Ontario, California Tap Water Quality Report (2026)

By Echo Water Research Team 3 min read
Ontario, California Tap Water Quality Report (2026)

Ontario, California Tap Water Quality Report

Serving utility: Chino Basin Desalter Authority - Desalter 2

Updated March 2026 • Data from EWG Tap Water Database & EPA SDWIS

7
Contaminants Detected
4
Above EWG Guidelines
376,341
People Served

Notable Concerns

Ontario tap water has 4 contaminants exceeding EWG health guidelines, including Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS), Arsenic, Nitrate. Additionally, 5 known or suspected carcinogens were detected, including Arsenic, Nitrate, Chromium (hexavalent).

Water Provider Information

Provider
Chino Basin Desalter Authority - Desalter 2
Location
Ontario, CA
Population Served
376,341
Data Sources
EWG, EPA SDWIS
How does Ontario compare? See where it ranks in our California state rankings and national report.

Contaminants Detected

Contaminant Detected Level EWG Guideline Legal Limit Status
Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS) 0.97 ppt 0.00 ppt 10 ppt Above guideline
Arsenic carcinogen 0.24 ppb 0.00 ppb 10 ppb Above guideline
Nitrate carcinogen 5.16 ppm 0.14 ppm 10 ppm Above guideline
Chromium (hexavalent) carcinogen 0.60 ppb 0.02 ppb No legal limit Above guideline
1,4-Dioxane carcinogen 0.10 ppb 0.35 ppb No legal limit Below guideline
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) carcinogen 0.13 ppt 0.30 ppt 4 ppt Below guideline
Vanadium 1.78 ppb 21 ppb No legal limit Below guideline

Health Context

Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS)

Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.

Arsenic carcinogen

Long-term exposure increases risk of skin cancer, bladder cancer, and lung cancer; chronic exposure causes neurological effects and cardiovascular disease.

skin cancerbladder cancerlung cancerliver cancerkidney disease

Nitrate carcinogen

Nitrate is converted to nitrite in the body, which can interfere with oxygen transport in blood. Chronic exposure is linked to increased cancer risk.

methemoglobinemiacolorectal cancerstomach cancerthyroid cancerbirth defects

Chromium (hexavalent) carcinogen

Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.

1,4-Dioxane carcinogen

Probable human carcinogen causing liver and kidney damage. Chronic exposure linked to increased cancer risk, particularly liver tumors and nasal cavity cancers.

hepatocellular carcinomarenal tubular adenomanasal cavity tumorsliver necrosiskidney toxicity

Recommended Filtration for This Water

Echo RO System

Reverse osmosis filtration removes up to 99.9% of contaminants including heavy metals, PFAS, disinfection byproducts, and more. The gold standard for drinking water purification.

View RO Systems

Echo Whole-Home Filter

Filters water at every tap in your home. Reduces chlorine, VOCs, and disinfection byproducts from your shower, bath, and kitchen water.

View Whole-Home Filters

Echo Hydrogen Water Flask

Once your water is clean, supercharge it. Molecular hydrogen is the smallest, most bioavailable antioxidant — shown to reduce inflammation, boost energy, and support cellular health.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ontario tap water safe to drink?

Ontario tap water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water. However, 4 contaminants exceed stricter EWG health guidelines, and 5 known carcinogens were detected. While legally compliant, additional filtration is recommended for optimal safety.

What contaminants are in Ontario water?

A total of 7 contaminants were detected in Ontario tap water, including Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS), Arsenic. Of these, 4 exceed EWG health guidelines.

What's the best water filter for Ontario?

For Ontario 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 Ontario get its water?

Ontario tap water is provided by Chino Basin Desalter Authority - Desalter 2, serving approximately 376,341 people. For detailed source water information, contact your local utility or visit the EPA's SDWIS database.

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.

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