Big Sur Water Quality
Latest water quality information for Big Sur, California
Last update on March 2025
Unsafe water with serious health risks.
Exceeds 2 EPA limits and 4 recommended standards.
Contaminants exceeding EPA limits
What it means: This refers to substances in the water that are found at levels higher than what the EPA allows. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is a U.S. government agency that sets legal limits for harmful contaminants to protect public health. Exceeding these limits means the water may pose health risks based on federal safety standards.
Manganese
230.50 ppbPotential Health Effects
Neurological damage
Turbidity
7.90 NTUPotential Health Effects
Infection risk
Contaminants exceeding recommended standards
What it means: This refers to substances in the water that are above health-based guidelines set by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These standards, while not always legally enforceable, are based on scientific research to protect health. Exceeding them may indicate potential health concerns.
Arsenic
2 ppbPotential Health Effects
Cancer
Sodium
84.50 ppmPotential Health Effects
Hypertension
Other Detected Contaminants
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Recommended | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barium | 163 ppb | 2000 ppb | 2000 ppb | Within limits |
| Calcium | 42.80 ppm | Not established | 80 ppm | Within limits |
| Chloride | 108 ppm | 250 ppm | 250 ppm | Within limits |
| Color | 10 CU | 15 CU | 15 CU | Within limits |
| Fluoride | 300 ppb | 4000 ppb | 2000 ppb | Within limits |
| Iron | 1.40 ppb | 300 ppb | 300 ppb | Within limits |
| Magnesium | 13.50 ppm | Not established | 30 ppm | Within limits |
| Ph Level | 6.20 pH units | 8.50 pH units | 8.50 pH units | Within limits |
| Potassium | 2.50 ppb | Not established | 5000 ppb | Within limits |
| Sulfate | 14 ppm | 250 ppm | 250 ppm | Within limits |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 365 ppm | 500 ppm | 500 ppm | Within limits |
| No additional contaminants detected. | ||||
How to best protect from water pollution?
Reduce your water pollution exposure in California
Carbon Filter
Carbon filters are effective at removing many common contaminants including chlorine, sediment, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and improves taste and odor.
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis systems can remove up to 99% of dissolved contaminants from water including heavy metals, fluoride, nitrates, and arsenic.