What contaminants are in San Diego's water?

San Diego's water utility tests for 1334 different contaminants. Currently, 14 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 San Diego?

Yes, we recommend using a water filter in San Diego. With 14 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.

What are the MCL violations in San Diego?

SAN DIEGO, CITY OF has reported 10 Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) violations in recent years. MCL violations occur when contaminant levels exceed federal legal limits. While utilities work to resolve these violations, we recommend using a certified water filter during this time for added protection.

Is San Diego's water hard or soft?

San Diego's water has 157 PPM average hardness. Soft water is generally easier on plumbing and appliances, and requires less soap for cleaning.

What are the main contaminants in San Diego tap water?

The main contaminants of concern in San Diego's tap water include Uranium, Bromoform, Gross Alpha Activity. 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 San Diego?

While you can technically drink tap water in San Diego as it meets legal requirements, 14 contaminants are above EPA health guidelines. We recommend using a certified water filter for optimal protection, especially for vulnerable individuals.

How often is San Diego's water tested?

SAN DIEGO, CITY OF 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 San Diego's tap water come from?

San Diego'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 air stripping, biological filtration, conventional before distribution.

What is the overall water quality in San Diego?

San Diego has 14 contaminants above EPA health guidelines (MCLGs) out of 1334+ 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 San Diego water?

The most commonly detected contaminants in San Diego water include: Hardness (Total), pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Turbidity, Uranium. Of these, 14 exceed EPA health guidelines. These contaminants are regularly monitored by SAN DIEGO, CITY OF and reported to the EPA. View the detailed contaminant section above for specific levels and health information.

San Diego Tap Water Quality Report

San Diego's water has 14 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. We recommend using a certified water filter.

Utilities

13 Utilities

People Served

1,736,455

MCL Violations

Last Updated

2025-09-27

Is San Diego Tap Water Safe to Drink?

San Diego's water has 14 contaminants above EPA health-based guidelines. We strongly recommend using a certified water filter to reduce exposure to these contaminants. Check our filter recommendations below for NSF-certified options that can remove the specific contaminants found in San Diego's water.

The data below shows test results from 13 water utilities serving 1,736,455 people in the San Diego area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA. This report was last updated 2025-09-27.

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San Diego Water Service Areas

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Recommended Water Filters for San Diego

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

Our Pick

EDITOR'S CHOICE

BEST BUDGET

Culligan

ZeroWater

24.99

NSF Certified:

NSF-42

NSF-53

NSF-401

NSF-372

Flow Rate

1.9 gpm

Daily Production

1 gpd

Removes 19 contaminants:

Nitrate, Copper, Zinc, Barium, Sulfate +14 more

View Details

Highly Rated

EDITOR'S CHOICE

BEST OVERALL PERFORMANCE

AquaTru

Classic

449

NSF Certified:

NSF-42

NSF-53

NSF-58

NSF-401

NSF-P473

NSF-372

Flow Rate

0.04 gpm

Daily Production

600 gpd

Removes 23 contaminants:

83+, Lead, Fluoride, Strontium, Uranium +18 more

View Details

Highly Rated

EDITOR'S CHOICE

BEST EFFICIENCY

AquaTru

Carafe

349

NSF Certified:

NSF-53

NSF-42

NSF-58

NSF-401

NSF-372

NSF-P473

Flow Rate

0.3 gpm

Daily Production

4 gpd

Removes 17 contaminants:

PFOA, PFOS, Chlorine, Lead, Fluoride +12 more

View Details

Best Value

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

Browse All Water Filter Types

Verify Your Water Quality with Independent Testing

With 14 contaminants above EPA health guidelines, independent laboratory testing provides a second opinion and can track changes over time.

RECOMMENDED

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

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

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 San Diego Tap Water

San Diego's water has 14 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. We strongly recommend using a certified water filter to reduce exposure to these contaminants. Check our filter recommendations below for NSF-certified options that can remove the specific contaminants found in San Diego's water.

San Diego Tap Water Quality Report

Is San Diego Tap Water Safe to Drink?

San Diego Water Service Areas

Recommended Water Filters for San Diego

ZeroWater

Classic

Carafe

W11256135

Browse All Water Filter Types

Verify Your Water Quality with Independent Testing

Advanced Home Water Test

Standard Home Water Test

Advanced Microplastics Test

Frequently Asked Questions About San Diego Tap Water

Is San Diego tap water safe to drink?

What contaminants are in San Diego's water?

Do I need a water filter in San Diego?

What are the MCL violations in San Diego?

Is San Diego's water hard or soft?

What are the main contaminants in San Diego tap water?

Can you drink tap water in San Diego?

How often is San Diego's water tested?

Where does San Diego's tap water come from?

What is the overall water quality in San Diego?

What are the most common contaminants detected in San Diego water?

Stay Informed About Your Water Quality