Oakland Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Oakland tap water meets EPA standards, though there are a few things worth knowing. At just 20 ppm (1.2 gpg), the water is pleasantly soft. PFAS chemicals were detected but are within EPA limits. No violations have been recorded in the past 3 years.
Generally Safe
Minor compliance issues
1.2 GPG hardness
Lead
Lead data not available
Hardness
Soft water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Oakland Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Oakland tap water meets EPA health standards, with some contaminants worth monitoring.
12 contaminants were tested in Oakland's water. 10 were detected — all within EPA limits.
Disinfection Byproducts — Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) is at 49 ppb — 82% of the EPA limit (60 ppb). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A group of five chemicals that form as byproducts when chlorine or other disinfectants react with organic matter in water. According to the EPA, long-term exposure may increase the risk of cancer. Some studies have linked them to reproductive and developmental effects.
→ An activated carbon filter can reduce haloacetic acids in your drinking water.
Disinfectants — Chloramines is at 3.73 ppm — 93% 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.
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — 1 PFAS compound detected, all within current EPA limits. Highest: PFBA at 5.15 ppt.
Inorganic Chemicals — 1 contaminant detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Fluoride at 0.7 ppm (35% of EPA limit).
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 0 people in the Oakland area.
Based on publicly available data from East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) 2024 Annual 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?
PFAS chemicals were detected in Oakland water, though within current EPA limits. An activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter can further reduce PFAS exposure. Disinfection byproducts are elevated (above 75% of EPA limits). A carbon filter can help reduce these.
How Oakland 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
20 ppm
84% softer than average
PFAS Contamination
Detected in 33% of major US cities
Not Detected
67% of cities are PFAS-free
How Hard is Oakland Water?
20 ppm
1.2 grains per gallon
Soft water requires no treatment and is gentle on skin and appliances.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Great for skin & hair
Kitchen
No water spots
Laundry
Clothes stay soft
Appliances
No scale buildup
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Range: 12–96 ppm
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 Oakland 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 Oakland
Lead Test Results
Lead testing data is currently unavailable for Oakland. Contact your local water utility for the most recent test results.
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”
PFAS detected but within current EPA limits
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. Levels are within current EPA maximum contaminant levels.
Chloramines
93% of EPA limit
Range: 0.06–3.73 ppm
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
82% of EPA limit
Range: 18–53 ppb
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)
73% of EPA limit
Range: 24–68 ppb
Fluoride
35% of EPA limit
Range: 0.6–0.8 ppm
Other Detected Contaminants
12 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | 58 ppb Range: 24-68 Highest LRAA 58 ppb; chloramines disinfection | 80 ppb | Caution 73% of limit |
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | 49 ppb Range: 18-53 | 60 ppb | Caution 82% of limit |
Chloramines | 3.73 ppm Range: 0.06-3.73 Max individual sample | 4 ppm | Caution 93% of limit |
Fluoride | 0.7 ppm Range: 0.6-0.8 Added per CA state law; optimum dose 0.7 ppm | 2 ppm | Safe 35% of limit |
Hexavalent Chromium | 0.1 ppb Range: 0-0.2 CA MCL 10 ppb; new lower detection limit per 2024 regulations | 10 ppb | Safe 1% of limit |
Bromate | 1.3 ppb Range: 0-2.8 Highest LRAA 1.3 ppb; DBP from ozone/chloramine interaction | 10 ppb | Safe 13% of limit |
Gross Beta | 6.1 pCi/L Range: 0-17 | 50 pCi/L | Safe 12% of limit |
NDMA | 3.9 ppt Range: 0-4.9 Highest LRAA 3.9 ppt; CA notification level 10 ppt | N/A | Safe |
Chlorate | 108 ppb CA notification level 800 ppb | N/A | Safe |
PFBA | 5.15 ppt Range: 0-5.2 UCMR5 - detected at Sobrante WTP only; no federal MCL | N/A | Safe |
PFOA | 0 ppt ND - UCMR5 and 2024 CCR monitoring | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
PFOS | 0 ppt ND - UCMR5 and 2024 CCR monitoring | 4 ppt 0 | 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 Oakland's Water?
Utility Name
East Bay Municipal Utility District
EPA System ID (PWSID)
CA0110005
Population Served
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Oakland tap water quality
Nearby Cities in CA
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: East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) 2024 Annual Water Quality Report (2024) • View report