Physical & aggregate
Color in U.S. tap water
177 public water systems across 7 U.S. states report Color in their annual Consumer Confidence Report. None currently sit at or above the federal limit.
What it is
A measure of visible tint in the water.
Why it's regulated
Regulated only as a secondary (cosmetic) standard.
Within the federal limit (16)
Color by state
Every state where a public water system reports Color in its annual report, ranked by systems at or above the federal limit.
Frequently asked
+What is Color?
A measure of visible tint in the water. Regulated only as a secondary (cosmetic) standard.
+Does Color have a federal limit in drinking water?
Color does not have an enforceable federal MCL. Utilities still report any measured levels in their annual Consumer Confidence Report.
+How many U.S. water systems have Color over the federal limit?
Zero of the 177 public water systems in The Water Map dataset currently report Color at or above its federal limit.
+Which states report the most Color in their drinking water?
No state currently has a system reporting Color at or above its federal limit in The Water Map dataset. California, South Carolina, Utah have the most systems measuring it.
+How can I check if Color is in my city's tap water?
Search your city on The Water Map (https://www.thewatermap.com/) or browse the list on this page. Every U.S. public water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report that lists every contaminant it measured, including Color.