Drinking water quality · 2023
· Verified
What's in City of Santa Ana, CA tap water
110 contaminants were measured in the City of Santa Ana, CA water system's 2023 annual report. Each is shown below against its federal limit.
- Reporting year
- 2023
- Contaminants measured
- 110
- Over federal limit
- 0
- Approaching the limit
- 0
- Service area
- CA
state-level CCR
PFAS — EPA UCMR5 (2023–2025)
2 PFAS compounds above EPA limits in City of Santa Ana, 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 (3.6×)Measured 14.2 ng/LEPA limit 4 ng/LSample year 2025Samples 4 detect / 12
near national p90 (19.900000000000006 ng/L across detecting U.S. systems)
PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid)
● Over EPA limit (2.2×)Measured 8.9 ng/LEPA limit 4 ng/LSample year 2025Samples 4 detect / 12
near national p90 (13.649999999999999 ng/L across detecting U.S. systems)
PFHxS (Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid)
● Approaching limit (84%)Measured 8.4 ng/LEPA limit 10 ng/LSample year 2025Samples 5 detect / 12
near national p90 (12.049999999999997 ng/L across detecting U.S. systems)
PFHxA
● Detected (no federal limit)Measured 4 ng/LSample year 2025Samples 2 detect / 12
below national p90 (12.190000000000003 ng/L across detecting U.S. systems)
PFPeA
● Detected (no federal limit)Measured 5.9 ng/LSample year 2025Samples 3 detect / 12
below national p90 (15.95999999999999 ng/L across detecting U.S. systems)
Lithium
● Detected (no federal limit)Measured 38.5 mg/LSample year 2025Samples 3 detect / 12
near national p90 (76.59999999999991 mg/L across detecting U.S. systems)
PWSID CA3010038 · 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
City of Santa Ana, CA's drinking water comes from ground water, drawn from 18 sources.
Source
18ground water
- WELL · 14
- WELL 28 - STANDBY
- WELL 41 - STANDBY
- WELL 27 - STANDBY
- + 1 more
Treatment
17treatment plants
- OSHG AT WELLS 37
- OSHG AT WELL 41
- OSHG AT WELL 34
- + 14 more
Distribution
9storage units
Also buys water from METROPOLITAN WATER DIST. OF SO. CAL., MESA WATER DISTRICT, and 2 more.
Source: EPA SDWIS facilities inventory. Methodology.
Historical readings · EPA Six-Year Review (2012–2019)
18 historically-detected contaminants in City of Santa Ana, 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
NITRATE worst: 2019 | 9.86 mg/L 99% | 10 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
NITRATE NITRITE worst: 2019 | 9.86 mg/L 99% | 10 mg/L | '16'17'18'19 |
TTHM worst: 2013 | 0.0528 mg/L within | 0.08 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
HAA5 worst: 2013 | 0.0235 mg/L within | 0.06 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
ARSENIC worst: 2013 | 0.0035 mg/L within below national p90 | 0.01 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16 |
FLUORIDE worst: 2013 | 0.8 mg/L within | 4 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
DICHLOROETHYLENE 11 worst: 2019 | 0.0008 mg/L within below national p90 | 0.007 mg/L | '14'15'16'19 |
BARIUM worst: 2012 | 0.169 mg/L within near national p90 | 2 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18 |
URANIUM worst: 2018 | 0.0122 ug/L within near national p90 | 30 ug/L | '14'17'18'19 |
DBAA worst: 2012 | 0.0055 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
DCAA worst: 2012 | 0.0096 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
MBAA worst: 2019 | 0.0032 mg/L | — | '19 |
MCAA worst: 2014 | 0.0021 mg/L | — | '14'15'17 |
TCAA worst: 2012 | 0.0057 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
BROMODICHLOROMETHANE worst: 2012 | 0.0153 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
BROMOFORM worst: 2012 | 0.0084 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
CHLOROFORM worst: 2012 | 0.0172 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
DIBROMOCHLOROMETHANE worst: 2012 | 0.0169 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
PWSID CA3010038 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Dissolved SolidsTotal dissolved solids — the combined content of all dissolved minerals and salts. | 473.3333333333333 MG/LAverageEntry point | 1000 MG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| Specific ConductanceA measure of how well water conducts electricity, which tracks dissolved mineral content. | 660 UMHO/CMAverageSource water | 1600 UMHO/CMMCL | Within the limit |
| TurbidityA measure of cloudiness from suspended particles in the water. | 0.05384615384615385 NTUAverageSource water | 5 NTUMCL | Within the limit |
| ColorA measure of visible tint in the water. | Not detected UNITSHighest single sampleSource water | 15 UNITSMCL | None detected |
| 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. | 165.33333333333334 MG/LAverageEntry point | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| HardnessA measure of dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals. | 260.3076923076923 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| pHA measure of how acidic or basic the water is. | 7.926666666666667 PHAverageSource 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. | 1.3461538461538463 UG/LAverageSource water | 6 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
Inorganic chemicals
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| SulfateA naturally occurring mineral from rock and soil. | 100.5 MG/LAverageEntry point | 500 MG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| ChlorideA naturally occurring salt compound. | 69.43333333333334 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. | 0.07846153846153846 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
Metals
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| SeleniumA trace element from natural deposits and industrial discharge. | 1.4153846153846152 UG/LAverageSource water | 50 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| NickelA metal from natural deposits and industrial discharge. | 2.2615384615384615 UG/LAverageSource water | 100 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| ManganeseA naturally occurring metal from soil and rock. | 0.5533333333333333 UG/LAverageSource water | 50 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| IronA naturally occurring metal common in groundwater. | 3.1846153846153844 UG/LAverageSource water | 300 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| CopperA metal that enters water from corroding household plumbing. | 0.7 UG/LAverageSource water | 1000 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| AluminumA common element sometimes used as a treatment coagulant. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 1000 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Antimony | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 6 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Beryllium | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 4 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| BoronA naturally occurring element from rock and soil. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
| Cadmium | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 5 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 |
| MercuryA toxic metal from erosion of natural deposits and industrial runoff. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 2 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Thallium | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 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 |
| CalciumA naturally occurring mineral that contributes to water hardness. | 41.044444444444444 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| Chromium, HexavalentHexavalent chromium ('chromium-6') — the more toxic form of chromium. | 1.2623076923076924 UG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| MagnesiumA naturally occurring mineral that contributes to water hardness. | 15.399999999999999 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| PotassiumA naturally occurring mineral from rock and soil. | 2.3846153846153846 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| SodiumA naturally occurring salt component. | 44.50769230769231 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| Vanadium | 2.569230769230769 UG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
Other
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chromium | 1.4076923076923078 UG/LAverageSource water | 50 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| Carbon Tetrachloride | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 0.5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Chlorobenzene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 70 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Cis Dichloroethylene 12 | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 6 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Deha | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 400 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Dehp | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 4 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Dichloroethane 12 | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 0.5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Dichloropropane 12 | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Endrin | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 2 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 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 sampleSource water | 5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Styrene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 100 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Tce | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 5 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 sampleEntry point | 5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Trichloroethane 111 | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 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 |
VOCs & pesticides
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toluene | 0.725 UG/LAverageEntry point | 150 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| 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 sampleSource water | 1 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Benzene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 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 sampleEntry point | None set | None detected |
| Chloromethane | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
| Dichlorodifluoromethane | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | None set | None detected |
| Dichloromethane | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Ethylbenzene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 300 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Simazine | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 4 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 |
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 sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
| Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acidHFPO-DA ('GenX chemicals'), a newer-generation PFAS replacement compound. | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 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 sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
| Perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid (PFMPA)Perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid, a PFAS-related compound. | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 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 sampleSource water | 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 |
| Perfluorononanoic acidPerfluorononanoic acid, a PFAS 'forever chemical.' | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | None set | None detected |
| Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA)Perfluorotetradecanoic acid, a longer-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
| Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA)Perfluorotridecanoic acid, a longer-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 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 |
| Perfluoroheptanoic acidPerfluoroheptanoic acid, a PFAS 'forever chemical.' | 2.2 NG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid (PFPeS)Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid, a PFAS 'forever chemical.' | 1.3142857142857143 NG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| PFBAPerfluorobutanoic acid, a shorter-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' | 2.717142857142857 NG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
Source: City of Santa Ana, CA's 2023 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 City of Santa Ana, CA's water
+Is City of Santa Ana, CA tap water safe to drink in 2023?
Every one of the 110 contaminants measured in City of Santa Ana, CA's 2023 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 City of Santa Ana, CA tap water?
110 contaminants were measured in City of Santa Ana, CA's 2023 Consumer Confidence Report, spanning other, pfas ("forever chemicals"), and metals. 61 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 City of Santa Ana, 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 City of Santa Ana, 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.
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