San Diego, California Tap Water Quality Report
Serving utility: San Diego County Water Authority
Updated March 2026 • Data from EWG Tap Water Database & EPA SDWIS
Notable Concerns
San Diego tap water has 6 contaminants exceeding EWG health guidelines, including Arsenic, Bromate, Uranium. Additionally, 7 known or suspected carcinogens were detected, including Arsenic, Bromate, Uranium.
Water Provider Information
Contaminants Detected
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EWG Guideline | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic carcinogen | 1.49 ppb | 0.00 ppb | 10 ppb | Above guideline |
| Bromate carcinogen | 2.39 ppb | 0.10 ppb | 10 ppb | Above guideline |
| Uranium carcinogen | 1.68 pCi/L | 0.43 pCi/L | 20 pCi/L | Above guideline |
| Chromium (hexavalent) carcinogen | 0.04 ppb | 0.02 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Chlorate | 272.80 ppb | 210 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Nitrate carcinogen | 0.14 ppm | 0.14 ppm | 10 ppm | Above guideline |
| Aluminum | 37 ppb | 600 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Barium | 60.60 ppb | 700 ppb | 2,000 ppb | Below guideline |
| Bromide | 160.70 ppb | N/A | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Fluoride | 0.58 ppm | N/A | 4 ppm | Below guideline |
| Manganese | 0.11 ppb | 100 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Nitrate and nitrite carcinogen | 0.04 ppm | 0.14 ppm | 10 ppm | Below guideline |
| Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA) | 0.28 ppt | 1,000 ppt | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) carcinogen | 0.25 ppt | 0.30 ppt | 4 ppt | Near guideline |
| Vanadium | 0.60 ppb | 21 ppb | 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.
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.
Uranium carcinogen
Uranium is a radiotoxic heavy metal that accumulates in bones and kidneys, causing chronic kidney damage and increasing cancer risk with prolonged exposure above EPA limits (30 µg/L).
Chromium (hexavalent) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Chlorate
Chlorate is an oxidizing disinfection byproduct that can cause oxidative stress to red blood cells, potentially leading to hemolytic anemia and methemoglobinemia, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Recommended Filtration for This Water
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Shop Hydrogen FlaskFrequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego tap water safe to drink?
San Diego tap water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water. However, 6 contaminants exceed stricter EWG health guidelines, and 7 known carcinogens were detected. While legally compliant, additional filtration is recommended for optimal safety.
What contaminants are in San Diego water?
A total of 15 contaminants were detected in San Diego tap water, including Arsenic, Bromate. Of these, 6 exceed EWG health guidelines.
What's the best water filter for San Diego?
For San Diego 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 San Diego get its water?
San Diego tap water is provided by San Diego County Water Authority, serving approximately 3,276,208 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.
