Monterey
CA

Is Monterey, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Monterey tap water meets federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards but 3 of 3 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.

2Water systems
3ZIP codes
100%ZIPs above EPA guideline
Metro areaSalinas, CA
Latest data2025-05-05

Where Does Monterey Get Its Water?

Water in Monterey, CA is provided by 2 public water systems: CAL AM WATER COMPANY - MONTEREY and KOHALA RANCH WATER CO..

How Is Monterey Tap Water Treated?

Treated water is disinfected using free chlorine. Treatment includes granular activated carbon filtration, groundwater disinfection, in-line filtration, membrane filtration and post-ozone biofiltration.

What's in Monterey Tap Water?

The following contaminants were detected most frequently in Monterey public water systems. 3 of 3 ZIP codes showed detections above EPA health guidelines.

ContaminantPeak detectedEPA guidelineZIPs detectedStatus
lithium 57.5 µg/L 10 µg/L 3 ZIPs Above guideline
PFTrDA 0.007 µg/L — 0 ZIPs Within guideline
PFBA 0.005 µg/L — 0 ZIPs Within guideline
6:2 FTS 0.005 µg/L — 0 ZIPs Within guideline
HFPO-DA 0.005 µg/L — 0 ZIPs Within guideline

Health Risk Profile for Monterey

Based on EPA monitoring data, 3 of 3 ZIP codes in Monterey 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.

Waterdrop G3P600 Reverse Osmosis System
Under-sink RO system

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 Monterey Tap Water

Is Monterey tap water safe to drink?

Monterey tap water meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements but 3 of 3 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 Monterey tap water?

The most commonly detected contaminants in Monterey water systems include: lithium, PFTrDA, PFBA. See the ZIP-level reports for exact measurements and EPA guideline comparisons.

Where does Monterey get its drinking water?

Monterey receives water from 2 public water systems, including CAL AM WATER COMPANY - MONTEREY.

Do I need a water filter in Monterey?

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 Monterey tap water tested?

Public water systems in Monterey 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 2025-05-05.

Tap water reports by ZIP in Monterey

Water utilities serving Monterey, 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.

Modeled boundaries are shown with a dashed outline.

Also covers / overlaps with