Drinking water quality · 2023
· Verified
What's in Glendale-city, Water Dept., CA tap water
124 contaminants were measured in the Glendale-city, Water Dept., CA water system's 2023 annual report. Each is shown below against its federal limit — 7 sit at or above that limit.
- Reporting year
- 2023
- Contaminants measured
- 124
- Over federal limit
- 7
- Approaching the limit
- 1
- Worst contaminant
- Tce
- Service area
- CA
- TceOther · Average130 UG/Llimit 5 UG/L · 26.0× the limit
- PceOther · Average40.60421052631579 UG/Llimit 5 UG/L · 8.1× the limit
- 1,2,3-TCPVOCs & pesticides · Average0.017474137931034483 UG/Llimit 0.005 UG/L · 3.5× the limit
- IronMetals · Average1000 UG/Llimit 300 UG/L · 3.3× the limit
- Dichloroethylene 11Other · Average18 UG/Llimit 6 UG/L · 3.0× the limit
- ChromiumOther · Average110 UG/Llimit 50 UG/L · 2.2× the limit
- Carbon TetrachlorideOther · Average0.973421052631579 UG/Llimit 0.5 UG/L · 1.9× the limit
PFAS — EPA UCMR5 (2023–2025)
2 PFAS compounds above EPA limits in Glendale-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 (4.0×)near national p90 (19.900000000000006 ng/L across detecting U.S. systems)
PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid)
● Over EPA limit (3.7×)above national p90 (13.649999999999999 ng/L across detecting U.S. systems)
PFHxS (Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid)
● Below limitbelow national p90 (12.049999999999997 ng/L across detecting U.S. systems)
PFBA
● Detected (no federal limit)near national p90 (18 ng/L across detecting U.S. systems)
Lithium
● Detected (no federal limit)near national p90 (76.59999999999991 mg/L across detecting U.S. systems)
PFBS
● Detected (no federal limit)above national p90 (13.909999999999979 ng/L across detecting U.S. systems)
PFHpA
● Detected (no federal limit)near national p90 (9.309999999999999 ng/L across detecting U.S. systems)
PFHxA
● Detected (no federal limit)near national p90 (12.190000000000003 ng/L across detecting U.S. systems)
PFPeA
● Detected (no federal limit)near national p90 (15.95999999999999 ng/L across detecting U.S. systems)
Where your water comes from · EPA SDWIS
Glendale-city, Water Dept., CA's drinking water comes from ground water, drawn from 14 sources.
Source
- GLORIETTA · 3
- FOOTHILL WELL
- VERDUGO INFILT SYSTEM
- GOU GS-3 DISCHARGE
- + 8 more
Treatment
- GNOU - UV EFFLUENT
- GSOU - UV INFLUENT
- GSOU - UV EFFLUENT
- + 12 more
Distribution
Also buys water from METROPOLITAN WATER DIST. OF SO. CAL., CRESCENTA VALLEY CWD, and 1 more.
Historical readings · EPA Six-Year Review (2012–2019)
9 contaminants historically over EPA limits in Glendale-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: 2019 | 0.24 mg/L 48.0× | 0.005 mg/L | '19 |
DICHLOROETHYLENE 11 worst: 2014 | 0.057 mg/L 8.1× 7.0× the national p90 | 0.007 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
CYANIDE worst: 2013 | 0.64 mg/L 3.2× 5.1× the national p90 | 0.2 mg/L | '13 |
CARBON TETRACHLORIDE worst: 2014 | 0.012 mg/L 2.4× 2.4× the national p90 | 0.005 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
GROSS BETA worst: 2018 | 8.2 mrem/yr 2.0× | 4 mrem/yr | '14'16'17'18'19 |
TRICHLOROETHANE 112 worst: 2013 | 0.0075 mg/L 1.5× 3.1× the national p90 | 0.005 mg/L | '12'13'14'15 |
CHROMIUM worst: 2019 | 0.15 mg/L 1.5× 15.0× the national p90 | 0.1 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
NITRATE worst: 2012 | 11.5 mg/L 1.2× | 10 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
NITRATE NITRITE worst: 2018 | 11 mg/L 1.1× | 10 mg/L | '16'17'18'19 |
TTHM worst: 2012 | 0.076 mg/L 95% | 0.08 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
ARSENIC worst: 2014 | 0.0057 mg/L within below national p90 | 0.01 mg/L | '12'13'14'16'18 |
DICHLOROMETHANE worst: 2017 | 0.0027 mg/L within | 0.005 mg/L | '17 |
PENTACHLOROPHENOL worst: 2017 | 0.00051 mg/L within | 0.001 mg/L | '17'19 |
DICHLOROETHANE 12 worst: 2016 | 0.0018 mg/L within near national p90 | 0.005 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
HAA5 worst: 2014 | 0.021 mg/L within | 0.06 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
TRANS DICHLOROETHYLENE 12 worst: 2017 | 0.033 mg/L within | 0.1 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
CIS DICHLOROETHYLENE 12 worst: 2012 | 0.022 mg/L within above national p90 | 0.07 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
FLUORIDE worst: 2014 | 0.86 mg/L within | 4 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
SELENIUM worst: 2014 | 0.0077 mg/L within | 0.05 mg/L | '14'15'16'18'19 |
BARIUM worst: 2018 | 0.19 mg/L within near national p90 | 2 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
TRICHLOROETHANE 111 worst: 2012 | 0.002 mg/L within below national p90 | 0.2 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
URANIUM worst: 2012 | 0.0209 ug/L within near national p90 | 30 ug/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
NITRITE worst: 2017 | 0.00051 mg/L within | 1 mg/L | '17 |
XYLENES TOTAL worst: 2014 | 0.0017 mg/L within | 10 mg/L | '14 |
MCAA worst: 2013 | 0.0026 mg/L | — | '13'14'18 |
COPPER worst: 2012 | 0.11 mg/L below national p90 | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
LEAD worst: 2012 | 0.1 mg/L | — | '12 |
DBAA worst: 2012 | 0.0062 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
DCAA worst: 2012 | 0.0032 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
MBAA worst: 2012 | 0.0015 mg/L | — | '12'13 |
TCAA worst: 2012 | 0.0051 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
BROMODICHLOROMETHANE worst: 2012 | 0.019 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
BROMOFORM worst: 2012 | 0.028 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
CHLOROFORM worst: 2012 | 0.019 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
DIBROMOCHLOROMETHANE worst: 2012 | 0.031 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
Other
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tce | 130 UG/LAverageDistribution | 5 UG/LMCL | At or above the limit |
| Dehp | 0.06470000000000001 UG/LAverageDistribution | 4 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| Carbofuran | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 18 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Chlordane | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 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 |
| Dichloropropane 12 | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | 5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Dinoseb | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 7 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Diquat | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | 20 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Edb | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | 0.05 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Endothall | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 100 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Endrin | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | 2 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Glyphosate | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | 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 sampleDistribution | 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 sampleSource water | 50 UG/LMCL | 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 |
| Oxamyl | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | 50 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 sampleSource water | 0.5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Picloram | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 500 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Styrene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 100 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Toxaphene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 3 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Trichlorobenzene 124 | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | 5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Twofourd | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 70 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Vinyl Chloride | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 0.5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
VOCs & pesticides
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,2,3-TCP | 0.017474137931034483 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 sampleDistribution | 1 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Benzene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | 1 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Benzo(a)pyrene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 0.2 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| ChloroethaneA volatile organic compound used in some industrial processes. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | None set | None detected |
| Chloromethane | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | None set | None detected |
| Dalapon | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | 200 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Dichlorodifluoromethane | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
| Ethylbenzene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 300 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Simazine | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 4 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Toluene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | 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 |
Metals
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| IronA naturally occurring metal common in groundwater. | 1000 UG/LAverageDistribution | 300 UG/LMCL | At or above the limit |
| ManganeseA naturally occurring metal from soil and rock. | 42.03770491803279 UG/LAverageSource water | 50 UG/LMCL | Approaching the limit |
| AluminumA common element sometimes used as a treatment coagulant. | 740 UG/LAverageDistribution | 1000 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| ZincA naturally occurring metal that can also enter water from corroding pipes. | 5.21078431372549 UG/LAverageSource water | 5000 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| Antimony | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 6 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Beryllium | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | 4 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Cadmium | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | 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 sampleDistribution | 100 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Thallium | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 2 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| BoronA naturally occurring element from rock and soil. | 212.38095238095238 UG/LAverageEntry point | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| CalciumA naturally occurring mineral that contributes to water hardness. | 25.863013698630137 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| Chromium, HexavalentHexavalent chromium ('chromium-6') — the more toxic form of chromium. | 110 UG/LAverageDistribution | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| MagnesiumA naturally occurring mineral that contributes to water hardness. | 39.333333333333336 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| PotassiumA naturally occurring mineral from rock and soil. | 3.7086956521739127 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| SilicaA naturally occurring compound from sand and rock. | 27.545454545454547 MG/LAverageEntry point | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| SodiumA naturally occurring salt component. | 61 MG/LAverageEntry point | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| Vanadium | 12 UG/LAverageDistribution | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
Physical & aggregate
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Dissolved SolidsTotal dissolved solids — the combined content of all dissolved minerals and salts. | 753.0434782608696 MG/LAverageSource water | 1000 MG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| Specific ConductanceA measure of how well water conducts electricity, which tracks dissolved mineral content. | 1178.4 UMHO/CMAverageSource water | 1600 UMHO/CMMCL | Within the limit |
| ColorA measure of visible tint in the water. | 3 UNITSAverageSource water | 15 UNITSMCL | Within the limit |
| TurbidityA measure of cloudiness from suspended particles in the water. | 0.47500000000000003 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. | 143.69884726224785 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| HardnessA measure of dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals. | 435.8225806451613 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| pHA measure of how acidic or basic the water is. | 7.9818181818181815 PHAverageEntry point | 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. | 7.4799999999999995 PCI/LAverageSource water | 15 PCI/LMCL | Within the limit |
| Combined RadiumCombined radium-226 and radium-228 — naturally occurring radioactive elements. | 0.1644875 PCI/LAverageSource 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. | 2.9 UG/LAverageDistribution | 6 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| N-Nitrosodi-n-butylamine | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | None set | None detected |
| ChlorateA byproduct that can form during disinfection, especially when hypochlorite solutions degrade. | 139.4814814814815 UG/LAverageEntry point | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| NDMA | 0.0011956521739130434 UG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
Inorganic chemicals
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| SulfateA naturally occurring mineral from rock and soil. | 156.98586363636363 MG/LAverageEntry point | 500 MG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| ChlorideA naturally occurring salt compound. | 148.52173913043478 MG/LAverageSource water | 500 MG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| Ammonia | 0.16958333333333334 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
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 |
| 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 |
| N-ethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (NEtFOSAA)N-ethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid, a PFAS-related compound. | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
| N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (NMeFOSAA)N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid, a PFAS-related compound. | 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 sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
| Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA)Perfluorotetradecanoic acid, a longer-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | None set | None detected |
| Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA)Perfluorotridecanoic acid, a longer-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 |
| Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)Perfluorodecanoic acid, a longer-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' | 1.209375 NG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| Perfluorononanoic acidPerfluorononanoic acid, a PFAS 'forever chemical.' | 0.84375 NG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
People also ask about Glendale-city, Water Dept., CA's water
+Is Glendale-city, Water Dept., CA tap water safe to drink in 2023?
The 2023 Consumer Confidence Report for the Glendale-city, Water Dept., CA water utility lists 7 contaminants at or above the federal limit: Tce, Pce, 1,2,3-TCP, Iron, Dichloroethylene 11, Chromium, and Carbon Tetrachloride. 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 Glendale-city, Water Dept., CA tap water?
124 contaminants were measured in Glendale-city, Water Dept., CA's 2023 Consumer Confidence Report, spanning other, metals, and pfas ("forever chemicals"). 81 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 Glendale-city, Water Dept., CA tap water?
7 contaminants in Glendale-city, Water Dept., CA's 2023 report sit at or above the federal limit: Tce (26.0× the limit); Pce (8.1× the limit); 1,2,3-TCP (3.5× the limit); Iron (3.3× the limit); Dichloroethylene 11 (3.0× the limit); Chromium (2.2× the limit); Carbon Tetrachloride (1.9× 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 Glendale-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 26.0× the federal threshold. It belongs to the other family of contaminants.
+Are any contaminants in Glendale-city, Water Dept., CA tap water approaching the federal limit?
One contaminant is between 80% and 100% of the federal limit in this report: Manganese. 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 Glendale-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 Glendale-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.