Los Angeles Tap Water Quality: Safety, Hardness & Lead - 2026

Q: Is Los Angeles tap water safe to drink?

Based on the most recent available data, Los Angeles tap water meets all current EPA drinking water standards with no health-based violations in the past 3 years. Lead levels are below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.

Q: How hard is Los Angeles water?

Los Angeles has hard water with a hardness of 162 ppm (9.5 grains per gallon). Hard water can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances. A water softener may be beneficial.

Q: Does Los Angeles water have lead?

Lead levels (3.9 ppb) are below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.

Q: Who provides Los Angeles's tap water?

Los Angeles's tap water is provided by LOS ANGELES-CITY, DEPT. OF WATER & POWER. The EPA system ID (PWSID) is CA1910067. The primary water source is Surface Water. You can find official water quality reports and contact information through your local utility.

Q: What violations has Los Angeles's water utility had?

Los Angeles's water utility has had no violations in the past 3 years, indicating excellent compliance with EPA drinking water regulations.

Q: Why does Los Angeles tap water taste like chlorine?

Los Angeles's water utility uses chlorine or chloramine to disinfect the water supply. This is a standard practice required by the EPA to prevent waterborne illness. The taste is usually more noticeable in warm weather or near treatment facilities. To reduce chlorine taste, let water sit in an open pitcher for 30 minutes, use a refrigerator filter, or install a carbon filter on your tap.

Q: Where does Los Angeles get its water from?

Los Angeles's tap water primarily comes from surface water sources. Surface water is collected from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, then treated before distribution. The water is provided by LOS ANGELES-CITY, DEPT. OF WATER & POWER.

Q: Are there PFAS ("forever chemicals") in Los Angeles tap water?

No PFAS ("forever chemicals") were detected in Los Angeles's available water quality test data. The water utility tested for 2 PFAS compounds and all results were below laboratory detection limits.

Is Los Angeles Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Los Angeles tap water meets all current EPA drinking water standards.

9 contaminants were tested in Los Angeles's water. 7 were detected — all within EPA limits.

Metals — 1 contaminant detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Chromium (VI) at 0.1 ppb (1% of EPA limit).

Disinfection Byproducts — 2 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Total Trihalomethanes at 34.4 ppb (43% of EPA limit).

Inorganic Chemicals — 2 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Fluoride at 0.8 ppm (40% 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 3.9M people in the Los Angeles area.

Based on publicly available data from LADWP 2024 Water Quality Report (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 Hard is Los Angeles Water?

SoftVery Hard

060120180300+

162 ppm

9.5 grains per gallon

Hard

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

Los Angeles

162

California

150

US Average

100

Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)

Do I Need a Water Softener?

At 162 ppm, Los Angeles 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.

Range: 109–113 ppm

Based on 122 samples from LADWP 2024 Water Quality Report (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 Los Angeles tap water.

Test Your Water See top-rated kits →

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Lead & Contaminants

Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Los Angeles

Lead Test Results

90th Percentile Lead Level

3.9 ppb

Below EPA Action Level

0EPA Limit (15)30+

Los Angeles lead levels are well below the EPA action level.

Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.

Last sampled: 2023-12-31

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

Children

According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues

Adults

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.

Total Trihalomethanes

34.4ppb/ 80 ppb limit

EPA Limit

43% of EPA limit

Range: 13.9–35.8 ppb

Fluoride

0.8ppm/ 2 ppm limit

EPA Limit

40% of EPA limit

Range: 0.7–0.9 ppm

Haloacetic Acids (Five)

14.9ppb/ 60 ppb limit

EPA Limit

25% of EPA limit

Range: 3.6–16.3 ppb

Nitrate (as N)

0.4ppm/ 10 ppm limit

EPA Limit

4% of EPA limit

Other Detected Contaminants

9 contaminants detected

Contaminant	Your Water	Limit (MCL)	Status
Chromium (VI)	0.1 ppb ND (<0.1)	10 ppb Goal: 0.02 ppb	Safe 1% of limit
Fluoride	0.8 ppm Range: 0.7-0.9	2 ppm Goal: 1 ppm	Safe 40% of limit
Nitrate (as N)	0.4 ppm ND (<0.4)	10 ppm Goal: 10 ppm	Safe 4% of limit
Haloacetic Acids (Five)	14.9 ppb Range: 3.6-16.3	60 ppb	Safe 25% of limit
Total Trihalomethanes	34.4 ppb Range: 13.9-35.8	80 ppb	Safe 43% of limit
Chloride	34 ppm Range: 31-36	N/A	Safe
Sulfate	48 ppm Range: 47-50	N/A	Safe
PFOA	0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/16 samples detected	4 ppt 0	Safe
PFOS	0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/16 samples detected	4 ppt 0	Safe

Safe: Below 50% of limit

Caution: 50-100% of limit

Exceeds: Above legal limit

MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)

EPA Compliance History

Excellent Record

No violations in past 3 years

This utility has maintained full EPA compliance. No action needed, but regular home testing is still recommended.

3-Year Violation Summary

Total Violations

Health-Related

Administrative

All past violations resolved

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.

View Full EPA Compliance Report for Los Angeles

Who Provides Los Angeles's Water?

Utility Name

LOS ANGELES-CITY, DEPT. OF WATER & POWER

EPA System ID (PWSID)

CA1910067

Primary Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

3.9M

View Full EPA Report

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Los Angeles tap water quality