# San Diego, City of, CA — Drinking Water Quality (2026)

> Contaminant levels for the San Diego, City of, CA public water system from its 2026 Consumer Confidence Report, compared to federal limits.

- Page: https://www.thewatermap.com/water/ca/san-diego/2026
- JSON API: https://www.thewatermap.com/api/water/ca/san-diego/2026
- Source: the utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)
- Verification: transcribed by a model, cross-checked by a second model, approved before publishing
- Reporting year: 2026
- Contaminants measured: 83
- Contaminants with a federal limit: 40
- Contaminants at or above the federal limit: 0
- Part of The Water Map — https://www.thewatermap.com

## Contaminants measured

| Contaminant | Category | Measured level | Sampling context | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bromate | Disinfection byproducts | Not detected UG/L (Highest single sample) | Other | 10 UG/L (MCL) | None detected |
| Bromodichloromethane | Disinfection byproducts | 8.266328125 UG/L (Average) | Distribution | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Bromoform | Disinfection byproducts | 8.30546875 UG/L (Average) | Distribution | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Chlorate | Disinfection byproducts | 164.41379310344828 UG/L (Average) | Entry point | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Chlorite | Disinfection byproducts | 0.3378148148148148 MG/L (Average) | Entry point | 1 MG/L (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Chloroform | Disinfection byproducts | 4.159609375 UG/L (Average) | Distribution | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Dibromochloromethane | Disinfection byproducts | 12.92046875 UG/L (Average) | Distribution | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| HAA5 | Disinfection byproducts | 7.9079999999999995 UG/L (Average) | Distribution | 60 UG/L (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Perchlorate | Disinfection byproducts | 0.48 UG/L (Average) | Source water | 6 UG/L (MCL) | Within the limit |
| TTHM | Disinfection byproducts | 33.6421875 UG/L (Average) | Distribution | 80 UG/L (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Ammonia | Inorganic chemicals | 0.0295 MG/L (Average) | Source water | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Asbestos | Inorganic chemicals | Not detected MFL (Highest single sample) | Distribution | 7 MFL (MCL) | None detected |
| Bromide | Inorganic chemicals | 0.20575 MG/L (Average) | Source water | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Chloride | Inorganic chemicals | 96.8125 MG/L (Average) | Source water | 500 MG/L (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Fluoride | Inorganic chemicals | 0.5931666666666667 MG/L (Average) | Entry point | 2 MG/L (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Nitrate | Inorganic chemicals | 0.20751612903225808 MG/L (Average) | Entry point | 10 MG/L (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Nitrite | Inorganic chemicals | Not detected MG/L (Highest single sample) | Other | 1 MG/L (MCL) | None detected |
| Sulfate | Inorganic chemicals | 117.5 MG/L (Average) | Source water | 500 MG/L (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Aluminum | Metals | 32.62222222222223 UG/L (Average) | Other | 1000 UG/L (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Antimony | Metals | Not detected UG/L (Highest single sample) | Entry point | 6 UG/L (MCL) | None detected |
| Arsenic | Metals | 1.89 UG/L (Average) | Other | 10 UG/L (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Barium | Metals | Not detected UG/L (Highest single sample) | Entry point | 1000 UG/L (MCL) | None detected |
| Beryllium | Metals | Not detected UG/L (Highest single sample) | Entry point | 4 UG/L (MCL) | None detected |
| Boron | Metals | 116.8 UG/L (Average) | Source water | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Cadmium | Metals | Not detected UG/L (Highest single sample) | Source water | 5 UG/L (MCL) | None detected |
| Calcium | Metals | 35.9 MG/L (Average) | Source water | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Copper | Metals | Not detected UG/L (Highest single sample) | Other | 1000 UG/L (MCL) | None detected |
| Iron | Metals | 43.57 UG/L (Average) | Other | 300 UG/L (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Lead | Metals | Not detected UG/L (Highest single sample) | Other | No federal limit | None detected |
| Magnesium | Metals | 22.1625 MG/L (Average) | Source water | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Manganese | Metals | 22.820833333333336 UG/L (Average) | Source water | 50 UG/L (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Mercury | Metals | Not detected UG/L (Highest single sample) | Other | 2 UG/L (MCL) | None detected |
| Nickel | Metals | 9.299999999999999 UG/L (Average) | Entry point | 100 UG/L (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Potassium | Metals | 4.0633333333333335 MG/L (Average) | Entry point | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Selenium | Metals | Not detected UG/L (Highest single sample) | Other | 50 UG/L (MCL) | None detected |
| Silica | Metals | 13.0475 MG/L (Average) | Source water | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Sodium | Metals | 78.41111111111111 MG/L (Average) | Entry point | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Thallium | Metals | Not detected UG/L (Highest single sample) | Other | 2 UG/L (MCL) | None detected |
| Vanadium | Metals | Not detected UG/L (Highest single sample) | Other | No federal limit | None detected |
| Zinc | Metals | Not detected UG/L (Highest single sample) | Source water | 5000 UG/L (MCL) | None detected |
| Carbofuran | Other | Not detected UG/L (Highest single sample) | Other | 18 UG/L (MCL) | None detected |
| Chromium | Other | Not detected UG/L (Highest single sample) | Source water | 50 UG/L (MCL) | None detected |
| Dbaa | Other | 4.261666666666667 UG/L (Average) | Entry point | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Dcaa | Other | 2.848 UG/L (Average) | Distribution | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Dinoseb | Other | Not detected UG/L (Highest single sample) | Entry point | 7 UG/L (MCL) | None detected |
| Edb | Other | Not detected UG/L (Highest single sample) | Entry point | 0.05 UG/L (MCL) | None detected |
| Mbaa | Other | 0.696 UG/L (Average) | Distribution | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Mcaa | Other | Not detected UG/L (Highest single sample) | Entry point | No federal limit | None detected |
| Nitrate Nitrite | Other | 0.21076 MG/L (Average) | Entry point | 10 MG/L (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Oxamyl | Other | Not detected UG/L (Highest single sample) | Entry point | 50 UG/L (MCL) | None detected |
| Pentachlorophenol | Other | Not detected UG/L (Highest single sample) | Entry point | 1 UG/L (MCL) | None detected |
| Picloram | Other | Not detected UG/L (Highest single sample) | Other | 500 UG/L (MCL) | None detected |
| Tcaa | Other | 1.07 UG/L (Average) | Entry point | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| 11-Chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid (11Cl-PF3OUdS) | PFAS ("forever chemicals") | Not detected NG/L (Highest single sample) | Entry point | No federal limit | None detected |
| 4,8-Dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA) | PFAS ("forever chemicals") | Not detected NG/L (Highest single sample) | Other | No federal limit | None detected |
| 4:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (4:2 FTS) | PFAS ("forever chemicals") | Not detected NG/L (Highest single sample) | Source water | No federal limit | None detected |
| 6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2 FTS) | PFAS ("forever chemicals") | 2.8 NG/L (Average) | Source water | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| 8:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (8:2 FTS) | PFAS ("forever chemicals") | Not detected NG/L (Highest single sample) | Entry point | No federal limit | None detected |
| 9-Chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanonane-1-sulfonic acid (9Cl-PF3ONS) | PFAS ("forever chemicals") | Not detected NG/L (Highest single sample) | Entry point | No federal limit | None detected |
| Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid | PFAS ("forever chemicals") | Not detected NG/L (Highest single sample) | Entry point | No federal limit | None detected |
| Perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid (PFMPA) | PFAS ("forever chemicals") | Not detected NG/L (Highest single sample) | Entry point | No federal limit | None detected |
| Perfluoro-4-methoxybutanoic acid (PFMBA) | PFAS ("forever chemicals") | Not detected NG/L (Highest single sample) | Source water | No federal limit | None detected |
| Perfluoro(2-ethoxyethane)sulfonic acid (PFEESA) | PFAS ("forever chemicals") | Not detected NG/L (Highest single sample) | Other | No federal limit | None detected |
| Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) | PFAS ("forever chemicals") | Not detected NG/L (Highest single sample) | Other | No federal limit | None detected |
| Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) | PFAS ("forever chemicals") | Not detected NG/L (Highest single sample) | Other | No federal limit | None detected |
| Perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid (PFHpS) | PFAS ("forever chemicals") | Not detected NG/L (Highest single sample) | Other | No federal limit | None detected |
| Perfluoroheptanoic acid | PFAS ("forever chemicals") | 11 NG/L (Average) | Source water | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Perfluorohexanoic acid | PFAS ("forever chemicals") | 20 NG/L (Average) | Source water | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Perfluorononanoic acid | PFAS ("forever chemicals") | 7.8 NG/L (Average) | Source water | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid (PFPeS) | PFAS ("forever chemicals") | 7 NG/L (Average) | Source water | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Perfluoropentanoic acid | PFAS ("forever chemicals") | 20 NG/L (Average) | Source water | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA) | PFAS ("forever chemicals") | Not detected NG/L (Highest single sample) | Entry point | No federal limit | None detected |
| PFBA | PFAS ("forever chemicals") | 13 NG/L (Average) | Source water | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Alkalinity | Physical & aggregate | 97.33333333333333 MG/L (Average) | Source water | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Color | Physical & aggregate | 10.416666666666666 UNITS (Average) | Other | 15 UNITS (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Hardness | Physical & aggregate | 214.6 MG/L (Average) | Source water | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Odor | Physical & aggregate | 1.3625 TON (Average) | Source water | 3 TON (MCL) | Within the limit |
| pH | Physical & aggregate | 8.188333333333333 PH (Average) | Entry point | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Specific Conductance | Physical & aggregate | 829 UMHO/CM (Average) | Source water | 1600 UMHO/CM (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Total Dissolved Solids | Physical & aggregate | 481.5 MG/L (Average) | Source water | 1000 MG/L (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Turbidity | Physical & aggregate | 1.3875 NTU (Average) | Source water | 5 NTU (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Dalapon | VOCs & pesticides | Not detected UG/L (Highest single sample) | Entry point | 200 UG/L (MCL) | None detected |
| Dichloromethane | VOCs & pesticides | Not detected UG/L (Highest single sample) | Source water | 5 UG/L (MCL) | None detected |

## What these contaminants are

- **Bromate** — A disinfection byproduct formed when bromide-containing water is treated with ozone. Classified as a probable human carcinogen; the EPA sets a strict maximum contaminant level.
- **Bromodichloromethane** — A trihalomethane disinfection byproduct. Counted within regulated total trihalomethanes; long-term exposure is associated with cancer and reproductive effects.
- **Bromoform** — A trihalomethane disinfection byproduct. Counted within regulated total trihalomethanes; long-term exposure is associated with liver and kidney effects.
- **Chlorate** — A byproduct that can form during disinfection, especially when hypochlorite solutions degrade. Has no enforceable federal limit but is on the EPA contaminant candidate list; high levels can affect the thyroid.
- **Chloroform** — A trihalomethane formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water. A component of regulated total trihalomethanes; long-term exposure is linked to liver and kidney effects.
- **Dibromochloromethane** — A trihalomethane disinfection byproduct. Part of regulated total trihalomethanes; long-term exposure is linked to nervous-system, liver, and kidney effects.
- **HAA5** — Haloacetic acids — a group of five disinfection byproducts formed when disinfectants react with organic matter. Long-term exposure above the federal limit is associated with an increased cancer risk.
- **Perchlorate** — A chemical used in rocket fuel and fireworks that can also form during disinfection. Can interfere with thyroid hormone production; has no national enforceable limit but is regulated in some states.
- **TTHM** — Total trihalomethanes — a group of four chemicals (including chloroform) formed when chlorine reacts with natural organic matter. Long-term exposure above the federal limit is linked to liver, kidney, and central-nervous-system effects and increased cancer risk.
- **Bromide** — A naturally occurring salt found in source water. Not directly regulated, but a precursor that increases formation of brominated disinfection byproducts.
- **Chloride** — A naturally occurring salt compound. Regulated only as a secondary (cosmetic) standard; high levels cause a salty taste and can corrode pipes.
- **Fluoride** — A mineral often added to drinking water to help prevent tooth decay. Beneficial at low levels, but long-term exposure above the federal limit can cause bone disease and tooth mottling.
- **Nitrate** — A compound from fertilizer runoff, septic systems, and erosion of natural deposits. Levels above the federal limit can cause 'blue baby syndrome,' a serious oxygen-transport condition in infants.
- **Nitrite** — A compound from fertilizer runoff, sewage, and erosion of natural deposits. Like nitrate, elevated levels can cause 'blue baby syndrome' in infants.
- **Sulfate** — A naturally occurring mineral from rock and soil. No health-based federal limit; high levels can have a laxative effect and a bitter taste.
- **Aluminum** — A common element sometimes used as a treatment coagulant. Regulated only as a secondary (cosmetic) standard; high levels can discolor water.
- **Arsenic** — A naturally occurring element that also enters water from industry and agriculture. A known human carcinogen; long-term exposure is linked to skin, bladder, and lung cancer.
- **Barium** — A metal from erosion of natural deposits and industrial discharge. Long-term exposure above the federal limit can raise blood pressure.
- **Boron** — A naturally occurring element from rock and soil. No enforceable federal limit; the EPA has issued a health advisory level.
- **Calcium** — A naturally occurring mineral that contributes to water hardness. Not federally regulated for health; affects scaling and taste.
- **Copper** — A metal that enters water from corroding household plumbing. Short-term exposure causes stomach distress; long-term exposure can damage the liver and kidneys.
- **Iron** — A naturally occurring metal common in groundwater. Regulated only as a secondary (cosmetic) standard; causes rusty color, staining, and metallic taste.
- **Lead** — A toxic metal that leaches into water from old service lines, solder, and plumbing fixtures. There is no safe level of lead; it harms brain development in children and raises blood pressure in adults. The EPA sets an action level, not a health goal above zero.
- **Magnesium** — A naturally occurring mineral that contributes to water hardness. Not federally regulated for health; affects scaling and taste.
- **Manganese** — A naturally occurring metal from soil and rock. No enforceable federal limit; high levels stain fixtures and laundry and can affect taste, with a health advisory for infants.
- **Mercury** — A toxic metal from erosion of natural deposits and industrial runoff. Long-term exposure above the federal limit can damage the kidneys.
- **Nickel** — A metal from natural deposits and industrial discharge. Long-term exposure can cause skin and other effects; monitored under EPA rules.
- **Potassium** — A naturally occurring mineral from rock and soil. Not federally regulated for health.
- **Selenium** — A trace element from natural deposits and industrial discharge. Essential in tiny amounts, but long-term exposure above the federal limit can cause hair and fingernail loss and circulatory problems.
- **Silica** — A naturally occurring compound from sand and rock. Not federally regulated for health; relevant mainly for industrial water use.
- **Sodium** — A naturally occurring salt component. Not federally regulated for health; relevant for people on sodium-restricted diets.
- **Zinc** — A naturally occurring metal that can also enter water from corroding pipes. Regulated only as a secondary (cosmetic) standard; high levels cause a metallic taste.
- **11-Chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid (11Cl-PF3OUdS)** — 11-chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid, a chlorinated PFAS compound. Monitored under EPA rules as part of broad PFAS surveillance.
- **4,8-Dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA)** — ADONA, a newer-generation PFAS replacement compound. Monitored under EPA rules as part of broad PFAS surveillance.
- **4:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (4:2 FTS)** — 4:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid, a PFAS-related compound. Monitored under EPA rules as part of broad PFAS surveillance.
- **6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2 FTS)** — 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid, a PFAS-related compound. Monitored under EPA rules as part of broad PFAS surveillance.
- **8:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (8:2 FTS)** — 8:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid, a PFAS-related compound. Monitored under EPA rules as part of broad PFAS surveillance.
- **9-Chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanonane-1-sulfonic acid (9Cl-PF3ONS)** — 9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanonane-1-sulfonic acid, a chlorinated PFAS compound. Monitored under EPA rules as part of broad PFAS surveillance.
- **Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid** — HFPO-DA ('GenX chemicals'), a newer-generation PFAS replacement compound. Regulated by the EPA at 10 parts per trillion and included in the PFAS Hazard Index.
- **Perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid (PFMPA)** — Perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid, a PFAS-related compound. Monitored under EPA rules as part of broad PFAS surveillance.
- **Perfluoro-4-methoxybutanoic acid (PFMBA)** — Perfluoro-4-methoxybutanoic acid, a PFAS-related compound. Monitored under EPA rules as part of broad PFAS surveillance.
- **Perfluoro(2-ethoxyethane)sulfonic acid (PFEESA)** — Perfluoro(2-ethoxyethane)sulfonic acid, a PFAS-related compound. Monitored under EPA rules as part of broad PFAS surveillance.
- **Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)** — Perfluorodecanoic acid, a longer-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' Monitored under EPA rules; persistent and bioaccumulative.
- **Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)** — Perfluorododecanoic acid, a longer-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' Monitored under EPA rules; persistent and bioaccumulative.
- **Perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid (PFHpS)** — Perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid, a PFAS 'forever chemical.' Monitored under EPA rules; persistent in the environment.
- **Perfluoroheptanoic acid** — Perfluoroheptanoic acid, a PFAS 'forever chemical.' Monitored under EPA rules; persistent in the environment.
- **Perfluorohexanoic acid** — Perfluorohexanoic acid, a shorter-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' Monitored under EPA rules; persistent and widely detected.
- **Perfluorononanoic acid** — Perfluorononanoic acid, a PFAS 'forever chemical.' Regulated by the EPA at 10 parts per trillion and included in the PFAS Hazard Index.
- **Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid (PFPeS)** — Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid, a PFAS 'forever chemical.' Monitored under EPA rules; persistent in the environment.
- **Perfluoropentanoic acid** — Perfluoropentanoic acid, a shorter-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' Monitored under EPA rules; persistent in the environment.
- **Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)** — Perfluoroundecanoic acid, a longer-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' Monitored under EPA rules; persistent and bioaccumulative.
- **PFBA** — Perfluorobutanoic acid, a shorter-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' Monitored under EPA rules; persistent in the environment and the human body.
- **Alkalinity** — A measure of the water's capacity to neutralize acids. Not federally regulated for health; relevant to corrosion control and treatment.
- **Color** — A measure of visible tint in the water. Regulated only as a secondary (cosmetic) standard.
- **Hardness** — A measure of dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals. Not federally regulated for health; affects scaling, soap use, and taste.
- **Odor** — A measure of detectable smell in the water. Regulated only as a secondary (cosmetic) standard.
- **pH** — A measure of how acidic or basic the water is. Regulated only as a secondary standard; very low or high pH can corrode pipes or affect taste.
- **Specific Conductance** — A measure of how well water conducts electricity, which tracks dissolved mineral content. Not federally regulated for health; used as a proxy for total dissolved solids.
- **Total Dissolved Solids** — Total dissolved solids — the combined content of all dissolved minerals and salts. Regulated only as a secondary (cosmetic) standard; high levels affect taste and hardness.
- **Turbidity** — A measure of cloudiness from suspended particles in the water. High turbidity can shelter microbes from disinfection; the EPA enforces it through a treatment-technique standard.

## How to read this

- A water-quality report covers an entire service area, not a single address.
- 'Federal limit' is the EPA standard (MCL, action level, treatment technique, etc.) that the measured level is compared against.
- 'At or above the federal limit' means the utility's own reported figure met or exceeded that standard.

_Figures are the utility's own published numbers. Generated 2026-05-26 from thewatermap.com._