Drinking water quality · 2025
· Verified
What's in Escondido, City of, CA tap water
97 contaminants were measured in the Escondido, City of, CA water system's 2025 annual report. Each is shown below against its federal limit — 2 sit at or above that limit.
- Reporting year
- 2025
- Contaminants measured
- 97
- Over federal limit
- 2
- Approaching the limit
- 0
- Worst contaminant
- Odor
- Service area
- CA
4.8× the limit
state-level CCR
PFAS — EPA UCMR5 (2023–2025)
1 PFAS compound detected in Escondido, City of, 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.
Lithium
● Detected (no federal limit)Measured 30 mg/LSample year 2023Samples 4 detect / 4
below national p90 (76.59999999999991 mg/L across detecting U.S. systems)
PWSID CA3710006 · 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
Escondido, City of, CA's drinking water comes from surface water, drawn from 2 sources.
Source
2surface water
- LAKE DIXON
- LAKE WOHLFORD
Treatment
2treatment plants
- FILTRATION PLANT EFFLUENT
- WTP INFLUENT
Distribution
15storage units
Also buys water from RINCON DEL DIABLO MWD (ID-1), SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY.
Source: EPA SDWIS facilities inventory. Methodology.
Historical readings · EPA Six-Year Review (2012–2019)
2 contaminants historically over EPA limits in Escondido, City of, 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
GROSS BETA worst: 2018 | 6.91 mrem/yr 1.7× | 4 mrem/yr | '12'15'18 |
TTHM worst: 2017 | 0.098 mg/L 1.2× | 0.08 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
HAA5 worst: 2017 | 0.038 mg/L within | 0.06 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
CHLORITE worst: 2019 | 0.43 mg/L within | 1 mg/L | '18'19 |
ARSENIC worst: 2018 | 0.0027 mg/L within below national p90 | 0.01 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
FLUORIDE worst: 2016 | 1 mg/L within | 4 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
BARIUM worst: 2015 | 0.14 mg/L within near national p90 | 2 mg/L | '14'15'16'18 |
NITRATE worst: 2017 | 0.5 mg/L within | 10 mg/L | '12'17 |
URANIUM worst: 2015 | 0.00551 ug/L within below national p90 | 30 ug/L | '12'15'18 |
XYLENES TOTAL worst: 2014 | 0.00022 mg/L within | 10 mg/L | '14 |
MCAA worst: 2012 | 0.0029 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'19 |
COPPER worst: 2012 | 0.007 mg/L below national p90 | — | '12 |
DBAA worst: 2012 | 0.0058 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
DCAA worst: 2012 | 0.0099 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
MBAA worst: 2012 | 0.0049 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'19 |
TCAA worst: 2012 | 0.0078 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
BROMODICHLOROMETHANE worst: 2012 | 0.017 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
BROMOFORM worst: 2012 | 0.0075 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
CHLOROFORM worst: 2012 | 0.013 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
DIBROMOCHLOROMETHANE worst: 2012 | 0.02 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
PWSID CA3710006 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| OdorA measure of detectable smell in the water. | 14.333333333333334 TONAverageSource water | 3 TONMCL | At or above the limit |
| ColorA measure of visible tint in the water. | 17.166666666666668 UNITSAverageSource water | 15 UNITSMCL | At or above the limit |
| Specific ConductanceA measure of how well water conducts electricity, which tracks dissolved mineral content. | 847.2857142857143 UMHO/CMAverageEntry point | 1600 UMHO/CMMCL | Within the limit |
| Total Dissolved SolidsTotal dissolved solids — the combined content of all dissolved minerals and salts. | 510 MG/LAverageEntry point | 1000 MG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| TurbidityA measure of cloudiness from suspended particles in the water. | 2.3 NTUAverageOther | 5 NTUMCL | Within the limit |
| AlkalinityA measure of the water's capacity to neutralize acids. | 102.16666666666667 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| HardnessA measure of dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals. | 220 MG/LAverageOther | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| pHA measure of how acidic or basic the water is. | 8.12 PHAverageOther | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| TemperatureThe measured temperature of the water sample. | 23.15 CAverageOther | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
Metals
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| ManganeseA naturally occurring metal from soil and rock. | 35 UG/LAverageSource water | 50 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| IronA naturally occurring metal common in groundwater. | 94.6 UG/LAverageSource water | 300 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| AluminumA common element sometimes used as a treatment coagulant. | 103 UG/LAverageSource water | 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 sampleSource water | 4 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Cadmium | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Chromium, HexavalentHexavalent chromium ('chromium-6') — the more toxic form of chromium. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 10 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 sampleSource water | 2 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| NickelA metal from natural deposits and industrial discharge. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 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 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. | 140 UG/LAverageOther | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| CalciumA naturally occurring mineral that contributes to water hardness. | 27.75 MG/LAverageOther | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| MagnesiumA naturally occurring mineral that contributes to water hardness. | 20 MG/LAverageEntry point | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| PotassiumA naturally occurring mineral from rock and soil. | 5.08 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| SilicaA naturally occurring compound from sand and rock. | 10 MG/LAverageOther | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| SodiumA naturally occurring salt component. | 87.66666666666667 MG/LAverageEntry point | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
Inorganic chemicals
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| SulfateA naturally occurring mineral from rock and soil. | 173.33333333333334 MG/LAverageEntry point | 500 MG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| ChlorideA naturally occurring salt compound. | 88.33333333333333 MG/LAverageEntry point | 500 MG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| Asbestos | Not detected MFLHighest single sampleEntry point | 7 MFLMCL | None detected |
| Cyanide | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 150 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| NitriteA compound from fertilizer runoff, sewage, and erosion of natural deposits. | Not detected MG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 1 MG/LMCL | None detected |
Disinfection byproducts
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| PerchlorateA chemical used in rocket fuel and fireworks that can also form during disinfection. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 6 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| ChlorateA byproduct that can form during disinfection, especially when hypochlorite solutions degrade. | 396.3888888888889 UG/LAverageDistribution | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
Other
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Tetrachloride | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 0.5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Chlorobenzene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 70 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Chromium | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 50 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Cis Dichloroethylene 12 | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 6 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Dichloroethane 12 | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 0.5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Dichloroethylene 11 | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 6 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Dichloropropane 12 | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 5 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 sampleEntry point | 5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Pce | 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 |
| Tce | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 5 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 |
| Trichloroethane 112 | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Vinyl Chloride | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 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 sampleEntry point | 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 sampleEntry point | 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 sampleEntry point | 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 sampleEntry point | 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 sampleEntry point | 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 |
| Perfluorohexanoic acidPerfluorohexanoic acid, a shorter-chain 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 |
| Perfluoropentanoic acidPerfluoropentanoic acid, a shorter-chain 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 |
| PFBAPerfluorobutanoic acid, a shorter-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' | 2.566666666666667 NG/LAverageEntry point | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
VOCs & pesticides
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benzene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 1 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| ChloroethaneA volatile organic compound used in some industrial processes. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
| Chloromethane | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
| Dichlorodifluoromethane | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
| Dichloromethane | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Ethylbenzene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 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 |
Source: Escondido, City of, CA's 2025 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 Escondido, City of, CA's water
+Is Escondido, City of, CA tap water safe to drink in 2025?
The 2025 Consumer Confidence Report for the Escondido, City of, CA water utility lists 2 contaminants at or above the federal limit: Odor and Color. 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 Escondido, City of, CA tap water?
97 contaminants were measured in Escondido, City of, CA's 2025 Consumer Confidence Report, spanning metals, other, and pfas ("forever chemicals"). 53 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 Escondido, City of, CA tap water?
2 contaminants in Escondido, City of, CA's 2025 report sit at or above the federal limit: Odor (4.8× the limit); Color (1.1× 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 Escondido, City of, CA tap water?
The contaminant with the highest measured value relative to its federal limit in the 2025 report is Odor, at 4.8× the federal threshold. It belongs to the physical & aggregate family of contaminants.
+Where does the data on this page come from?
Every value is transcribed from Escondido, City of, CA's 2025 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 Escondido, City of, 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 2025 report; a new report will replace it once the utility publishes its next annual update.
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