Drinking water quality · 2026
· Verified
What's in Burbank-city, Water Dept., CA tap water
122 contaminants were measured in the Burbank-city, Water Dept., CA water system's 2026 annual report. Each is shown below against its federal limit — 3 sit at or above that limit.
- Reporting year
- 2026
- Contaminants measured
- 122
- Over federal limit
- 3
- Approaching the limit
- 1
- Worst contaminant
- 1,2,3-TCP
- Service area
- CA
30.4× the limit
state-level CCR
At or above the federal limit
Approaching the limit (≥ 80%)
PFAS — EPA UCMR5 (2023–2025)
3 PFAS compounds detected in Burbank-city, Water Dept., CA
The EPA finalized the first-ever federal drinking-water limits for six PFAS compounds in April 2024. These numbers come straight from EPA's UCMR5 lab dataset — every U.S. system serving more than 3,300 people tested every PFAS sample at an entry point to its distribution system. PFAS not listed below were either tested and not detected, or not yet sampled.
PFPeA
● Detected (no federal limit)Measured 10.2 ng/LSample year 2025Samples 1 detect / 1
near national p90 (15.95999999999999 ng/L across detecting U.S. systems)
PFHxA
● Detected (no federal limit)Measured 4.4 ng/LSample year 2025Samples 1 detect / 1
below national p90 (12.190000000000003 ng/L across detecting U.S. systems)
PFBA
● Detected (no federal limit)Measured 8.1 ng/LSample year 2024Samples 3 detect / 3
below national p90 (18 ng/L across detecting U.S. systems)
PWSID CA1910179 · Source: EPA UCMR5. Limits per EPA's April 2024 PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation. PFAS values reported in nanograms per liter (ng/L) — note that 1 ng/L = 1 part per trillion.
Where your water comes from · EPA SDWIS
Burbank-city, Water Dept., CA's drinking water comes from ground water, drawn from 8 sources.
Source
8ground water
- BURBANK OU WELL VO-5
- BURBANK OU WELL VO-7
- WELL VO-8
- BURBANK OU WELL VO-1
- + 4 more
Treatment
8treatment plants
- FOREBY INFLUENT - EAST (B)
- BOU VOC PLANT EFF AT PT OF DELIVERY (A)
- BURBANK OPERABLE UNIT (BOU)
- + 5 more
Distribution
24storage units
Also buys water from METROPOLITAN WATER DIST. OF SO. CAL., GLENDALE-CITY, WATER DEPT..
Source: EPA SDWIS facilities inventory. Methodology.
Historical readings · EPA Six-Year Review (2012–2019)
7 contaminants historically over EPA limits in Burbank-city, Water Dept., CA
Every U.S. public water system reports compliance-monitoring data to EPA. The Six-Year Review releases the 2012–2019 window as a single dataset — here's what your system reported, year by year. Values shown are the highest detection per analyte per year, compared to the federal MCL.
| Contaminant | Worst detection | EPA limit | Years (2012–2019) |
|---|---|---|---|
PCE worst: 2017 | 0.25 mg/L 50.0× | 0.005 mg/L | '14'15'17'18'19 |
TCE worst: 2012 | 0.2 mg/L 40.0× | 0.005 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
GROSS BETA worst: 2014 | 10 mrem/yr 2.5× | 4 mrem/yr | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
TTHM worst: 2012 | 0.12 mg/L 1.5× | 0.08 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
NITRATE worst: 2016 | 12 mg/L 1.2× | 10 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
DICHLOROETHYLENE 11 worst: 2016 | 0.0079 mg/L 1.1× near national p90 | 0.007 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
NITRATE NITRITE worst: 2016 | 11 mg/L 1.1× | 10 mg/L | '16'17'18'19 |
ARSENIC worst: 2017 | 0.0059 mg/L within below national p90 | 0.01 mg/L | '13'14'17 |
TRICHLOROETHANE 112 worst: 2014 | 0.0026 mg/L within above national p90 | 0.005 mg/L | '12'13'14'16'17'18'19 |
DICHLOROMETHANE worst: 2019 | 0.0024 mg/L within | 0.005 mg/L | '17'19 |
HAA5 worst: 2015 | 0.027 mg/L within | 0.06 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
CARBON TETRACHLORIDE worst: 2012 | 0.0016 mg/L within below national p90 | 0.005 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
CHROMIUM worst: 2014 | 0.031 mg/L within 3.1× the national p90 | 0.1 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
FLUORIDE worst: 2014 | 0.67 mg/L within | 4 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
DICHLOROETHANE 12 worst: 2016 | 0.00052 mg/L within below national p90 | 0.005 mg/L | '16 |
BARIUM worst: 2017 | 0.15 mg/L within near national p90 | 2 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
CIS DICHLOROETHYLENE 12 worst: 2018 | 0.0037 mg/L within below national p90 | 0.07 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
ETHYLBENZENE worst: 2012 | 0.0017 mg/L within | 0.7 mg/L | '12 |
NITRITE worst: 2018 | 0.0017 mg/L within | 1 mg/L | '18 |
URANIUM worst: 2014 | 0.0268 ug/L within above national p90 | 30 ug/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
XYLENES TOTAL worst: 2012 | 0.0061 mg/L within | 10 mg/L | '12 |
DBAA worst: 2012 | 0.0026 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
DCAA worst: 2013 | 0.0055 mg/L | — | '13'14'15'16'17'18 |
MBAA worst: 2014 | 0.0047 mg/L | — | '14'17 |
TCAA worst: 2013 | 0.0048 mg/L | — | '13'14'15'16'17'18 |
BROMODICHLOROMETHANE worst: 2012 | 0.037 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
BROMOFORM worst: 2012 | 0.01 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
CHLOROFORM worst: 2012 | 0.047 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
DIBROMOCHLOROMETHANE worst: 2012 | 0.03 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
PWSID CA1910179 · Source: EPA Six-Year Review 4 (2012–2019). Values are the highest detection in each calendar year; non-detect years are omitted. Year tags above show every year with a detection.
VOCs & pesticides
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,2,3-TCP | 0.15184285714285714 UG/LAverageSource water | 0.005 UG/LMCL | At or above the limit |
| AtrazineA widely used agricultural herbicide that reaches water through runoff. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 1 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Benzene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 1 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Benzo(a)pyrene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 0.2 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| ChloroethaneA volatile organic compound used in some industrial processes. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | None set | None detected |
| Chloromethane | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
| Dalapon | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 200 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Simazine | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 4 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Toluene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 150 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| XylenesA group of industrial solvents found in gasoline and paint. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 1750 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Dichlorodifluoromethane | 0.3712 UG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
Metals
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chromium, HexavalentHexavalent chromium ('chromium-6') — the more toxic form of chromium. | 9.25 UG/LAverageSource water | 10 UG/LMCL | Approaching the limit |
| SeleniumA trace element from natural deposits and industrial discharge. | 1.95 UG/LAverageEntry point | 50 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| ManganeseA naturally occurring metal from soil and rock. | 1.237037037037037 UG/LAverageSource water | 50 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| AluminumA common element sometimes used as a treatment coagulant. | 20 UG/LAverageEntry point | 1000 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| CopperA metal that enters water from corroding household plumbing. | 0.825 UG/LAverageEntry point | 1000 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| Antimony | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 6 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Beryllium | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 4 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Cadmium | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| IronA naturally occurring metal common in groundwater. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 300 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| LeadA toxic metal that leaches into water from old service lines, solder, and plumbing fixtures. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | None set | None detected |
| MercuryA toxic metal from erosion of natural deposits and industrial runoff. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 2 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| NickelA metal from natural deposits and industrial discharge. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 100 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Thallium | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 2 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| ZincA naturally occurring metal that can also enter water from corroding pipes. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 5000 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| BoronA naturally occurring element from rock and soil. | 175 UG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| CalciumA naturally occurring mineral that contributes to water hardness. | 45.77272727272727 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| MagnesiumA naturally occurring mineral that contributes to water hardness. | 25.636363636363637 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| PotassiumA naturally occurring mineral from rock and soil. | 4.65 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| SodiumA naturally occurring salt component. | 37 MG/LAverageEntry point | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| Vanadium | 5.3999999999999995 UG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
Radionuclides
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross AlphaGross alpha particle activity — a combined measure of alpha-emitting radioactive substances. | 10.397142857142857 PCI/LAverageSource water | 15 PCI/LMCL | Within the limit |
Physical & aggregate
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Dissolved SolidsTotal dissolved solids — the combined content of all dissolved minerals and salts. | 506.3636363636364 MG/LAverageSource water | 1000 MG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| Specific ConductanceA measure of how well water conducts electricity, which tracks dissolved mineral content. | 807.2727272727273 UMHO/CMAverageSource water | 1600 UMHO/CMMCL | Within the limit |
| OdorA measure of detectable smell in the water. | 0.75 TONAverageEntry point | 3 TONMCL | Within the limit |
| TurbidityA measure of cloudiness from suspended particles in the water. | 0.1625 NTUAverageEntry point | 5 NTUMCL | Within the limit |
| ColorA measure of visible tint in the water. | Not detected UNITSHighest single sampleEntry point | 15 UNITSMCL | None detected |
| AlkalinityA measure of the water's capacity to neutralize acids. | 161.54545454545453 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| HardnessA measure of dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals. | 333.6363636363636 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| pHA measure of how acidic or basic the water is. | 8.2 PHAverageEntry point | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| TemperatureThe measured temperature of the water sample. | 17.071428571428573 CAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
Disinfection byproducts
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| PerchlorateA chemical used in rocket fuel and fireworks that can also form during disinfection. | 1.4766666666666666 UG/LAverageSource water | 6 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| N-Nitrosodi-n-butylamine | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | None set | None detected |
| NDMA | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
Inorganic chemicals
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| SulfateA naturally occurring mineral from rock and soil. | 79.75 MG/LAverageEntry point | 500 MG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| ChlorideA naturally occurring salt compound. | 49.5 MG/LAverageEntry point | 500 MG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| Cyanide | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 150 UG/LMCL | None detected |
Other
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlordane | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 0.1 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Chlorobenzene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 70 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Deha | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 400 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Dehp | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 4 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Dichloropropane 12 | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Dinoseb | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 7 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Diquat | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 20 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Edb | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 0.05 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Endothall | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 100 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Endrin | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 2 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Glyphosate | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 700 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Heptachlor | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 0.01 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Heptachlor Epoxide | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 0.01 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Hexachlorobenzene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 1 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Hexachlorocyclopentadiene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 50 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Mcaa | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | None set | None detected |
| Methoxychlor | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 30 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| O Dichlorobenzene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 600 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| P Dichlorobenzene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Pcb Total | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 0.5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Pentachlorophenol | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 1 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Picloram | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 500 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Styrene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 100 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Toxaphene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 3 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Trans Dichloroethylene 12 | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 10 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Trichlorobenzene 124 | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Trichloroethane 111 | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 200 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Twofourd | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 70 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Vinyl Chloride | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 0.5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
PFAS ("forever chemicals")
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11-Chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid (11Cl-PF3OUdS)11-chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid, a chlorinated PFAS compound. | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | None set | None detected |
| 4,8-Dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA)ADONA, a newer-generation PFAS replacement compound. | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
| 4:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (4:2 FTS)4:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid, a PFAS-related compound. | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
| 8:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (8:2 FTS)8:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid, a PFAS-related compound. | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
| 9-Chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanonane-1-sulfonic acid (9Cl-PF3ONS)9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanonane-1-sulfonic acid, a chlorinated PFAS compound. | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | None set | None detected |
| Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acidHFPO-DA ('GenX chemicals'), a newer-generation PFAS replacement compound. | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | None set | None detected |
| Perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid (PFMPA)Perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid, a PFAS-related compound. | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
| Perfluoro-4-methoxybutanoic acid (PFMBA)Perfluoro-4-methoxybutanoic acid, a PFAS-related compound. | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | None set | None detected |
| Perfluoro(2-ethoxyethane)sulfonic acid (PFEESA)Perfluoro(2-ethoxyethane)sulfonic acid, a PFAS-related compound. | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
| Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)Perfluorodecanoic acid, a longer-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | None set | None detected |
| Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)Perfluorododecanoic acid, a longer-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | None set | None detected |
| Perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid (PFHpS)Perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid, a PFAS 'forever chemical.' | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
| Perfluorononanoic acidPerfluorononanoic acid, a PFAS 'forever chemical.' | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | None set | None detected |
| Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)Perfluoroundecanoic acid, a longer-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
| 6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2 FTS)6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid, a PFAS-related compound. | 26.707692307692305 NG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| Perfluoroheptanoic acidPerfluoroheptanoic acid, a PFAS 'forever chemical.' | 3.5076923076923077 NG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid (PFPeS)Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid, a PFAS 'forever chemical.' | 1.676923076923077 NG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
Source: Burbank-city, Water Dept., CA's 2026 Consumer Confidence Report — the annual drinking-water report every U.S. utility is required to publish. The numbers on this page are the utility's own. A water-quality report covers an entire service area, not a single address.
People also ask about Burbank-city, Water Dept., CA's water
+Is Burbank-city, Water Dept., CA tap water safe to drink in 2026?
The 2026 Consumer Confidence Report for the Burbank-city, Water Dept., CA water utility lists 3 contaminants at or above the federal limit: 1,2,3-TCP, Pce, and Tce. Whether that means the water is "unsafe" depends on which contaminant, how long the exposure, and individual health factors. The table on this page shows the measured value, the federal threshold, and the regulated statistic used for compliance.
+What contaminants are in Burbank-city, Water Dept., CA tap water?
122 contaminants were measured in Burbank-city, Water Dept., CA's 2026 Consumer Confidence Report, spanning other, metals, and pfas ("forever chemicals"). 77 have an enforceable federal limit; the rest are detected but unregulated. Every measured value, in the utility's own units, is on this page.
+Which contaminants exceed federal limits in Burbank-city, Water Dept., CA tap water?
3 contaminants in Burbank-city, Water Dept., CA's 2026 report sit at or above the federal limit: 1,2,3-TCP (30.4× the limit); Pce (9.6× the limit); Tce (4.0× the limit). The EPA enforces these limits against the regulated reporting statistic — typically a running annual average or 90th percentile — not a one-off sample spike.
+What is the worst contaminant in Burbank-city, Water Dept., CA tap water?
The contaminant with the highest measured value relative to its federal limit in the 2026 report is 1,2,3-TCP, at 30.4× the federal threshold. It belongs to the vocs & pesticides family of contaminants.
+Are any contaminants in Burbank-city, Water Dept., CA tap water approaching the federal limit?
One contaminant is between 80% and 100% of the federal limit in this report: Chromium, Hexavalent. Approaching means measured but not in violation — a margin that can close quickly if conditions change.
+Where does the data on this page come from?
Every value is transcribed from Burbank-city, Water Dept., CA's 2026 Consumer Confidence Report — the annual drinking-water report every U.S. public water utility is required by federal law to publish. The original source document is archived and viewable on this site. A water-quality report covers an entire service area, not a single address.
+How often is Burbank-city, Water Dept., CA's water quality data updated?
Each U.S. public water utility publishes one Consumer Confidence Report per year, covering the prior calendar year's measurements. This page reflects the 2026 report; a new report will replace it once the utility publishes its next annual update.
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