San Jose Water Quality Report 2024
Comprehensive Consumer Confidence Report for San Jose, California
Overall Water Quality Grade
Water meets EPA safety standards
View detailed city report →Major Contaminants Detected
Contaminant levels compared to EPA maximum limits
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
48 ppb / 80 ppb60% of EPA limit. Disinfection byproduct from chlorination.
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
32 ppb / 60 ppb53% of EPA limit. Chlorination byproduct, within safe range.
Lead
5 ppb / 15 ppb33% of action level. May leach from pipes in older buildings.
Chromium-6
MonitoredCalifornia monitors for hexavalent chromium. Levels vary by district.
Source Water Information
Primary Sources
- •LA Aqueduct (50%): Eastern Sierra Nevada snowmelt
- •State Water Project (30%): Northern California rivers
- •Colorado River (10%): Via Colorado River Aqueduct
- •Local Groundwater (10%): San Fernando Valley basin
Source Water Quality
LA's water comes from protected mountain watersheds and aquifers. The Department of Water and Power maintains strict watershed protection to ensure high-quality source water.
Groundwater sources are monitored for contamination from historical industrial activities and require treatment before distribution.
Treatment Methods Used
Filtration
LADWP uses conventional filtration with coagulation, sedimentation, and sand filtration to remove particles and turbidity from source water.
Disinfection
Chlorine and chloramines are used to kill bacteria and viruses. UV treatment provides additional protection at some facilities.
pH Adjustment
Lime is added to adjust pH and reduce corrosivity, protecting pipes and reducing lead leaching from plumbing.
Ozonation
Some treatment plants use ozone to improve taste and odor, and provide advanced oxidation of organic compounds.
Recent Violations
No Recent Violations
LADWP has maintained compliance with federal and state drinking water standards. Historical violations have been resolved.
How to Access Full Official Report
By Phone
Call LADWP Customer Service at (800) 342-5397 to request a printed copy of the annual water quality report.
By Mail
Reports are mailed automatically to LADWP customers each year. You can also write to:
Los Angeles Department of Water & Power
111 North Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Jose's tap water safe to drink?
San Jose's water meets EPA standards for safety. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) treats and tests water regularly. However, some residents may prefer additional filtration for taste or extra protection, especially in older buildings with lead plumbing.
Where does San Jose get its drinking water?
San Jose receives water from the LA Aqueduct (Eastern Sierra Nevada), State Water Project (Northern California), and Colorado River Aqueduct, plus local groundwater sources from the San Fernando Valley basin.
What are the main contaminants in San Jose's water?
The primary contaminants detected are disinfection byproducts (TTHMs and HAA5) from the chlorination process. Lead may be present in homes with old plumbing. All levels are within EPA safety standards.
Should I use a water filter in San Jose?
While not required, a water filter can improve taste and provide extra protection. If you live in an older building, consider a filter certified to remove lead. For general use, a carbon filter removes chlorine taste and many organic compounds.
How can I get the official San Jose water quality report?
LADWP publishes annual Consumer Confidence Reports online at ladwp.com/water-quality. Reports are also mailed to customers annually and available by calling (800) 342-5397.