EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (2024)

Table of Contents
Utility Details Contaminants Detected What To Do Looking for a countertop water filter? Find out which filters earned EWG's recommendation Contaminants Detected Arsenic Arsenic Arsenic was found at 760 times above EWG's Health Guideline. Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Bromodichloromethane Bromodichloromethane Bromodichloromethane was found at 85 times above EWG's Health Guideline. Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Bromoform Bromoform Bromoform was found at 3.7 times above EWG's Health Guideline. Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Chloroform Chloroform Chloroform was found at 11 times above EWG's Health Guideline. Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Dibromoacetic acid Dibromoacetic acid Dibromoacetic acid was found at 24 times above EWG's Health Guideline. Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Dibromochloromethane Dibromochloromethane Dibromochloromethane was found at 49 times above EWG's Health Guideline. Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Dichloroacetic acid Dichloroacetic acid Dichloroacetic acid was found at 10 times above EWG's Health Guideline. Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Haloacetic acids (HAA5)† Haloacetic acids (HAA5) Haloacetic acids (HAA5) was found at 76 times above EWG's Health Guideline. Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Haloacetic acids (HAA9)† Haloacetic acids (HAA9) Haloacetic acids (HAA9) was found at 223 times above EWG's Health Guideline. Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)† Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) was found at 118 times above EWG's Health Guideline. Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Trichloroacetic acid Trichloroacetic acid Trichloroacetic acid was found at 15 times above EWG's Health Guideline. Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Uranium Uranium Uranium was found at 3.8 times above EWG's Health Guideline. Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Barium Barium How your levels compare Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Fluoride Fluoride How your levels compare Pollution Sources Filtering Options Manganese Manganese How your levels compare Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Monobromoacetic acid Monobromoacetic acid How your levels compare Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Monochloroacetic acid Monochloroacetic acid How your levels compare Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Nitrate Nitrate How your levels compare Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Other Contaminants Tested Western Municipal Water District - Murrieta Division compliance with legally mandated federal standards: Water Filters That Can Reduce Contaminant Levels Take Action Contact Your Local Official Filter Out Contaminants Get the guide FAQs

EWG's drinking water quality report showsresults of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the California State Water Resources Control Board, as well asinformation from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2021 - March 2021), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.

Utility Details

  • Riverside County, California
  • Serves: 6,840
  • Data available: 2014-2019
  • Source: Purchased surface water

Contaminants Detected

12

EXCEED
EWG HEALTH
GUIDELINES

18 Total Contaminants

  • Legal does not necessarily equal safe. Getting a passing grade from the federal government does not mean the water meets the latest health guidelines.
  • Legal limits for contaminants in tap water have not been updated in almost 20 years.
  • The best way to ensure clean tap water is to keep pollution out of source water in the first place.

What To Do

Filter contaminants outContact Your Local OfficialWhat About Lead?

Looking for a countertop water filter?

Find out which filters earned EWG's recommendation

See the guide

Contaminants Detected

Arsenic

Potential Effect: cancer760x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE

THIS UTILITY3.04 ppb

EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.004 ppb

LEGAL LIMIT10 ppb

DETAILS

X

Arsenic

more aboutthis contaminant

Arsenic is a potent carcinogen and common contaminant in drinking water. Arsenic causes thousands of cases of cancer each year in the U.S. Click here to read more about arsenic.

Arsenic was found at 760 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.004 ppb or less

This Utility

3.04 ppb

Legal Limit

10 ppb

National Average

0.647 ppb

State Average

1.1 ppb

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.004 ppb for arsenic was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer.

VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (1)

Agriculture

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (2)

Industry

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (3)

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (4)

Reverse Osmosis

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (5)

Ion Exchange

Bromodichloromethane

Potential Effect: cancer85x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE

THIS UTILITY5.09 ppb

EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.06 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

DETAILS

X

Bromodichloromethane

more aboutthis contaminant

Bromodichloromethane, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Bromodichloromethane and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.

Bromodichloromethane was found at 85 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.06 ppb or less

This Utility

5.09 ppb

National Average

5.79 ppb

State Average

4.33 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.06 ppb for bromodichloromethane was proposed in 2018 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.

VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (6)

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (7)

Activated Carbon

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (8)

Reverse Osmosis

Bromoform

Potential Effect: cancer3.7x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE

THIS UTILITY1.83 ppb

EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.5 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

DETAILS

X

Bromoform

more aboutthis contaminant

Bromoform, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Bromoform and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.

Bromoform was found at 3.7 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.5 ppb or less

This Utility

1.83 ppb

National Average

1.32 ppb

State Average

2.81 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.5 ppb for bromoform was proposed in 2018 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.

VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (9)

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (10)

Activated Carbon

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (11)

Reverse Osmosis

Chloroform

Potential Effect: cancer11x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE

THIS UTILITY4.44 ppb

EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.4 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

DETAILS

X

Chloroform

more aboutthis contaminant

Chloroform, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Chloroform and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy.

Chloroform was found at 11 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.4 ppb or less

This Utility

4.44 ppb

National Average

15.5 ppb

State Average

7.38 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.4 ppb for chloroform was proposed in 2018 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.

VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (12)

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (13)

Activated Carbon

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (14)

Reverse Osmosis

Dibromoacetic acid

Potential Effect: 24x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE

THIS UTILITY0.971 ppb

EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.04 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

DETAILS

X

Dibromoacetic acid

more aboutthis contaminant

Dibromoacetic acid, one of the group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards, is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Haloacetic acids and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.

Dibromoacetic acid was found at 24 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.04 ppb or less

This Utility

0.971 ppb

National Average

1.1 ppb

State Average

1.95 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.04 ppb for dibromoacetic acid was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and represents a on-in-a-million lifetime cancer risk level. This health guideline protects against cancer.

VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (15)

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (16)

Activated Carbon

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (17)

Reverse Osmosis

Dibromochloromethane

Potential Effect: cancer49x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE

THIS UTILITY4.85 ppb

EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.1 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

DETAILS

X

Dibromochloromethane

more aboutthis contaminant

Dibromochloromethane, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Dibromochloromethane and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.

Dibromochloromethane was found at 49 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.1 ppb or less

This Utility

4.85 ppb

National Average

3.29 ppb

State Average

4.73 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.1 ppb for dibromochloromethane was proposed in 2018 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.

VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (18)

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (19)

Activated Carbon

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (20)

Reverse Osmosis

Dichloroacetic acid

Potential Effect: cancer10x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE

THIS UTILITY2.06 ppb

EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.2 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

DETAILS

X

Dichloroacetic acid

more aboutthis contaminant

Dichloroacetic acid, one of the group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards, is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Haloacetic acids and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.

Dichloroacetic acid was found at 10 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.2 ppb or less

This Utility

2.06 ppb

National Average

7.97 ppb

State Average

4.34 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.2 ppb for dichloroacetic acid was proposed in 2020 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk.a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.

VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (21)

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (22)

Activated Carbon

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (23)

Reverse Osmosis

Haloacetic acids (HAA5)†

Potential Effect: cancer76x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE

THIS UTILITY7.61 ppb

EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.1 ppb

LEGAL LIMIT60 ppb

DETAILS

X

Haloacetic acids (HAA5)

more aboutthis contaminant

Haloacetic acids are formed when disinfectants such as chlorine are added to tap water. The group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards includes monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, monobromoacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid.

Haloacetic acids (HAA5) was found at 76 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.1 ppb or less

This Utility

7.61 ppb

Legal Limit

60 ppb

National Average

17.1 ppb

State Average

12.5 ppb

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.1 ppb for the group of five haloacetic acids, or HAA5, was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and represents a one-in-a-million lifetime cancer risk level. This health guideline protects against cancer.

VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (24)

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (25)

Activated Carbon

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (26)

Reverse Osmosis

Haloacetic acids (HAA9)†

Potential Effect: cancer223x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE

THIS UTILITY13.4 ppb

EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.06 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

DETAILS

X

Haloacetic acids (HAA9)

more aboutthis contaminant

Haloacetic acids are formed when disinfectants such as chlorine are added to tap water. The group of nine haloacetic acids includes monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, monobromoacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid, which are regulated as a group by the federal government (HAA5); and bromochloroacetic acid, bromodichloroacetic acid, chlorodibromoacetic acid, and tribromoacetic acid.

Haloacetic acids (HAA9) was found at 223 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.06 ppb or less

This Utility

13.4 ppb

National Average

23.7 ppb

State Average

15.6 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2021.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.06 ppb for the group of nine haloacetic acids, or HAA9, was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and represents a one-in-a-million lifetime cancer risk level as . This health guideline protects against cancer.

VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (27)

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (28)

Activated Carbon

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (29)

Reverse Osmosis

Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)†

Potential Effect: cancer118x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE

THIS UTILITY17.7 ppb

EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.15 ppb

LEGAL LIMIT80 ppb

DETAILS

X

Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)

more aboutthis contaminant

Trihalomethanes are cancer-causing contaminants that form during water treatment with chlorine and other disinfectants. The total trihalomethanes group includes four chemicals: chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane and bromoform.

Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) was found at 118 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.15 ppb or less

This Utility

17.7 ppb

Legal Limit

80 ppb

National Average

29.7 ppb

State Average

27.8 ppb

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The health guideline of 0.15 parts per billion, or ppb, for the group of four trihalomethanes, or THM4/TTHM, was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and represents a one-in-one-million lifetime cancer risk level.

VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (30)

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (31)

Activated Carbon

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (32)

Reverse Osmosis

Trichloroacetic acid

Potential Effect: cancer15x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE

THIS UTILITY1.53 ppb

EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.1 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

DETAILS

X

Trichloroacetic acid

more aboutthis contaminant

Trichloroacetic acid, one of the group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards, is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Haloacetic acids and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.

Trichloroacetic acid was found at 15 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.1 ppb or less

This Utility

1.53 ppb

National Average

6.62 ppb

State Average

3.27 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.1 ppb for trichloroacetic acid was proposed in 2020 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk.a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.

VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (33)

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (34)

Activated Carbon

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (35)

Reverse Osmosis

Uranium

Potential Effect: cancer3.8x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE

THIS UTILITY1.63 pCi/L

EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.43 pCi/L

LEGAL LIMIT20 pCi/L

DETAILS

X

Uranium

more aboutthis contaminant

Uranium is a known human carcinogen. The federal legal limit for uranium is set at 30 micrograms per liter (corresponding to parts per billion), but utilities can also report uranium in picocuries per liter (pCi/L), which is a measure of radioactivity in water. EWG translated all uranium results to pCi/L using a conversion factor developed by the EPA. With this conversion approach, the limit of 30 ppb corresponds to 20 pCi/L. Drinking water with this much uranium would cause more than 4.6 cancer cases in a population of 100,000. California set a public health goal for uranium of 0.43 pCi/L.

Uranium was found at 3.8 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.43 pCi/L or less

This Utility

1.63 pCi/L

Legal Limit

20 pCi/L

National Average

1.04 pCi/L

State Average

2.54 pCi/L

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2014-2019.
pCi/L = picocuries per liter

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.43 pCi/L for uranium was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. Three most common uranium isotopes are U-234, U-235 and U-238. All isotopes of uranium are radioactive, and the total radioactivity depends on the ratio of isotopes. This health guideline protects against cancer.

VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (36)

Industry

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (37)

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (38)

Reverse Osmosis

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (39)

Ion Exchange

Includes chemicals detected in 2017-2019 for which annual utility averages exceeded an EWG-selected health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority; chemicals detected under the EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 4) program in 2017 to 2020 (and subsequent testing when available), for which annual utility averages exceeded a health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority; radiological contaminants detected between 2014 and 2019.

† HAA5 is a contaminant group that includes monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, monobromoacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid. HAA9 is a contaminant group that includes the chemicals in HAA5 and bromochloroacetic acid, bromodichloroacetic acid, chlorodibromoacetic acid and tribromoacetic acid. TTHM is a contaminant group that includes bromodichloromethane, bromoform, chloroform and dibromochloromethane.

    Barium

    THIS UTILITY176.5 ppb

    EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE700 ppb

    LEGAL LIMIT2,000 ppb

    DETAILS

    X

    Barium

    more aboutthis contaminant

    Barium is a mineral present in rocks, soil and water. High concentrations of barium in drinking water increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension.

    How your levels compare

    EWG Health Guideline

    700 ppb or less

    This Utility

    176.5 ppb

    Legal Limit

    2,000 ppb

    National Average

    41.5 ppb

    State Average

    29.7 ppb

    The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
    ppb = parts per billion

    Health Risks

    The EWG Health Guideline of 700 ppb for barium was defined by EWG as benchmark that protects against harm to the kidneys and the cardiovascular system.

    VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

    Pollution Sources

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (40)

    Industry

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (41)

    Naturally Occurring

    Filtering Options

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (42)

    Reverse Osmosis

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (43)

    Ion Exchange

    Fluoride

    THIS UTILITY0.657 ppm

    NO EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE

    LEGAL LIMIT4 ppm

    DETAILS

    X

    Fluoride

    more aboutthis contaminant

    Fluoride occurs naturally in surface and groundwater and is also added to drinking water by many water systems.

    How your levels compare

    This Utility

    0.657 ppm

    Legal Limit

    4 ppm

    National Average

    0.489 ppm

    State Average

    0.41 ppm

    NO EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE

    The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
    ppm = parts per million

    VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

    Pollution Sources

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (44)

    Treatment Byproducts

    Filtering Options

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (45)

    Reverse Osmosis

    Manganese

    THIS UTILITY8.01 ppb

    EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE100 ppb

    NO LEGAL LIMIT

    DETAILS

    X

    Manganese

    more aboutthis contaminant

    Manganese is a naturally occurring element that is common in food and drinking water. Excessive manganese exposures may impair children's attention, memory and intellectual capacity. Click here to read more about manganese.

    How your levels compare

    EWG Health Guideline

    100 ppb or less

    This Utility

    8.01 ppb

    National Average

    10.1 ppb

    State Average

    6.42 ppb

    NO LEGAL LIMIT

    The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
    ppb = parts per billion

    Health Risks

    The EWG Health Guideline of 100 ppb for manganese was defined by the state of Minnesota as a health risk limit, the concentration of a contaminant that can be consumed with little or no risk to health. This health guideline protects against harm to the brain and nervous system.

    VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

    Pollution Sources

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (46)

    Industry

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (47)

    Naturally Occurring

    Filtering Options

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (48)

    Ion Exchange

    Monobromoacetic acid

    THIS UTILITY0.210 ppb

    EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE25 ppb

    NO LEGAL LIMIT

    DETAILS

    X

    Monobromoacetic acid

    more aboutthis contaminant

    Monobromoacetic acid, one of the group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards, is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Haloacetic acids and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.

    How your levels compare

    EWG Health Guideline

    25 ppb or less

    This Utility

    0.21 ppb

    National Average

    0.227 ppb

    State Average

    0.125 ppb

    NO LEGAL LIMIT

    The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
    ppb = parts per billion

    Health Risks

    The EWG Health Guideline of 25 ppb for monobromoacetic acid was proposed in 2020 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk.. This health guideline protects against muscular degeneration.

    VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

    Pollution Sources

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (49)

    Treatment Byproducts

    Filtering Options

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (50)

    Activated Carbon

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (51)

    Reverse Osmosis

    Monochloroacetic acid

    THIS UTILITY2.92 ppb

    EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE53 ppb

    NO LEGAL LIMIT

    DETAILS

    X

    Monochloroacetic acid

    more aboutthis contaminant

    Monochloroacetic acid, one of the group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards, is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Haloacetic acids and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.

    How your levels compare

    EWG Health Guideline

    53 ppb or less

    This Utility

    2.92 ppb

    National Average

    0.495 ppb

    State Average

    0.323 ppb

    NO LEGAL LIMIT

    The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
    ppb = parts per billion

    Health Risks

    The EWG Health Guideline of 53 ppb for monochloroacetic acid was proposed in 2020 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk.. This health guideline protects against system toxicity.

    VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

    Pollution Sources

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (52)

    Treatment Byproducts

    Filtering Options

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (53)

    Activated Carbon

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (54)

    Reverse Osmosis

    Nitrate

    THIS UTILITY0.0234 ppm

    EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.14 ppm

    LEGAL LIMIT10 ppm

    DETAILS

    X

    Nitrate

    more aboutthis contaminant

    Nitrate, a fertilizer chemical, frequently contaminates drinking water due to agricultural and urban runoff, and discharges from municipal wastewater treatment plants and septic tanks. Excessive nitrate in water can cause oxygen deprivation in infants and increase the risk of cancer. Click here to read more about nitrate.

    How your levels compare

    EWG Health Guideline

    0.14 ppm or less

    This Utility

    0.0234 ppm

    Legal Limit

    10 ppm

    National Average

    0.935 ppm

    State Average

    1.9 ppm

    The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
    ppm = parts per million

    Health Risks

    The EWG Health Guideline of 0.14 ppm for nitrate was defined by EWG . This health guideline protects against cancer and harm to fetal growth and development.

    VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

    Pollution Sources

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (55)

    Agriculture

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (56)

    Runoff & Sprawl

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (57)

    Naturally Occurring

    Filtering Options

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (58)

    Reverse Osmosis

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (59)

    Ion Exchange

    Includes chemicals detected in 2017-2019 for which annual utility averages were lower than an EWG-selected health guideline established by a federal or state public health authori.

Other Contaminants Tested

Chemicals tested for but not detected from 2014 to 2019:

1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane , 1,1,1-Trichloroethane , 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane , 1,1,2-Trichloroethane , 1,1-Dichloroethane , 1,1-Dichloroethylene , 1,1-Dichloropropene , 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene , 1,2,3-Trichloropropane , 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene , 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene , 1,2-Dichloroethane , 1,2-Dichloropropane , 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene , 1,3-Dichloropropane , 1,3-Dichloropropene , 1-butanol , 11-chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic aci, 2,2-Dichloropropane , 2-methoxyethanol , 2-propen-1-ol , 4,8-dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA) , 9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanone-1-sulfonic acid (, Alachlor (Lasso) , Alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane , Aluminum , Antimony , Atrazine , Benzene , Beryllium , bis(2-chloroethyl) ether , Bromobenzene , Bromochloromethane , Bromomethane , Butylated hydroxyanisole , Cadmium , Carbon tetrachloride , Chloroethane , Chloromethane , Chlorpyriphos , Chromium (hexavalent) , Chromium (total) , cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene , cis-1,3-Dichloropropene , Cyanide , Dibromomethane , Dichlorodifluoromethane , Dichloromethane (methylene chloride) , Dimethipin , Ethoprop , Ethylbenzene , Germanium , Hexachlorobutadiene , Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) , Isopropylbenzene , m-Dichlorobenzene , Mercury (inorganic) , Methyl ethyl ketone , Methyl isobutyl ketone , Molinate , Monochlorobenzene (chlorobenzene) , MTBE , n-Butylbenzene , N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamido acetic acid (N, N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid , n-Propylbenzene , Naphthalene , Nitrite , o-Chlorotoluene , o-Dichlorobenzene , o-toluidine , Oxyflurofen , p-Chlorotoluene , p-Dichlorobenzene , p-Isopropyltoluene , Perchlorate , Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) , Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) , Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) , Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHPA) , Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS) , Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA) , Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) , Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) , Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) , Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTA) , Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA) , Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA) , Permethrin , Profenofos , Quinoline , sec-Butylbenzene , Selenium , Silver , Simazine , Styrene , Tebuconazole , tert-Butylbenzene , Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene) , Thallium , Thiobencarb , Toluene , trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene , trans-1,3-Dichloropropene , Tribufos , Trichloroethylene , Trichlorofluoromethane , Trichlorotrifluoroethane , Vinyl chloride , Xylenes (total)

Western Municipal Water District - Murrieta Division compliance with legally mandated federal standards:

  • From April 2019 to March 2021, Western Municipal Water District - Murrieta Divisioncomplied with health-based drinking water standards.

Information in this section on Western Municipal Water District - Murrieta Division comes from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online database (ECHO).

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS UTILITY

Water Filters That Can Reduce Contaminant Levels

ContaminantActivated CarbonEWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (60)Reverse OsmosisEWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (61)Ion ExchangeEWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (62)
CONTAMINANTS ABOVE
HEALTH GUIDELINES
Arsenic
Bromodichloromethane
Bromoform
Chloroform
Dibromoacetic acid
Dibromochloromethane
Dichloroacetic acid
Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
Haloacetic acids (HAA9)
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
Trichloroacetic acid
Uranium, combined (pCi/L)
OTHER CONTAMINANTS
DETECTED
Barium
Fluoride
Manganese
Monobromoacetic acid
Monochloroacetic acid
Nitrate

Take Action

Contact Your Local Official

One of the best ways to push for cleaner water is to hold accountable the elected officials who have a say in water quality – from city hall and the state legislature to Congress all the way to the Oval Office – by asking questions and demanding answers.

LEARN MORE

Filter Out Contaminants

Check out our recommendations for filters to protect your water against the detected contaminants.

EWG’S WATER FILTER GUIDE

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (64)

EWG drinking water standards
Have a question?

EWG’s Tap Water Database is provided solely for your personal, non-commercial use. You may not copy, reproduce, republish or distribute information from EWG’s Tap Water Database without EWG’s prior written permission. For information about licensing EWG data and analyses, contact permissionrequests[at]ewg.org.

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (67)

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EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (2024)

FAQs

Is the EWG tap water database reliable? ›

Please be advised the database frequently relies on data obtained from many sources, and accordingly, EWG cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided or any analysis based thereon. EWG's database is provided solely for your personal, non-commercial use.

What chemicals are added to drinking water? ›

Chlorine and chloramine are the major disinfectants used in public water systems. You can find out whether there is a disinfectant in your water, what kind of disinfectant is used, and how well your utility has followed the rules about disinfection by obtaining a copy of your utility's consumer confidence report .

What is in our drinking water? ›

There can be many sources of contamination of our water systems. The most common sources of contaminants include: Naturally occurring chemicals and minerals (e.g., arsenic, radon, uranium) Local land use practices (e.g., fertilizers, pesticides, livestock, concentrated animal feeding operations)

What does my tap water contain? ›

It's treated with safe levels of chlorine for disinfection, and any trace amounts of metals or bacteria are typically minuscule and not harmful. Furthermore, tap water contains essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium, and sulphate, which are beneficial for health.

Is EWG backed by science? ›

EWG's experts break down the science and bring you the details that matter. Their collective research and advocacy are grounded in rigorous, science- and data-driven analysis, with a laser focus on protecting human health and the environment.

Can you trust EWG? ›

EWG Verified® recognizes products that meet EWG's strictest standards for your health. This means none of EWG's chemicals of concern. This means full transparency. This means a mark you can trust.

Is there estrogen in tap water? ›

Steroid hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, can end up in the surface water via wastewater. Water companies treat this water, after which it will flow out of your tap. The water may still contain traces of hormones. Not a pleasant thought, if you ask us.

Is bottled water better? ›

Research shows that tap water is just as safe as bottled water and is often not significantly different in taste. Tap water is generally a better option, since it has a much lower environmental impact and costs considerably less.

Does bottled water have chemicals? ›

Of the 1,000 bottles tested, the majority proved to be relatively clean and pure. About 22 percent of the brands tested contained chemicals at levels above state health limits in at least one sample.

What is the healthiest water to drink? ›

Mineral water and alkaline water may be some of the healthiest types of water because they provide your body with essential nutrients, but simply drinking safe, uncontaminated water should be your number one priority.

Which US state has the best tap water? ›

  • Hawaii. #1 in Drinking Water Quality. ...
  • Tennessee. #2 in Drinking Water Quality. ...
  • Alabama. #3 in Drinking Water Quality. ...
  • South Carolina. #4 in Drinking Water Quality. ...
  • Massachusetts. #5 in Drinking Water Quality. ...
  • Kentucky. #6 in Drinking Water Quality. ...
  • Georgia. #7 in Drinking Water Quality. ...
  • Florida. #8 in Drinking Water Quality.

What is the safest water to drink? ›

Tap water is the most convenient and cost-effective type of water to drink, but it may contain harmful chemicals and pollutants. Mineral, structured, and pure spring water are some of the healthiest water you can drink because they're clean and contain all the essential minerals your body needs.

What toxins are found in tap water? ›

2,7 Microbial contaminants, lead, nitrates and nitrites, arsenic, disinfection byproducts, pesticides, and solvents are among the contaminants for which EPA has set health-based standards. EPA has not determined whether standards are necessary for some drinking water contaminants, such as personal care products.

Is tap water 100% safe? ›

However, while it's generally safe for drinking, tap water is not sterile, and there are a few situations in which using water straight from the faucet could endanger your health, according to experts and a CDC report published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.

What are the natural substances in tap water? ›

Naturally occurring substances in tap water

Small amounts of naturally occurring substances are not removed by treatment processes. Tap water likely contains small amounts of minerals like calcium, fluoride and magnesium, some salts, and some dissolved organic matter.

Where does EWG get their data? ›

Information is culled from ingredient labels and from the scientific and industry literature on personal care products.

Is EWG certified good? ›

A cleaning product with the EWG Verified® mark means it has met the highest standards created in the interest of public health.

Is EWG peer reviewed? ›

EWG scientists' publication of in-depth peer-reviewed research significantly bolsters our authority in the scientific community and the power of our voice among consumer citizens, the media and on Capitol Hill. This page houses links to our research. For a list of current EWG experts, please visit our EWG Experts hub.

Do companies pay to be EWG verified? ›

To fund EWG Verified and EWG Reviewed for Science, companies pay a fee to participate. Q: What is the cost of EWG Reviewed for Science? A: The cost depends on the size of the company, the number of products being assessed and the timeline. Our consultancy engagements range from one month to a year in duration.

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