California Water Quality Directory
Find detailed information about water quality in cities and ZIP codes across California. Discover which contaminants might be present and understand how they compare to EPA and recommended limits.
Cities starting with "P"
Pacific Grove
Pacific Palisades
Pacifica
Pacoima
Paicines
Pala
Palermo
Palm Desert
Palm Springs
Palmdale
Palo Alto
Palo Cedro
Palo Verde
Palomar Mountain
Palos Verdes Peninsula
Panorama City
Paradise
Paramount
Parker Dam
Parlier
Pasadena
Paskenta
Paso Robles
Patterson
Patton
Pauma Valley
Paynes Creek
Pearblossom
Pebble Beach
Penn Valley
Penngrove
Penryn
Perris
Pescadero
Petaluma
Petrolia
Phelan
Phillipsville
Philo
Pico Rivera
Piercy
Pilot Hill
Pine Grove
Pine Mountain Club
Pine Valley
Pinecrest
Pinole
Pinon Hills
Pioneer
Pioneertown
Piru
Pismo Beach
Pittsburg
Pixley
Placentia
Placerville
Planada
Platina
Playa Del Rey
Playa Vista
Pleasant Grove
Pleasant Hill
Pleasanton
Plymouth
Point Arena
Point Mugu Nawc
Point Reyes Station
Pollock Pines
Pomona
Pope Valley
Port Costa
Port Hueneme
Port Hueneme Cbc Base
Porter Ranch
Porterville
Portola
Portola Valley
Posey
Potrero
Potter Valley
Poway
Prather
Princeton
Proberta
About Water Quality
Water quality is a measure of the suitability of water for a particular use based on selected physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. In California, water quality can vary significantly by location, affected by factors such as:
Understanding Contaminants
Water contaminants include a wide range of substances from natural minerals to industrial chemicals. Some have health implications, while others affect taste, odor, or appearance of water.
EPA Standards
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets legal limits for contaminants in drinking water. These standards protect public health by limiting the levels of contaminants allowed.
Health Guidelines
Beyond EPA limits, there are often stricter health-based guidelines recommended by scientists and health organizations for optimal water quality.
Common Contaminants
Common water contaminants in California include arsenic, lead, nitrates, bacteria, pesticides, and industrial chemicals that can vary by region.