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles tap water safe to drink?
Los Angeles tap water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water. However, 9 contaminants exceed stricter EWG health guidelines, and 10 known carcinogens were detected. While legally compliant, additional filtration is recommended for optimal safety.
What contaminants are in Los Angeles water?
A total of 24 contaminants were detected in Los Angeles tap water, including Arsenic, Haloacetic acids (HAA5). Of these, 9 exceed EWG health guidelines.
What's the best water filter for Los Angeles?
For Los Angeles tap water, we recommend a reverse osmosis (RO) system for drinking water — it removes up to 99.9% of contaminants including heavy metals, PFAS, and disinfection byproducts. For shower and bath water, a whole-home filtration system reduces chlorine and volatile organics.
Where does Los Angeles get its water?
Los Angeles tap water is provided by Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, serving approximately 3,868,811 people. For detailed source water information, contact your local utility or visit the EPA's SDWIS database.
Nearby City Water Reports
Data sources: Environmental Working Group (EWG) Tap Water Database, U.S. EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
Last updated: March 2026
Methodology: Contaminant levels are compared against both EPA legal limits (Maximum Contaminant Levels) and EWG health guidelines, which are often stricter and based on the latest scientific research.
