Drinking water quality · 2026
· Verified
What's in San Diego, City of, CA tap water
83 contaminants were measured in the San Diego, City of, CA water system's 2026 annual report. Each is shown below against its federal limit.
- Reporting year
- 2026
- Contaminants measured
- 83
- Over federal limit
- 0
- Approaching the limit
- 0
- Service area
- CA
state-level CCR
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ColorA measure of visible tint in the water. | 10.416666666666666 UNITSAverageOther | 15 UNITSMCL | Within the limit |
| Specific ConductanceA measure of how well water conducts electricity, which tracks dissolved mineral content. | 829 UMHO/CMAverageSource water | 1600 UMHO/CMMCL | Within the limit |
| Total Dissolved SolidsTotal dissolved solids — the combined content of all dissolved minerals and salts. | 481.5 MG/LAverageSource water | 1000 MG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| OdorA measure of detectable smell in the water. | 1.3625 TONAverageSource water | 3 TONMCL | Within the limit |
| TurbidityA measure of cloudiness from suspended particles in the water. | 1.3875 NTUAverageSource water | 5 NTUMCL | Within the limit |
| AlkalinityA measure of the water's capacity to neutralize acids. | 97.33333333333333 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| HardnessA measure of dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals. | 214.6 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| pHA measure of how acidic or basic the water is. | 8.188333333333333 PHAverageEntry point | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
Metals
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| ManganeseA naturally occurring metal from soil and rock. | 22.820833333333336 UG/LAverageSource water | 50 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| IronA naturally occurring metal common in groundwater. | 43.57 UG/LAverageOther | 300 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| NickelA metal from natural deposits and industrial discharge. | 9.299999999999999 UG/LAverageEntry point | 100 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| AluminumA common element sometimes used as a treatment coagulant. | 32.62222222222223 UG/LAverageOther | 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 |
| CopperA metal that enters water from corroding household plumbing. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleOther | 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 sampleOther | None set | None detected |
| Thallium | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleOther | 2 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Vanadium | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleOther | None set | 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. | 116.8 UG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| CalciumA naturally occurring mineral that contributes to water hardness. | 35.9 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| MagnesiumA naturally occurring mineral that contributes to water hardness. | 22.1625 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| PotassiumA naturally occurring mineral from rock and soil. | 4.0633333333333335 MG/LAverageEntry point | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| SilicaA naturally occurring compound from sand and rock. | 13.0475 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| SodiumA naturally occurring salt component. | 78.41111111111111 MG/LAverageEntry point | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
Inorganic chemicals
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| SulfateA naturally occurring mineral from rock and soil. | 117.5 MG/LAverageSource water | 500 MG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| ChlorideA naturally occurring salt compound. | 96.8125 MG/LAverageSource water | 500 MG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| Asbestos | Not detected MFLHighest single sampleDistribution | 7 MFLMCL | None detected |
| NitriteA compound from fertilizer runoff, sewage, and erosion of natural deposits. | Not detected MG/LHighest single sampleOther | 1 MG/LMCL | None detected |
| Ammonia | 0.0295 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| BromideA naturally occurring salt found in source water. | 0.20575 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. | 0.48 UG/LAverageSource water | 6 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| ChlorateA byproduct that can form during disinfection, especially when hypochlorite solutions degrade. | 164.41379310344828 UG/LAverageEntry point | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
Other
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrate Nitrite | 0.21076 MG/LAverageEntry point | 10 MG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| Carbofuran | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleOther | 18 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Chromium | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 50 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Dinoseb | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 7 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Edb | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 0.05 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Oxamyl | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 50 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Pentachlorophenol | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 1 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Picloram | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleOther | 500 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 sampleOther | 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 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 sampleSource water | 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 sampleOther | 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 sampleOther | 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 |
| 6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2 FTS)6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid, a PFAS-related compound. | 2.8 NG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| Perfluoroheptanoic acidPerfluoroheptanoic acid, a PFAS 'forever chemical.' | 11 NG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| Perfluorohexanoic acidPerfluorohexanoic acid, a shorter-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' | 20 NG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| Perfluorononanoic acidPerfluorononanoic acid, a PFAS 'forever chemical.' | 7.8 NG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid (PFPeS)Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid, a PFAS 'forever chemical.' | 7 NG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| Perfluoropentanoic acidPerfluoropentanoic acid, a shorter-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' | 20 NG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| PFBAPerfluorobutanoic acid, a shorter-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' | 13 NG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
VOCs & pesticides
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dalapon | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 200 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Dichloromethane | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
Source: San Diego, City of, 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 San Diego, City of, CA's water
+Is San Diego, City of, CA tap water safe to drink in 2026?
Every one of the 83 contaminants measured in San Diego, City of, CA's 2026 Consumer Confidence Report is below its federal limit. "Safe" under the EPA's drinking-water standards is health-based, not aesthetic — but by those standards, no measured contaminant in this report exceeds its enforceable threshold. Individual health concerns (e.g. immunocompromised, infant, pregnancy) may warrant additional filtering regardless of compliance.
+What contaminants are in San Diego, City of, CA tap water?
83 contaminants were measured in San Diego, City of, CA's 2026 Consumer Confidence Report, spanning metals, pfas ("forever chemicals"), and other. 40 have an enforceable federal limit; the rest are detected but unregulated. Every measured value, in the utility's own units, is on this page.
+Where does the data on this page come from?
Every value is transcribed from San Diego, City of, 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 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 2026 report; a new report will replace it once the utility publishes its next annual update.
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