What contaminants are in El Cerrito's water?

El Cerrito's water utility tests for 376 different contaminants. Currently, 3 contaminants are above EPA MCLGs. You can view detailed information about each contaminant, including test results, health effects, and comparisons to EPA MCLGs in the sections above.

Do I need a water filter in El Cerrito?

Yes, we recommend using a water filter in El Cerrito. With 3 contaminants above EPA MCLGs, a certified water filter can reduce your exposure to these substances. Look for filters certified for NSF-53 (health effects) or NSF-58 (reverse osmosis) that specifically remove the contaminants found in your water.

Does El Cerrito have any water quality violations?

EAST BAY MUD currently has no reported Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) violations, meaning the water meets all federal legal limits. However, health-based guidelines are often more protective than legal limits, which is why we compare test results to EPA MCLG Levels on this page.

Why does El Cerrito's water taste like chlorine?

EAST BAY MUD uses chloramines, hypochlorite, ozone to disinfect the water and kill harmful bacteria and viruses. While chlorine is essential for public health, it can affect the taste and smell of your water. A simple activated carbon filter (like a pitcher filter or faucet mount) can effectively remove chlorine and improve taste.

Is El Cerrito's water hard or soft?

El Cerrito's water has 33.7 PPM average hardness. Soft water is generally easier on plumbing and appliances, and requires less soap for cleaning.

What are the main contaminants in El Cerrito tap water?

The main contaminants of concern in El Cerrito's tap water include Bromoform, Chlorine Dioxide, Bromodichloromethane. These substances were found above EPA health-based guidelines. You can view detailed information about each contaminant, including health effects and recommended filters, in the contaminants section above.

Can you drink tap water in El Cerrito?

While you can technically drink tap water in El Cerrito as it meets legal requirements, 3 contaminants are above EPA health guidelines. We recommend using a certified water filter for optimal protection, especially for vulnerable individuals.

How often is El Cerrito's water tested?

EAST BAY MUD is required by federal law to test water quality regularly. The frequency depends on the contaminant - some are tested daily (like bacteria), while others are tested monthly, quarterly, or annually. The test results shown on this page are from the most recent testing period reported to the EPA.

Where does El Cerrito's tap water come from?

El Cerrito's drinking water comes from surface water. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, which require more extensive treatment to remove sediments and potential contaminants. The utility treats this water using biological filtration, conventional, filtration, pre-oxidation with chlorine before distribution.

What is the overall water quality in El Cerrito?

El Cerrito has 3 contaminants above EPA health guidelines (MCLGs) out of 376+ tested. While meeting federal legal limits (MCLs), the presence of contaminants above health-based guidelines suggests that using a certified water filter could provide additional protection, especially for sensitive populations.

What are the most common contaminants detected in El Cerrito water?

The most commonly detected contaminants in El Cerrito water include: Hardness (Total), pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Bromoform, Calcium. Of these, 3 exceed EPA health guidelines. These contaminants are regularly monitored by EAST BAY MUD and reported to the EPA. View the detailed contaminant section above for specific levels and health information.

El Cerrito Tap Water Quality Report

El Cerrito's water has 3 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. Consider using a certified water filter for additional protection.

Utilities

3 Utilities

People Served

1,668,102

MCL Violations

Last Updated

2025-10-13

Is El Cerrito Tap Water Safe to Drink?

El Cerrito's water has 3 contaminants above EPA health-based guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal legal limits, we recommend using a certified water filter for additional protection, especially for vulnerable populations like children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems.

The data below shows test results from 3 water utilities serving 1,668,102 people in the El Cerrito area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA. This report was last updated 2025-10-13.

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El Cerrito Water Service Areas

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Recommended Water Filters for El Cerrito

Based on El Cerrito's water quality data, these NSF-certified filters are recommended to remove contaminants above EPA MCLGs.

Our Pick

BEST HIGH TDS WATER

Omnipure Filter Co.

CL10RO T/33[2]

(419 reviews)

13.56

NSF Certified:

NSF-42

Capacity

1500 gal

Filter Life

5 mo

Flow Rate

0.5 gpm

Removes 3 contaminants:

Chlorine (Free), Chlorine (Total), Chlorine Dioxide

View Details

Best Value

BEST HIGH TDS WATER

Omnipure Filter Co.

K2586[4]

(12 reviews)

18.67

NSF Certified:

NSF-42

Capacity

1250 gal

Filter Life

4 mo

Flow Rate

0.5 gpm

Removes 3 contaminants:

Chlorine (Free), Chlorine (Total), Chlorine Dioxide

View Details

Highly Rated

BEST LEAD REMOVAL

Whirlpool Corporation

W11256135

(40,578 reviews)

NSF Certified:

NSF-401

NSF-42

NSF-53

Capacity

1001 gal

Filter Life

3 mo

Flow Rate

0.7 gpm

Removes 19 contaminants:

1,2 Dichlorobenzene, 1,4 Dichlorobenzene, 2,4-D, Asbestos, Atrazine +14 more

View Details

BEST HIGH TDS WATER

Omnipure Filter Co.

CL10RO T/28[2]

(4 reviews)

32.99

NSF Certified:

NSF-42

Capacity

1500 gal

Filter Life

5 mo

Flow Rate

0.5 gpm

Removes 3 contaminants:

Chlorine (Free), Chlorine (Total), Chlorine Dioxide

View Details

Browse All Water Filter Types

Verify Your Water Quality with Independent Testing

With 3 contaminants above EPA health guidelines, independent laboratory testing provides a second opinion and can track changes over time.

RECOMMENDED

SimpleLab

Standard Home Water Test

$232

Comprehensive water analysis testing over 200 contaminants including bacteria, heavy metals, and chemical compounds.

(209 reviews)

7-10 days

200+ tested

EPA Certified

Tests 200+ contaminants

EPA-certified laboratory

Easy mail-in sample collection

Order Test Kit

SimpleLab

Advanced Home Water Test

$369

Most comprehensive home water test including all standard tests plus additional parameters for ultimate peace of mind.

(19 reviews)

7-10 days

300+ tested

EPA Certified

Tests 300+ parameters

Most thorough analysis available

EPA-certified laboratory

Order Test Kit

Tap Score

Advanced Microplastics Test

$636

Cutting-edge testing for microplastics particles in drinking water using advanced laboratory techniques.

(30 reviews)

10-14 days

1+ tested

Advanced detection technology

Comprehensive particle analysis

Emerging contaminant testing

Order Test Kit

EPA-Certified Labs

7-10 Day Results

Easy Mail-In Collection

Browse All Test Kits

Frequently Asked Questions About El Cerrito Tap Water

El Cerrito's water has 3 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. While the water meets federal legal limits, we recommend using a certified water filter for additional protection, especially for vulnerable populations like children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems.

El Cerrito Tap Water Quality Report

Is El Cerrito Tap Water Safe to Drink?

El Cerrito Water Service Areas

Recommended Water Filters for El Cerrito

CL10RO T/33[2]

K2586[4]

W11256135

CL10RO T/28[2]

Browse All Water Filter Types

Verify Your Water Quality with Independent Testing

Standard Home Water Test

Advanced Home Water Test

Advanced Microplastics Test

Frequently Asked Questions About El Cerrito Tap Water

Is El Cerrito tap water safe to drink?

What contaminants are in El Cerrito's water?

Do I need a water filter in El Cerrito?

Does El Cerrito have any water quality violations?

Why does El Cerrito's water taste like chlorine?

Is El Cerrito's water hard or soft?

What are the main contaminants in El Cerrito tap water?

Can you drink tap water in El Cerrito?

How often is El Cerrito's water tested?

Where does El Cerrito's tap water come from?

What is the overall water quality in El Cerrito?

What are the most common contaminants detected in El Cerrito water?

Stay Informed About Your Water Quality