Drinking water quality · 2023
· Verified
What's in El Monte-city, Water Dept., CA tap water
97 contaminants were measured in the El Monte-city, Water Dept., CA water system's 2023 annual report. Each is shown below against its federal limit — 2 sit at or above that limit.
- Reporting year
- 2023
- Contaminants measured
- 97
- Over federal limit
- 2
- Approaching the limit
- 0
- Worst contaminant
- Tce
- Service area
- CA
2.6× the limit
state-level CCR
PFAS — EPA UCMR5 (2023–2025)
1 PFAS compound above EPA limits in El Monte-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.
PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid)
● Over EPA limit (1.1×)Measured 4.4 ng/LEPA limit 4 ng/LSample year 2024Samples 1 detect / 5
below national p90 (19.900000000000006 ng/L across detecting U.S. systems)
PFHxS (Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid)
● Below limitMeasured 3.2 ng/LEPA limit 10 ng/LSample year 2024Samples 1 detect / 5
below national p90 (12.049999999999997 ng/L across detecting U.S. systems)
PWSID CA1910038 · 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
El Monte-city, Water Dept., CA's drinking water comes from ground water, drawn from 6 sources.
Source
6ground water
- WELL · 3
- WELL 10 LACFC
- WELL 02-A
- WELL 12 - ACTIVE
Treatment
13treatment plants
- GAC FOR WELL 12 - COMBINED EFFLEUNT
- GAC FOR WELL 02A - COMBINED EFFLUENT
- GAC FOR WELL 02A - VESSEL 02 - EFFLUENT
- + 10 more
Distribution
0storage units
Also buys water from CAL/AM WATER COMPANY - BALDWIN HILLS, SAN GABRIEL VALLEY WATER CO.-EL MONTE, and 1 more.
Source: EPA SDWIS facilities inventory. Methodology.
Historical readings · EPA Six-Year Review (2012–2019)
3 contaminants historically over EPA limits in El Monte-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) |
|---|---|---|---|
TCE worst: 2019 | 0.087 mg/L 17.4× | 0.005 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
PCE worst: 2019 | 0.06 mg/L 12.0× | 0.005 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
NITRATE worst: 2013 | 15.1 mg/L 1.5× | 10 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
DEHP worst: 2018 | 0.0044 mg/L within | 0.006 mg/L | '18 |
CARBON TETRACHLORIDE worst: 2019 | 0.0015 mg/L within below national p90 | 0.005 mg/L | '12'16'17'18'19 |
FLUORIDE worst: 2019 | 1 mg/L within | 4 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
TTHM worst: 2012 | 0.017 mg/L within | 0.08 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
BARIUM worst: 2019 | 0.17 mg/L within near national p90 | 2 mg/L | '19 |
DICHLOROETHYLENE 11 worst: 2019 | 0.00059 mg/L within below national p90 | 0.007 mg/L | '19 |
HAA5 worst: 2018 | 0.0016 mg/L within | 0.06 mg/L | '12'15'18 |
CIS DICHLOROETHYLENE 12 worst: 2019 | 0.0011 mg/L within below national p90 | 0.07 mg/L | '16'17'18'19 |
NITRITE worst: 2019 | 0.0015 mg/L within | 1 mg/L | '19 |
URANIUM worst: 2017 | 0.0116 ug/L within near national p90 | 30 ug/L | '12'16'17'18'19 |
COPPER worst: 2012 | 0.05 mg/L below national p90 | — | '12'13'17'18'19 |
DBAA worst: 2012 | 0.001 mg/L | — | '12'15'18 |
BROMODICHLOROMETHANE worst: 2012 | 0.0042 mg/L | — | '12'15'18 |
BROMOFORM worst: 2014 | 0.0011 mg/L | — | '14'15'16'17'18 |
CHLOROFORM worst: 2012 | 0.011 mg/L | — | '12 |
DIBROMOCHLOROMETHANE worst: 2012 | 0.0014 mg/L | — | '12'14'15'18 |
PWSID CA1910038 · 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.
Physical & aggregate
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specific ConductanceA measure of how well water conducts electricity, which tracks dissolved mineral content. | 553.3333333333334 UMHO/CMAverageDistribution | 1600 UMHO/CMMCL | Within the limit |
| Total Dissolved SolidsTotal dissolved solids — the combined content of all dissolved minerals and salts. | 340.8333333333333 MG/LAverageDistribution | 1000 MG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| ColorA measure of visible tint in the water. | 1.625 UNITSAverageDistribution | 15 UNITSMCL | Within the limit |
| TurbidityA measure of cloudiness from suspended particles in the water. | 0.51875 NTUAverageSource water | 5 NTUMCL | Within the limit |
| OdorA measure of detectable smell in the water. | Not detected TONHighest single sampleSource water | 3 TONMCL | None detected |
| AlkalinityA measure of the water's capacity to neutralize acids. | 155.83333333333334 MG/LAverageDistribution | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| HardnessA measure of dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals. | 243.5 MG/LAverageDistribution | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| pHA measure of how acidic or basic the water is. | 7.734166666666667 PHAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| TemperatureThe measured temperature of the water sample. | 73.65 CAverageDistribution | 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. | 3.9135 PCI/LAverageSource water | 15 PCI/LMCL | Within the limit |
| Combined RadiumCombined radium-226 and radium-228 — naturally occurring radioactive elements. | Not detected PCI/LHighest single sampleSource water | 5 PCI/LMCL | None detected |
Metals
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| IronA naturally occurring metal common in groundwater. | 36.041666666666664 UG/LAverageSource water | 300 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| ArsenicA naturally occurring element that also enters water from industry and agriculture. | 1.01 UG/LAverageSource water | 10 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| ManganeseA naturally occurring metal from soil and rock. | 2.6958333333333333 UG/LAverageSource water | 50 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| AluminumA common element sometimes used as a treatment coagulant. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 1000 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Antimony | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 6 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Beryllium | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 4 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Cadmium | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| MercuryA toxic metal from erosion of natural deposits and industrial runoff. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 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 |
| SeleniumA trace element from natural deposits and industrial discharge. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 50 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Thallium | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 2 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| ZincA naturally occurring metal that can also enter water from corroding pipes. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | 5000 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| CalciumA naturally occurring mineral that contributes to water hardness. | 35.475 MG/LAverageDistribution | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| Chromium, HexavalentHexavalent chromium ('chromium-6') — the more toxic form of chromium. | 4.3428571428571425 UG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| MagnesiumA naturally occurring mineral that contributes to water hardness. | 17.599999999999998 MG/LAverageDistribution | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| PotassiumA naturally occurring mineral from rock and soil. | 1.8333333333333333 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| SodiumA naturally occurring salt component. | 19.5 MG/LAverageDistribution | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
Inorganic chemicals
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| SulfateA naturally occurring mineral from rock and soil. | 43.666666666666664 MG/LAverageDistribution | 500 MG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| ChlorideA naturally occurring salt compound. | 22.083333333333332 MG/LAverageDistribution | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chromium | 1.75 UG/LAverageSource water | 50 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| Chlorobenzene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 70 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Dcaa | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | None set | None detected |
| Dichloroethane 12 | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 0.5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Dichloropropane 12 | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Mbaa | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | None set | None detected |
| Mcaa | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | None set | None detected |
| O Dichlorobenzene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 600 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| P Dichlorobenzene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Styrene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 100 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Tcaa | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | None set | None detected |
| Trans Dichloroethylene 12 | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 10 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Trichlorobenzene 124 | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Trichloroethane 111 | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 200 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Trichloroethane 112 | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Vinyl Chloride | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 0.5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
Disinfection byproducts
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| NDMA | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
| PerchlorateA chemical used in rocket fuel and fireworks that can also form during disinfection. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 6 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 |
| 6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2 FTS)6:2 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 sampleEntry point | 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 sampleEntry point | None set | None detected |
| Perfluoroheptanoic acidPerfluoroheptanoic acid, a PFAS 'forever chemical.' | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | None set | None detected |
| Perfluorononanoic acidPerfluorononanoic acid, a PFAS 'forever chemical.' | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | None set | None detected |
| Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid (PFPeS)Perfluoropentanesulfonic 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 sampleEntry point | None set | None detected |
| Perfluorohexanoic acidPerfluorohexanoic acid, a shorter-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' | 0.8741935483870968 NG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| Perfluoropentanoic acidPerfluoropentanoic acid, a shorter-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' | 1.3 NG/LAverageEntry point | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| PFBAPerfluorobutanoic acid, a shorter-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' | 2.1 NG/LAverageEntry point | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
VOCs & pesticides
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,2,3-TCP | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 0.005 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Benzene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 1 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| ChloroethaneA volatile organic compound used in some industrial processes. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | None set | None detected |
| Dichlorodifluoromethane | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
| Dichloromethane | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Ethylbenzene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 300 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Toluene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 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 |
| Chloromethane | 0.2926553672316384 UG/LAverageEntry point | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
Source: El Monte-city, Water Dept., CA's 2023 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 El Monte-city, Water Dept., CA's water
+Is El Monte-city, Water Dept., CA tap water safe to drink in 2023?
The 2023 Consumer Confidence Report for the El Monte-city, Water Dept., CA water utility lists 2 contaminants at or above the federal limit: Tce and Pce. 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 El Monte-city, Water Dept., CA tap water?
97 contaminants were measured in El Monte-city, Water Dept., CA's 2023 Consumer Confidence Report, spanning other, pfas ("forever chemicals"), and metals. 55 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 El Monte-city, Water Dept., CA tap water?
2 contaminants in El Monte-city, Water Dept., CA's 2023 report sit at or above the federal limit: Tce (2.6× the limit); Pce (1.3× 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 El Monte-city, Water Dept., CA tap water?
The contaminant with the highest measured value relative to its federal limit in the 2023 report is Tce, at 2.6× the federal threshold. It belongs to the other family of contaminants.
+Where does the data on this page come from?
Every value is transcribed from El Monte-city, Water Dept., CA's 2023 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 El Monte-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 2023 report; a new report will replace it once the utility publishes its next annual update.
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