Is Durham, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Durham tap water meets federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards but 1 of 1 ZIP code show detections above EPA health guidelines, primarily for lithium. A certified filter is recommended for households that want an additional layer of protection.
Where Does Durham Get Its Water?
Water in Durham, CA is provided by 1 public water system: CAL-WATER SERVICE CO.-CHICO.
How Is Durham Tap Water Treated?
Treated water is disinfected using free chlorine. Treatment includes granular activated carbon filtration.
What's in Durham Tap Water?
The following contaminants were detected most frequently in Durham public water systems. 1 of 1 ZIP codes showed detections above EPA health guidelines.
| Contaminant | Peak detected | EPA guideline | ZIPs detected | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lithium | 11.7 µg/L | 10 µg/L | 1 ZIP | Above guideline |
| PFTrDA | 0.007 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | 0.005 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| HFPO-DA | 0.005 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| PFBA | 0.005 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
Health Risk Profile for Durham
Based on EPA monitoring data, 1 of 1 ZIP codes in Durham have recorded detections above EPA health guidelines. Sensitive populations such as infants, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems may benefit from an additional layer of protection such as a certified point-of-use filter.
Best Broad-Spectrum Filters for This Water Profile
This city profile includes PFAS detections, chlorine disinfection, and other dissolved contaminants. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems certified under NSF/ANSI 58 provide broad reduction coverage; for PFAS specifically, confirm NSF/ANSI P473 or equivalent PFAS reduction certification.
8-stage tankless RO system certified to NSF/ANSI 58, reduces 1,000+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates.
See recommendations matched to your exact address: choose your ZIP code below.
Frequently Asked Questions about Durham Tap Water
Is Durham tap water safe to drink?
Durham tap water meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements but 1 of 1 ZIP codes show contaminant levels above EPA health-based guidelines. A certified point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
What contaminants are in Durham tap water?
The most commonly detected contaminants in Durham water systems include: lithium, PFTrDA, 11Cl-PF3OUdS. See the ZIP-level reports for exact measurements and EPA guideline comparisons.
Where does Durham get its drinking water?
Durham receives water from one public water system, including CAL-WATER SERVICE CO.-CHICO.
Do I need a water filter in Durham?
If your ZIP code is among those with detections above EPA health guidelines, choose a filter certified for the specific contaminants shown in your ZIP report. Reverse osmosis is generally the broadest option for PFAS, lithium, and many other dissolved contaminants.
How often is Durham tap water tested?
Public water systems in Durham are required by the EPA to test for regulated contaminants on schedules ranging from daily (for microbials and disinfectants) to annual or triennial (for many chemical contaminants). Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs). The data on this page reflects the most recent available EPA monitoring results, with the latest sample date of 2024-07-23.
Tap water reports by ZIP in Durham
- 95928 - Durham tap water report Higher concern
Water utilities serving Durham, CA
Service area boundaries are approximate and based on state filings or modeled estimates. Contact your utility to confirm exact service at a specific address.
- CAL-WATER SERVICE CO.-CHICOAction advised
Also covers / overlaps with
- Butte Creek Canyon, CA · CDP
- Chico, CA
- Chico CCD, CA · Township
- Durham CCD, CA · Township
- Paradise CCD, CA · Township