Long Beach Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Good news for Long Beach residents — your tap water meets all current EPA drinking water standards. With 162 ppm hardness (9.5 gpg), expect some mineral deposits over time. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. No violations have been recorded in the past 3 years.
Safe to Drink
Meets all EPA standards
9.5 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Hard water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Long Beach Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Long Beach tap water meets all current EPA drinking water standards.
10 contaminants were tested in Long Beach's water. 7 were detected — all within EPA limits.
Disinfection Byproducts — Trihalomethanes (TTHM) is at 46.2 ppb — 58% of the EPA limit (80 ppb). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A group of chemicals (chloroform, bromoform, and others) that form when chlorine used to disinfect water reacts with natural organic matter. According to the EPA, long-term exposure is linked to increased risk of bladder cancer and liver, kidney, and central nervous system problems.
→ An activated carbon filter (pitcher, faucet-mount, or whole-house) effectively reduces trihalomethanes.
Disinfectants — Chloramines is at 2.18 ppm — 55% of the EPA limit (4 ppm). Within legal limits, but elevated.
Disinfectants made from chlorine and ammonia, used as an alternative to chlorine. Last longer in the distribution system. Safe at regulated levels. Produces fewer disinfection byproducts than chlorine, but can be harmful to fish and dialysis patients.
→ Catalytic carbon filters or reverse osmosis can remove chloramines. Standard carbon filters are less effective.
Metals — 1 contaminant detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Arsenic at 1.1 ppb (11% of EPA limit).
Inorganic Chemicals — 1 contaminant detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Fluoride at 0.72 ppm (36% of EPA limit).
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — No PFAS "forever chemicals" were detected in available test data.
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 467K people in the Long Beach area.
Based on publicly available data from LBUD 2024 CCR – Additional Constituents table: Blended Zone (325) avg 110 ppm (6.4 gpg), range 69–300 ppm; MWD-only Zone (114) avg 240 ppm (14 gpg), range 140–300 ppm (2024). Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
With hard water (162 ppm), a water softener can reduce scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and water heaters.
How Long Beach Compares
Compared to 51 major US cities based on 2024 Consumer Confidence Report data
Lead (90th percentile)
National avg: 2.85 ppb
0 ppb
100% below average
Water Hardness
National avg: 127.2 ppm
110 ppm
14% softer than average
PFAS Contamination
Detected in 33% of major US cities
Not Detected
67% of cities are PFAS-free
How Hard is Long Beach Water?
162 ppm
9.5 grains per gallon
Hard water can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances. A water softener may be beneficial.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
May dry out skin & hair
Kitchen
Spots on dishes
Laundry
Clothes may feel stiff
Appliances
Scale buildup
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Do I Need a Water Softener?
At 162 ppm, Long Beach has hard water. You may notice white spots on dishes, dry skin after showering, and mineral buildup on fixtures. A water softener can help reduce these effects. Hard water is generally not a health concern according to the WHO.
Want to verify your home's exact hardness level? See our best water hardness test kits.
Range: 69–300 ppm
Based on 122 samples from LBUD 2024 CCR – Additional Constituents table: Blended Zone (325) avg 110 ppm (6.4 gpg), range 69–300 ppm; MWD-only Zone (114) avg 240 ppm (14 gpg), range 140–300 ppm (2024)
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Long Beach tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Long Beach
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
3.1 ppb
Long Beach lead levels are well below the EPA action level.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2022-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
According to the EPA, lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
According to the EPA: high blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
No PFAS detected in available test data
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. No PFAS were detected in available test data.
Chloramines
55% of EPA limit
Range: 0.8–2.79 ppm
Other Detected Contaminants
10 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
46.2 ppb Range: 25-51 Highest LRAA 46.2 ppb citywide, range 25–51 ppb. MCL 80 ppb. Disinfection: free chlorine (primary) + chloramines (secondary). | 80 ppb | Caution 58% of limit | |
10.7 ppb Range: 2.1-16 Highest LRAA 10.7 ppb citywide, range 2.1–16 ppb. MCL 60 ppb. | 60 ppb | Safe 18% of limit | |
Chloramines | 2.18 ppm Range: 0.8-2.79 Highest running annual average 2.18 ppm. Range in distribution 0.80–2.79 ppm. Used as secondary disinfectant. MRDL 4.0 ppm. | 4 ppm | Caution 55% of limit |
0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND – UCMR5 (0/28 samples). CA notification level 5.1 ppt. Monitoring of 14 vulnerable groundwater wells since 2019 – always ND. | 4 ppt 0 | Safe | |
0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND – UCMR5 (0/28 samples). CA notification level 6.5 ppt. | 4 ppt 0 | Safe | |
Lithium | 22.75 ppb Range: 0-54 UCMR5: MWD Zone avg 22.75 ppb, max 54 ppb (range ND–54). Blended Zone avg 11.25 ppb, max 20 ppb (range ND–20). Sourced from Colorado River and State Water Project via MWD. No federal MCL. | N/A | Safe |
NDMA | 2.9 ppt Range: 0-3 Nitrosodimethylamine: MWD system-wide avg 2.9 ppt, range ND–3.0 ppt (from imported MWD surface water ozonation). CA notification level (NL) 10 ppt. Not detected in LBUD distribution blending reduces levels. | N/A | Safe |
0.72 ppm Range: 0.58-0.76 Avg ~0.71 ppm citywide (MWD Zone 0.69, Blended Zone 0.72). Added since 1971 (Long Beach City Council mandate). CA MCL 2.0 ppm, federal MCL 4.0 ppm. | 2 ppm | Safe 36% of limit | |
1.1 ppb Range: 0-2.1 System avg ~1.1 ppb (MWD Zone avg 1.5 ppb, Blended Zone avg 0.7 ppb). Max 2.1 ppb. MCL 10 ppb. | 10 ppb | Safe 11% of limit | |
Chromium Hexavalent | 0 ppb Range: 0-0 ND in 2024 annual monitoring. CA state MCL 10 ppb. | 10 ppb | Safe |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)
EPA Compliance History
Excellent Record
No violations in past 3 yearsThis utility has maintained full EPA compliance. No action needed, but regular home testing is still recommended.
3-Year Violation Summary
0
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
0
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Long Beach's Water?
Utility Name
LONG BEACH UTILITIES DEPARTMENT
EPA System ID (PWSID)
CA1910065
Primary Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
467K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Long Beach tap water quality
Nearby Cities in California
Los Angeles
Hard water
East Bay
Very Hard water
San Diego
Very Hard water
San Jose
Very Hard water
California
Hard water
Eastern Municipal Wd
Very Hard water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology
Data source: LBUD 2024 CCR – Additional Constituents table: Blended Zone (325) avg 110 ppm (6.4 gpg), range 69–300 ppm; MWD-only Zone (114) avg 240 ppm (14 gpg), range 140–300 ppm (2024) • View report