Every sip of Southern California tap water is backed by a system designed to keep it safe and reliable. During the testing process, Your SoCal Tap Water member agencies work diligently so their results align with standards for public health goals and maximum contaminant levels.
A public health goal, established by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), determines the level of contaminants in drinking water that does not pose a public health risk. They’re aspirational benchmarks rooted in extensive testing and research. This is different from maximum contaminant levels, which is the legal limit of contaminants allowed in drinking water set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These are enforceable standards that all public water systems must meet.
Contaminants can be naturally occurring or manmade compounds found in water, commonly known as constituents in the water industry. Public health goals and maximum contaminant levels help identify, measure and manage contaminants to ensure a reliable public water system, so you can sip your tap water with confidence.
While maximum contaminant levels are monitored by the EPA, public health goals are reviewed by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). All public health goals by OEHHA go through robust research and testing to identify any health hazards related to contaminant levels in drinking water. These tested samples are key for OEHHA to set safe public health goals that support water agencies and prioritize public health and safety.
These standards aren’t just safety thresholds for us and other water agencies; they’re part of our responsibility to deliver high-quality tap water around the clock. Safety is one of our key priorities when it comes to the flow of tap water; it’s at the forefront of our work.
Next time you’re sipping a glass of tap water, remember the different standards it meets and the extensive treatment and testing it goes through daily before reaching you.
Connect with us on social media:
X: @SoCalTapWater | Instagram: @yoursocaltapwater_ | Facebook: @SoCalTapWater