Drinking water quality · 2024
· Verified
What's in San Diego, City of, CA tap water
125 contaminants were measured in the San Diego, City of, CA water system's 2024 annual report. Each is shown below against its federal limit — 1 sit at or above that limit.
- Reporting year
- 2024
- Contaminants measured
- 125
- Over federal limit
- 1
- Approaching the limit
- 0
- Worst contaminant
- Odor
- Service area
- CA
5.8× the limit
state-level CCR
At or above the federal limit
PFAS — EPA UCMR5 (2023–2025)
1 PFAS compound detected in San Diego, 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 65 mg/LSample year 2023Samples 15 detect / 16
near national p90 (76.59999999999991 mg/L across detecting U.S. systems)
PWSID CA3710020 · 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
San Diego, City of, CA's drinking water comes from surface water, drawn from 8 sources.
Source
8surface water
- EL CAJON WELL 04
- SAN VICENTE PRODUCTION
- EL CAPITAN RESERVOIR - RAW
- MIRAMAR RESERVOIR - RAW
- + 4 more
Treatment
3treatment plants
- MIRAMAR PLANT EFFLUENT - TREATED
- OTAY PLANT EFFLUENT - TREATED
- ALVARADO PLANT EFFLUENT - TREATED
Distribution
20storage units
Also buys water from SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY.
Source: EPA SDWIS facilities inventory. Methodology.
Historical readings · EPA Six-Year Review (2012–2019)
5 contaminants historically over EPA limits in San Diego, 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: 2017 | 30.7 mrem/yr 7.7× | 4 mrem/yr | '12'14'16'17'18'19 |
TTHM worst: 2017 | 0.126 mg/L 1.6× | 0.08 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
BROMATE worst: 2017 | 0.0102 mg/L 1.0× | 0.01 mg/L | '12'13'16'17'18'19 |
TCE worst: 2014 | 0.00505 mg/L 1.0× | 0.005 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
CHLORITE worst: 2017 | 1 mg/L 1.0× | 1 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
MERCURY worst: 2014 | 0.0019 mg/L 95% | 0.002 mg/L | '14 |
PCE worst: 2012 | 0.00447 mg/L 89% | 0.005 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
ARSENIC worst: 2013 | 0.00734 mg/L within near national p90 | 0.01 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
HAA5 worst: 2017 | 0.0377 mg/L within | 0.06 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
NITRATE worst: 2012 | 3.44 mg/L within | 10 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
FLUORIDE worst: 2014 | 1.02 mg/L within | 4 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
SELENIUM worst: 2013 | 0.00682 mg/L within | 0.05 mg/L | '13'14 |
BARIUM worst: 2016 | 0.146 mg/L within near national p90 | 2 mg/L | '14'15'16'17'18'19 |
CIS DICHLOROETHYLENE 12 worst: 2014 | 0.00101 mg/L within below national p90 | 0.07 mg/L | '13'14'15'16'17'18 |
URANIUM worst: 2018 | 0.073 ug/L within 3.4× the national p90 | 30 ug/L | '12'13'15'16'17'18'19 |
DBAA worst: 2012 | 0.0105 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
DCAA worst: 2012 | 0.0102 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
MBAA worst: 2015 | 0.00492 mg/L | — | '15'17'18'19 |
MCAA worst: 2014 | 0.00252 mg/L | — | '14'17'18 |
TCAA worst: 2012 | 0.0042 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
BROMODICHLOROMETHANE worst: 2012 | 0.0258 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
BROMOFORM worst: 2012 | 0.024 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
CHLOROFORM worst: 2012 | 0.0168 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
DIBROMOCHLOROMETHANE worst: 2012 | 0.0297 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
PWSID CA3710020 · 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. | 17.25 TONAverageSource water | 3 TONMCL | At or above the limit |
| ColorA measure of visible tint in the water. | 11.030303030303031 UNITSAverageSource water | 15 UNITSMCL | Within the limit |
| Specific ConductanceA measure of how well water conducts electricity, which tracks dissolved mineral content. | 916.475 UMHO/CMAverageSource water | 1600 UMHO/CMMCL | Within the limit |
| Total Dissolved SolidsTotal dissolved solids — the combined content of all dissolved minerals and salts. | 525.3 MG/LAverageEntry point | 1000 MG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| TurbidityA measure of cloudiness from suspended particles in the water. | 1.2166666666666668 NTUAverageSource water | 5 NTUMCL | Within the limit |
| AlkalinityA measure of the water's capacity to neutralize acids. | 106.604375 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| HardnessA measure of dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals. | 249.825 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| pHA measure of how acidic or basic the water is. | 8.209583333333335 PHAverageEntry point | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
Metals
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| ManganeseA naturally occurring metal from soil and rock. | 30.180555555555557 UG/LAverageOther | 50 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| IronA naturally occurring metal common in groundwater. | 65.52941176470588 UG/LAverageOther | 300 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| AluminumA common element sometimes used as a treatment coagulant. | 27.680555555555557 UG/LAverageOther | 1000 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| Antimony | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 6 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Beryllium | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 4 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Cadmium | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleOther | 5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| CopperA metal that enters water from corroding household plumbing. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 1000 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| LeadA toxic metal that leaches into water from old service lines, solder, and plumbing fixtures. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
| NickelA metal from natural deposits and industrial discharge. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleOther | 100 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Thallium | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleOther | 2 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| ZincA naturally occurring metal that can also enter water from corroding pipes. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 5000 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| BoronA naturally occurring element from rock and soil. | 132.16666666666666 UG/LAverageEntry point | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| CalciumA naturally occurring mineral that contributes to water hardness. | 44.33846153846154 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| MagnesiumA naturally occurring mineral that contributes to water hardness. | 28.877777777777776 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| PotassiumA naturally occurring mineral from rock and soil. | 6.353333333333333 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| SilicaA naturally occurring compound from sand and rock. | 12.6955 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| SodiumA naturally occurring salt component. | 91.97142857142858 MG/LAverageEntry point | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| Vanadium | 2.5081818181818183 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. | 7.068333333333334 PCI/LAverageSource water | 15 PCI/LMCL | Within the limit |
| Combined RadiumCombined radium-226 and radium-228 — naturally occurring radioactive elements. | 0.3922222222222222 PCI/LAverageEntry point | 5 PCI/LMCL | Within the limit |
Inorganic chemicals
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| SulfateA naturally occurring mineral from rock and soil. | 146.7260625 MG/LAverageOther | 500 MG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| ChlorideA naturally occurring salt compound. | 116.60000000000001 MG/LAverageEntry point | 500 MG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| 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 |
| BromideA naturally occurring salt found in source water. | 0.2721176470588236 MG/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. | 0.5875 UG/LAverageSource water | 6 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| ChlorateA byproduct that can form during disinfection, especially when hypochlorite solutions degrade. | 180.9090909090909 UG/LAverageEntry point | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
Other
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trichloroethane 112 | 0.2841666666666667 UG/LAverageSource water | 5 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| Carbofuran | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 18 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Carbon Tetrachloride | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 0.5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Chlordane | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 0.1 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Chlorobenzene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleOther | 70 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Chromium | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleOther | 50 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 |
| Dichloroethane 12 | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleOther | 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 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 sampleSource water | 20 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Edb | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleOther | 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 sampleSource water | 2 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Glyphosate | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 700 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Heptachlor | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 0.01 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Heptachlor Epoxide | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleOther | 0.01 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Hexachlorobenzene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 1 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Hexachlorocyclopentadiene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 50 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Methoxychlor | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 30 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| O Dichlorobenzene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleOther | 600 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Oxamyl | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 50 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| P Dichlorobenzene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 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 sampleSource water | 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 sampleSource water | 3 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Trans Dichloroethylene 12 | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 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 sampleEntry point | 200 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Twofourd | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 70 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Vinyl Chloride | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleOther | 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 sampleOther | 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 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 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 sampleSource water | 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 sampleOther | 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 sampleOther | 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 sampleOther | None set | None detected |
| Perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid (PFHpS)Perfluoroheptanesulfonic 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 |
| Perfluoroheptanoic acidPerfluoroheptanoic acid, a PFAS 'forever chemical.' | 14.568999999999999 NG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| Perfluorohexanoic acidPerfluorohexanoic acid, a shorter-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' | 25.316 NG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| Perfluorononanoic acidPerfluorononanoic acid, a PFAS 'forever chemical.' | 9.058875 NG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid (PFPeS)Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid, a PFAS 'forever chemical.' | 8.898200000000001 NG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| Perfluoropentanoic acidPerfluoropentanoic acid, a shorter-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' | 25.11775 NG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| PFBAPerfluorobutanoic acid, a shorter-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' | 17.394 NG/LAverageSource water | 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 |
| AtrazineA widely used agricultural herbicide that reaches water through runoff. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleOther | 1 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Benzene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleOther | 1 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Benzo(a)pyrene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleOther | 0.2 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Dalapon | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 200 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Dichlorodifluoromethane | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | None set | None detected |
| Dichloromethane | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleOther | 5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Ethylbenzene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 300 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 sampleEntry point | 1750 UG/LMCL | None detected |
Source: San Diego, City of, CA's 2024 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 San Diego, City of, CA's water
+Is San Diego, City of, CA tap water safe to drink in 2024?
The 2024 Consumer Confidence Report for the San Diego, City of, CA water utility lists 1 contaminant at or above the federal limit: Odor. 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 San Diego, City of, CA tap water?
125 contaminants were measured in San Diego, City of, CA's 2024 Consumer Confidence Report, spanning other, metals, and pfas ("forever chemicals"). 82 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 San Diego, City of, CA tap water?
One contaminant in San Diego, City of, CA's 2024 report sits at or above the federal limit: Odor (5.8× 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 San Diego, City of, CA tap water?
The contaminant with the highest measured value relative to its federal limit in the 2024 report is Odor, at 5.8× 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 San Diego, City of, CA's 2024 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 San Diego, 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 2024 report; a new report will replace it once the utility publishes its next annual update.
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