Is Whittier, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Whittier tap water meets federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards but 4 of 4 ZIP codes show detections above EPA health guidelines, primarily for PFOS. A certified filter is recommended for households that want an additional layer of protection.
Where Does Whittier Get Its Water?
Water in Whittier, CA is provided by 6 public water systems: Suburban Water Systems - Whittier, WHITTIER-CITY, WATER DEPT., ORCHARD DALE WATER DISTRICT, SAN GABRIEL VALLEY WATER CO.-EL MONTE, SUBURBAN WATER SYSTEMS-LA MIRADA and GSWC - NORWALK.
How Is Whittier Tap Water Treated?
Treated water is disinfected using free chlorine and calcium hypochlorite and chloramines and ozone. Treatment includes conventional treatment (coagulation, flocculation, and filtration), granular activated carbon filtration, groundwater disinfection, ion exchange, in-line filtration and post-ozone biofiltration.
What's in Whittier Tap Water?
The following contaminants were detected most frequently in Whittier public water systems. 4 of 4 ZIP codes showed detections above EPA health guidelines.
| Contaminant | Peak detected | EPA guideline | ZIPs detected | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOS | 0.013 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | 2 ZIPs | Above guideline |
| lithium | 58 µg/L | 10 µg/L | 1 ZIP | Above guideline |
| PFTrDA | 0.007 µg/L | 0.007 µg/L | 1 ZIP | Above guideline |
| PFBA | 0.0086 µg/L | — | 2 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| PFOA | 0.0063 µg/L | — | 2 ZIPs | Within guideline |
Health Risk Profile for Whittier
Based on EPA monitoring data, 4 of 4 ZIP codes in Whittier 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 Whittier Tap Water
Is Whittier tap water safe to drink?
Whittier tap water meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements but 4 of 4 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 Whittier tap water?
The most commonly detected contaminants in Whittier water systems include: PFOS, lithium, PFTrDA. See the ZIP-level reports for exact measurements and EPA guideline comparisons.
Where does Whittier get its drinking water?
Whittier receives water from 6 public water systems, including Suburban Water Systems - Whittier.
Do I need a water filter in Whittier?
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 Whittier tap water tested?
Public water systems in Whittier 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 2025-06-27.
Tap water reports by ZIP in Whittier
- 90601 - Bartolo, Whittier tap water report Higher concern
- 90602 - West Whittier, Whittier tap water report Higher concern
- 90603 - Leffingwell, Whittier tap water report Higher concern
- 90605 - Colima, Whittier tap water report Higher concern
Water utilities serving Whittier, 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.
- SUBURBAN WATER SYSTEMS-WHITTIERAction advised
- WHITTIER-CITY, WATER DEPT.Action advised
- CENTRAL BASIN MWDNo recent federal sampling
Also covers / overlaps with
- Whittier CCD, CA · Township
- Avocado Heights, CA · CDP
- East San Gabriel Valley CCD, CA · Township
- Industry, CA
- Pico Rivera, CA
- Rose Hills, CA · CDP
- South Whittier, CA · CDP