Water Quality in South Lake Tahoe, CA

South Lake Tahoe's water has 3 contaminants above health guidelines. Consider using a certified water filter for additional protection.

Utility

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

People Served

109,414

MCL Violations

0

Last Updated

Jun 22, 2024

Quick Summary

20
Contaminants Tested
3
Above Guidelines
Above EPA Limits
EPA Status
Same as state average

Contaminants Detected

⚠️ Contaminants Above Health Guidelines (3)

What is Chlorine Dioxide?

Chlorine dioxide is a chemical compound with the formula ClO2. It is a yellowish-green gas at room temperature and is used primarily as a bleaching agent and disinfectant. Chlorine dioxide is effective in killing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens in water.

Health Effects

Exposure to chlorine dioxide can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and eye damage. Ingesting chlorine dioxide can lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Long-term exposure may result in more severe health effects, including damage to the respiratory system.

Affected Organs

Respiratory systemSkinEyesGastrointestinal system

Common Sources

Water treatment processesIndustrial dischargesAgricultural runoff
Last Tested: Jun 22, 2024

What is Radium 228?

Radium-228 is a radioactive isotope of radium that occurs naturally in uranium and thorium ores. It is part of the decay chain of uranium-232 and has a half-life of 5.75 years. Radium-228 can be found in groundwater and can contaminate drinking water supplies.

Health Effects

Exposure to radium-228 can lead to an increased risk of cancer, particularly bone cancer, due to its radioactive properties. Long-term exposure can also affect the kidneys and other organs.

Affected Organs

BoneKidneysLiver

Common Sources

Natural depositsIndustrial discharge

Certified Filter Standards

View Recommended Filters →
Last Tested: Jun 22, 2024

What is Radium 226?

Radium-226 is a radioactive isotope of radium, which is a naturally occurring element found in uranium ores. It is a decay product of uranium-238 and is known for its radioactive properties, emitting alpha particles and gamma radiation.

Health Effects

Exposure to Radium-226 can lead to serious health issues, including an increased risk of bone cancer and other malignancies. It can accumulate in bones and tissues, leading to long-term health effects due to its radioactivity.

Affected Organs

BonesLiverKidneysNervous system

Common Sources

Natural depositsIndustrial discharge

Certified Filter Standards

View Recommended Filters →
Last Tested: Jun 22, 2024

Understanding the Data

This data comes from your local water utility testing. The bar charts compare detected levels against health guidelines (HGL). Contaminants above the health guideline are shown by default and may require filtration. All other tested contaminants are within safe levels and can be viewed by expanding the section above.

Recommended Water Filters for South Lake Tahoe

Based on South Lake Tahoe's water quality data, these NSF-certified filters are recommended to remove contaminants above health guidelines.

Our Pick
BEST LEAD REMOVAL
GNRQ18NBN[1] GNRQ18NBN[1]

GE Appliances, a Haier Company

GNRQ18NBN[1] GNRQ18NBN[1]

(482 reviews)
58.42

NSF Certified:

NSF-42
NSF-58

Capacity

260 gal

Filter Life

1 mo

Flow Rate

0.5 gpm

Removes 23 contaminants:

Arsenic, Asbestos, Barium, Cadmium, Chlorine (Free) +18 more

View Details
Highly Rated
BEST LEAD REMOVAL
GXRQ18NBN[1] GXRQ18NBN[1]

GE Appliances, a Haier Company

GXRQ18NBN[1] GXRQ18NBN[1]

(482 reviews)
58.42

NSF Certified:

NSF-42
NSF-58

Capacity

260 gal

Filter Life

1 mo

Flow Rate

0.5 gpm

Removes 23 contaminants:

Arsenic, Asbestos, Barium, Cadmium, Chlorine (Free) +18 more

View Details
BEST LEAD REMOVAL
Rainsoft Rainsoft Ultrefiner Elite

Aquion, Inc.

Rainsoft Rainsoft Ultrefiner Elite

(60 reviews)
50.79

NSF Certified:

NSF-401
NSF-42
NSF-53
NSF-58

Capacity

2251 gal

Filter Life

8 mo

Flow Rate

1 gpm

Removes 20 contaminants:

Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chloramine, Chlorine (Free) +15 more

View Details
BEST LEAD REMOVAL

Solventum Purification Inc.

3MRO501[G] 3MRO501[G]

NSF Certified:

NSF-42
NSF-58

Capacity

15001 gal

Filter Life

50 mo

Flow Rate

0.5 gpm

Removes 22 contaminants:

Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chlorine (Free), Chlorine (Total) +17 more

View Details

Frequently Asked Questions

South Lake Tahoe's water has 3 contaminants above health guidelines. 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.