Water Quality

To ensure that water is safe to drink, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Department of Public Health prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain constituents in drinking water. To meet these regulations, LACWD contracts with a state-certified laboratory to conduct all water quality analyses. These tests are performed routinely on water samples taken from the distribution system. Several key locations within the distribution system have been selected to test for bacteria, color, turbidity, odor, and disinfectant level on a regular interval to ensure that you receive safe and high quality drinking water. Our contract laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments capable of detecting contaminants in very minute quantities.

Drinking Water Standards

There are two drinking water quality standards, primary drinking water standards and secondary drinking water standards. Primary drinking water standards are set for substances that are thought to pose a health risk at certain levels and are enforceable by law. Secondary drinking water standards are set for substances that do not pose a health risk and are intended to control the aesthetic qualities related to the public acceptance of drinking water such as taste and smell. Secondary drinking water standards are not enforceable by law.

LACWD is committed to serving you a reliable supply of high quality water that meets and exceeds all primary and secondary drinking water standards. We strive to ensure your water is healthy and meets your aesthetic needs.

For more information about water quality regulations please visit the websites below.

• United States Environmental Protection Agency
• California Environmental Protection Agency
• California Department of Public Health
• California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
• Los Angeles County Department of Health Services
• Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board