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Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Matched to what EPA's records actually show for EL MIRAGE CITY OF (grade C, 72/100) — not to what sells.
EPA SDWIS/ECHO 2026Q2 · UCMR5 (2023–2026, July 2026 release) · SYR4 six-year review 2012–2019 · Full El Mirage water quality report · Methodology
Reverse osmosis (PFAS at or above the federal limit). EPA's UCMR5 sampling of EL MIRAGE CITY OF detected PFBS, PFHxA, PFOA, PFPeA, with PFOA or PFOS at or above the 4 ppt federal MCL. RO removes both long- and short-chain PFAS; a carbon block certified for PFOA/PFOS is the lower-cost option for PFOA/PFOS-only detections, provided cartridges are changed on schedule.
Based on EPA records for EL MIRAGE CITY OF, yes: reverse osmosis (pfas at or above the federal limit) is the first fix (see the evidence table above).
Reverse osmosis (NSF/ANSI 58). It is the only common household technology that removes arsenic, PFAS at the levels found.
EL MIRAGE CITY OF's latest Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile result was 0 ppb (2023-01-01 to 2025-12-31), below the 15 ppb action level. Lead enters from service lines and home plumbing, so test at the tap if your home is older.
Yes. UCMR5 sampling (2023-09-12 to 2024-05-23) detected PFBS, PFHxA, PFOA, PFPeA, with PFOA or PFOS at or above the 4 ppt MCL. RO and PFOA/PFOS-certified carbon filters reduce them.
Look for: NSF/ANSI 58 (RO) or NSF/ANSI 53 with a PFOA/PFOS claim (formerly NSF P473)
EPA's UCMR5 sampling of EL MIRAGE CITY OF detected PFBS, PFHxA, PFOA, PFPeA, with PFOA or PFOS at or above the 4 ppt federal MCL. RO removes both long- and short-chain PFAS; a carbon block certified for PFOA/PFOS is the lower-cost option for PFOA/PFOS-only detections, provided cartridges are changed on schedule.
| Evidence | Result | EPA limit | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFBS | 9 ppt (max of 18 results, 2 detects) | no federal MCL | 2023-09-12 → 2024-05-23 | EPA UCMR5 (July 2026 release) |
| PFHxA | 6 ppt (max of 18 results, 2 detects) | no federal MCL | 2023-09-12 → 2024-05-23 | EPA UCMR5 (July 2026 release) |
| PFOA | 4 ppt (max of 18 results, 1 detect) | 4 ppt | 2023-09-12 → 2024-05-23 | EPA UCMR5 (July 2026 release) |
| PFPeA | 10 ppt (max of 18 results, 2 detects) | no federal MCL | 2023-09-12 → 2024-05-23 | EPA UCMR5 (July 2026 release) |
Look for: NSF/ANSI 58 with the specific reduction claim
EL MIRAGE CITY OF's 2012–2019 compliance samples show arsenic averaging above 80% of the EPA limit or exceeding it in at least one sample. Carbon pitchers and faucet filters do not remove arsenic; reverse osmosis (or contaminant-specific media) does.
| Evidence | Result | EPA limit | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | 7.857 ug/L (average of 49 samples) | 10 ug/L | 2012–2019 | EPA SYR4 six-year review |
Look for: Certified drinking-water lab
Utility data describes water leaving EL MIRAGE CITY OF. Lead, copper and some PFAS enter between the main and your faucet, so a mail-in lab test is the only way to know what your household actually drinks — and the cheapest way to avoid buying a filter you do not need.
Rows are the contaminants EPA data actually flags for El Mirage. ✓ removes (when certified) · ◐ only specific certified models or media · ✗ does not remove.
| Removes | Pitcher | Under-sink carbon | Reverse osmosis |
|---|---|---|---|
| PFAS (PFOA/PFOS and short-chain) | ◐ | ◐ | ✓ |
| Arsenic | ✗ | ◐ | ✓ |
| Chlorine taste and odor | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Typical cost | typically $25–$50 + filters | typically $40–$150 | typically $150–$400 |
| Install | none (renters) | under the sink, ~15 min | under sink + faucet; drain line |
| Certification to look for | NSF/ANSI 42 / 53 | NSF/ANSI 42 / 53 | NSF/ANSI 58 |
| Verified picks | ZeroWater 10-cup · Brita Elite · Waterdrop pitchers | Waterdrop TSA · Waterdrop 10UA | APEC ROES-50 · Waterdrop tankless RO |
Cost ranges are typical retail prices, not quotes. Removal marks describe the filter class when certified for that contaminant — always check the NSF/ANSI listing of the exact cartridge. Full pitcher vs under-sink vs faucet comparison →
A filter is only certified for PFAS up to its rated capacity — breakthrough happens when a cartridge runs past it. Budget the cartridges, not just the unit.
| Filter | Change interval | Annual cartridge cost | Replacements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reverse osmosis (APEC ROES-50) | typically pre-filters every 6–12 months, RO membrane every 2–3 years, post-carbon yearly | typically $50–$90 | Replacement RO filter sets → |
| Under-sink carbon block (Waterdrop TSA / 10UA) | typically every 6–12 months (rated 8,000 gal or 12 months) | typically $30–$60 | Replacement under-sink cartridges → |
| Pitcher (ZeroWater / Brita Elite) | typically every 2–6 months (ZeroWater 20–40 gal depending on TDS; Brita Elite 120 gal ≈ 6 months) | typically $60–$150 | Replacement pitcher filters → |
Amazon Subscribe & Save ships cartridges on the interval you choose at a small recurring discount, which is the easiest way to keep a certified filter within its rated life. Costs are typical retail figures, not quotes; check the capacity printed on your exact cartridge.
A point-of-use (under-sink) system typically runs $200-$600 installed; whole-house treatment $1,000-$3,000+ depending on flow and what has to come out. Tell us where you are and a certified water-treatment installer serving El Mirage will follow up - no obligation.
PFOA or PFOS was measured at or above EPA's 4 ppt limit in El Mirage's UCMR5 sampling.
Best for Arsenic Removal
APEC Reverse Osmosis System
Reverse osmosis removes arsenic to safe levels — the EPA-recommended treatment for arsenic (carbon pitchers don't remove it).
Check Price on AmazonCompare direct from Waterdrop
Filters rated for arsenic reduction
Waterdrop's arsenic collection — arsenic needs RO-class treatment, and these are the systems built for it.
Shop Filters Rated for Arsenic →Whole-Home Filtration System
Whole-house system — treats every tap at the source
For consistently poor water, a whole-home system filters every faucet, shower, and appliance — the permanent, install-once fix that goes beyond a single point-of-use filter.
Explore Whole-Home SystemsNot sure what filter you need?
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