Is Hayward tap water safe to drink?

Source: Official EPA UCMR5 federal monitoring data | Last tested October 2023

Can you drink the tap water in Hayward?

Hayward tap water has 3 contaminants above EPA guidelines, including PFOA at 2,1× the limit (tested October 2023). See the full compound-by-compound breakdown and filter recommendations.

Recommended for Hayward tap water

Pitcher filter

Epic Pure XP Water Filter Pitcher

NSF-certified dual-layer filtration reduces 70+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, chlorine, microplastics, and bacteria.

Contaminants above EPA limits detected in Hayward. Fastest way to reduce exposure.

See certified filter on Amazon

The health risk for Hayward

PFAS ('forever chemicals') have been detected above EPA limits in this water system's most recent tests. These synthetic chemicals do not break down in the body and are linked to a range of health effects. A certified filter is strongly recommended.

PFBS, PFOA, PFOS above limit.

PFOA concentration (µg/L) October 2023

0 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 0.01 µg/L

0.009 µg/L

Detected

µg/L

0.004 µg/L

EPA limit

guideline

112% above limit

Comparison

vs. guideline

EPA limit: 0.004 µg/L | Your water: 0.009 µg/L

Certified Filters for Hayward Tap Water

PFOA (a PFAS 'forever chemical') was detected above EPA limits. These filters are independently certified to reduce common drinking-water contaminants.

Pitcher filter

Epic Pure XP Water Filter Pitcher

NSF-certified dual-layer filtration reduces 70+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, chlorine, microplastics, and bacteria.

Best for renters or quick setup. No installation needed.

See certified filter on Amazon

Under-sink RO system

Waterdrop G3P600 Reverse Osmosis System

8-stage tankless RO system certified to NSF/ANSI 58, reduces 1,000+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates.

Best for homeowners. Heavy-duty filtration for long-term protection.

See certified filter on Amazon

Most elevated compounds

Compound	Measurement	EPA Limit	Comparison
PFOA Tested: October 2023 · Well 1 (GU352)	0.009 µg/L	0.004 µg/L	112% above limit
PFOS Tested: October 2023 · Well 1 (GU352)	0.007 µg/L	0.004 µg/L	68% above limit
PFBS Tested: October 2023 · Well 1 (GU352)	0.003 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	3% above limit

View all tested compounds

Well 1 (GU352) · Tested: October 2023

Compound	Measurement	EPA Limit	Comparison
PFOA	0.009 µg/L	0.004 µg/L	112% above limit
PFOS	0.007 µg/L	0.004 µg/L	68% above limit
PFBS	0.003 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	3% above limit
PFHxA	0.003 µg/L	3 µg/L	0.1% of limit
lithium	<9.000 µg/L	10 µg/L	Below limit
HFPO-DA	<0.005 µg/L	0.01 µg/L	Below limit
PFNA	<0.004 µg/L	0.01 µg/L	Below limit
PFHxS	<0.003 µg/L	0.01 µg/L	Below limit
PFBA	<0.005 µg/L	6 µg/L	Below limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS	<0.005 µg/L	0.005 µg/L	Below limit
4:2 FTS	<0.003 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	Below limit
6:2 FTS	<0.005 µg/L	0.005 µg/L	Below limit
8:2 FTS	<0.005 µg/L	0.005 µg/L	Below limit
9Cl-PF3ONS	<0.002 µg/L	0.002 µg/L	Below limit
ADONA	<0.003 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	Below limit
PFDA	<0.003 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	Below limit
PFDoA	<0.003 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	Below limit
PFHpA	<0.003 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	Below limit
PFHpS	<0.003 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	Below limit
PFPeA	<0.003 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	Below limit
PFTrDA	<0.007 µg/L	0.007 µg/L	Below limit
PFUnA	<0.002 µg/L	0.002 µg/L	Below limit

Primary source EPA UCMR5 (2023-2025)

Guideline source EPA PFAS drinking water standard (PFOA: 0,004 µg/L, effective 2024, compliance by 2031)

Last tested October 2023

Last page update 2026-03-31

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Data reflects publicly reported utility records from EPA datasets and local utility disclosures. This information is educational and not medical advice.

Protect your water in Hayward → see certified filters