Is East Los Angeles, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
East Los Angeles tap water meets federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards but 2 of 2 ZIP codes 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 East Los Angeles Get Its Water?
Water in East Los Angeles, CA is provided by 2 public water systems: CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE CO. - ELA and LOS ANGELES-CITY, DEPT. OF WATER & POWER.
How Is East Los Angeles Tap Water Treated?
Treated water is disinfected using free chlorine. Treatment includes conventional treatment (coagulation, flocculation, and filtration), granular activated carbon filtration, groundwater disinfection and ion exchange.
What's in East Los Angeles Tap Water?
The following contaminants were detected most frequently in East Los Angeles public water systems. 2 of 2 ZIP codes showed detections above EPA health guidelines.
| Contaminant | Peak detected | EPA guideline | ZIPs detected | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lithium | 80.2 µg/L | 10 µg/L | 2 ZIPs | Above guideline |
| PFTrDA | 0.007 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| PFBA | 0.005 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| 8:2 FTS | 0.005 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| 6:2 FTS | 0.005 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
Health Risk Profile for East Los Angeles
Based on EPA monitoring data, 2 of 2 ZIP codes in East Los Angeles 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 Filters for PFAS Water Profile
PFAS compounds are detected in this water supply. A reverse osmosis (RO) system or an activated-carbon filter specifically certified under NSF/ANSI P473 is required for reliable PFAS reduction. Standard pitcher and faucet filters without P473 certification do not remove PFAS.
8-stage tankless RO system certified to NSF/ANSI 58, reduces 1,000+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates.
NSF-certified dual-layer filtration reduces 70+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, chlorine, microplastics, and bacteria.
See recommendations matched to your exact address: choose your ZIP code below.
Frequently Asked Questions about East Los Angeles Tap Water
Is East Los Angeles tap water safe to drink?
East Los Angeles tap water meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements but 2 of 2 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 East Los Angeles tap water?
The most commonly detected contaminants in East Los Angeles water systems include: lithium, PFTrDA, PFBA. See the ZIP-level reports for exact measurements and EPA guideline comparisons.
Where does East Los Angeles get its drinking water?
East Los Angeles receives water from 2 public water systems, including CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE CO. - ELA.
Do I need a water filter in East Los Angeles?
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 East Los Angeles tap water tested?
Public water systems in East Los Angeles 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 2025-10-15.
Tap water reports by ZIP in East Los Angeles
- 90022 - Eastmont, East Los Angeles tap water report Higher concern
- 90063 - City Terrace, East Los Angeles tap water report Higher concern
Water utilities serving East Los Angeles, 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.
- CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE CO. - ELAAction advised
- CENTRAL BASIN MWDNo recent federal sampling
Also covers / overlaps with
- Los Angeles, CA · Community
- South Gate-East Los Angeles CCD, CA · Township
- Commerce, CA
- Los Angeles CCD, CA · Township