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EWG's Tap Water Database — 2021 UPDATE

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San Juan Basin Authority

EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the California State Water Resources Control Board, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2021 - March 2021), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.

Utility Details

  • Orange County, California
  • Data available: 2014-2019
  • Source: Groundwater

Contaminants Detected

10

EXCEED
EWG HEALTH
GUIDELINES

31 Total Contaminants

  • Legal does not necessarily equal safe. Getting a passing grade from the federal government does not mean the water meets the latest health guidelines.
  • Legal limits for contaminants in tap water have not been updated in almost 20 years.
  • The best way to ensure clean tap water is to keep pollution out of source water in the first place.

Looking for a countertop water filter?

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Contaminants Detected

Arsenic

Potential Effect: cancer879x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY3.52 ppb
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.004 ppb
LEGAL LIMIT10 ppb
DETAILS
X

Arsenic is a potent carcinogen and common contaminant in drinking water. Arsenic causes thousands of cases of cancer each year in the U.S. Click here to read more about arsenic.

Arsenic was found at 879 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.004 ppb or less

This Utility

3.52 ppb

Legal Limit

10 ppb

National Average

0.647 ppb

State Average

1.1 ppb
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.004 ppb for arsenic was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer.

Pollution Sources

agriculture icon

Agriculture

industry icon

Industry

naturally occuring icon

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

reverse osmosis icon

Reverse Osmosis

ion exchange icon

Ion Exchange

Manganese

Potential Effect: harm to the brain and nervous system4.5x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY453.2 ppb
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE100 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
DETAILS
X

Manganese is a naturally occurring element that is common in food and drinking water. Excessive manganese exposures may impair children's attention, memory and intellectual capacity. Click here to read more about manganese.

Manganese was found at 4.5 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

100 ppb or less

This Utility

453.2 ppb

National Average

10.1 ppb

State Average

6.42 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 100 ppb for manganese was defined by the state of Minnesota as a health risk limit, the concentration of a contaminant that can be consumed with little or no risk to health. This health guideline protects against harm to the brain and nervous system.

Pollution Sources

industry icon

Industry

naturally occuring icon

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

ion exchange icon

Ion Exchange

Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS)

Potential Effect: 11x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY10.6 ppt
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE1 ppt
NO LEGAL LIMIT
DETAILS
X

Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS)

more about
this contaminant

Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. PFOS and other perfluorinated chemicals can cause serious health effects, including cancer, endocrine disruption, accelerated puberty, liver and immune system damage, and thyroid changes. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and they accumulate in people. Click here to read more about perfluorinated chemicals.

Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) was found at 11 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

1 ppt or less

This Utility

10.6 ppt

National Average

156.3 ppt

State Average

0.297 ppt
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2019.
ppt = parts per trillion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 1 ppt for perfluorobutane sulfonate was defined by EWG based on studies by Phillipe Grandjean of Harvard University and many other independent researchers who found reduced effectiveness of vaccines and adverse impacts on mammary gland development from exposure to PFOA and PFOS, the two PFAS most widely detected in drinking water. This health guideline applies to the entire class of PFAS detected in water.

Pollution Sources

industry icon

Industry

urban area icon

Runoff & Sprawl

Filtering Options

carbon filter icon

Activated Carbon

reverse osmosis icon

Reverse Osmosis

Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHPA)

Potential Effect: 7x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY6.96 ppt
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE1 ppt
NO LEGAL LIMIT
DETAILS
X

Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHPA)

more about
this contaminant

Perfluoroheptanoic acid is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. Perfluorinated chemicals can cause serious health effects, including cancer, endocrine disruption, accelerated puberty, liver and immune system damage, and thyroid changes. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and they accumulate in people. Click here to read more about perfluorinated chemicals.

Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHPA) was found at 7 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

1 ppt or less

This Utility

6.96 ppt

National Average

0.215 ppt

State Average

0.114 ppt
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2019.
ppt = parts per trillion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 1 ppt for perfluoroheptanoic acid was defined by EWG based on studies by Phillipe Grandjean of Harvard University and many other independent researchers who found reduced effectiveness of vaccines and adverse impacts on mammary gland development from exposure to PFOA and PFOS, the two PFAS most widely detected in drinking water. This health guideline applies to the entire class of PFAS detected in water.

Pollution Sources

industry icon

Industry

urban area icon

Runoff & Sprawl

Filtering Options

carbon filter icon

Activated Carbon

reverse osmosis icon

Reverse Osmosis

Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS)

Potential Effect: 6.2x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY6.18 ppt
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE1 ppt
LEGAL LIMIT10 ppt
DETAILS
X

Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS)

more about
this contaminant

Perfluorohexane sulfonate is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. Perfluorinated chemicals can cause serious health effects, including cancer, endocrine disruption, accelerated puberty, liver and immune system damage, and thyroid changes. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and they accumulate in people. Click here to read more about perfluorinated chemicals.

Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS) was found at 6.2 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

1 ppt or less

This Utility

6.18 ppt

Legal Limit

10 ppt

National Average

0.361 ppt

State Average

0.617 ppt
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2019.
ppt = parts per trillion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 1 ppt for perfluorohexane sulfonate was defined by EWG based on studies by Phillipe Grandjean of Harvard University and many other independent researchers who found reduced effectiveness of vaccines and adverse impacts on mammary gland development from exposure to PFOA and PFOS, the two PFAS most widely detected in drinking water. This health guideline applies to the entire class of PFAS detected in water.

Pollution Sources

industry icon

Industry

urban area icon

Runoff & Sprawl

Filtering Options

carbon filter icon

Activated Carbon

reverse osmosis icon

Reverse Osmosis

Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)

Potential Effect: 2.3x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY2.35 ppt
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE1 ppt
LEGAL LIMIT10 ppt
DETAILS
X

Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)

more about
this contaminant

Perfluorononanoic acid, otherwise known as PFNA or C9, is a PFC similar in function and use to PFOA. These chemicals were used in the production of non-stick, stain repellent and chemically inert coatings. Click here to read more about perfluorinated chemicals.

Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) was found at 2.3 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

1 ppt or less

This Utility

2.35 ppt

Legal Limit

10 ppt

National Average

0.06 ppt

State Average

0.041 ppt
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2019.
ppt = parts per trillion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 1 ppt for perfluorononanoic acid was defined by EWG based on studies by Phillipe Grandjean of Harvard University and many other independent researchers who found reduced effectiveness of vaccines and adverse impacts on mammary gland development from exposure to PFOA and PFOS, the two PFAS most widely detected in drinking water. This health guideline applies to the entire class of PFAS detected in water.

Pollution Sources

industry icon

Industry

urban area icon

Runoff & Sprawl

Filtering Options

carbon filter icon

Activated Carbon

reverse osmosis icon

Reverse Osmosis

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)

Potential Effect: 9x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY8.98 ppt
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE1 ppt
PROPOSED LEGAL LIMIT4 ppt
DETAILS
X

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)

more about
this contaminant

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. PFOS and other perfluorinated chemicals can cause serious health effects, including cancer, endocrine disruption, accelerated puberty, liver and immune system damage, and thyroid changes. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and they accumulate in people. Click here to read more about perfluorinated chemicals.

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was found at 9 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

1 ppt or less

This Utility

8.98 ppt

Legal Limit

4 ppt

National Average

0.908 ppt

State Average

1.63 ppt
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2019.
ppt = parts per trillion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 1 ppt for PFOS was defined by EWG based on studies by Phillipe Grandjean of Harvard University and many other independent researchers who found reduced effectiveness of vaccines and adverse impacts on mammary gland development from exposure to PFOA and PFOS, the two PFAS most widely detected in drinking water. This health guideline applies to the entire class of PFAS detected in water.

Pollution Sources

industry icon

Industry

urban area icon

Runoff & Sprawl

Filtering Options

carbon filter icon

Activated Carbon

reverse osmosis icon

Reverse Osmosis

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)

Potential Effect: cancer2,796x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY19.6 ppt
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.007 ppt
PROPOSED LEGAL LIMIT4 ppt
DETAILS
X

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)

more about
this contaminant

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. PFOA and other perfluorinated chemicals can cause serious health effects, including cancer, endocrine disruption, accelerated puberty, liver and immune system damage, and thyroid changes. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and they accumulate in people. Click here to read more about perfluorinated chemicals.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was found at 2,796 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.007 ppt or less

This Utility

19.6 ppt

Legal Limit

4 ppt

National Average

1.15 ppt

State Average

0.71 ppt
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2019.
ppt = parts per trillion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.007 ppt for PFOA was proposed by California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer.

Pollution Sources

industry icon

Industry

urban area icon

Runoff & Sprawl

Filtering Options

carbon filter icon

Activated Carbon

reverse osmosis icon

Reverse Osmosis

Radium, combined (-226 & -228)

Potential Effect: cancer2.2x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY0.11 pCi/L
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.05 pCi/L
LEGAL LIMIT5 pCi/L
DETAILS
X

Radium, combined (-226 & -228)

more about
this contaminant

Radium is a radioactive element that causes bone cancer and other cancers. It can occur naturally in groundwater, and oil and gas extraction activities such as hydraulic fracturing can elevate concentrations.

Radium, combined (-226 & -228) was found at 2.2 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.05 pCi/L or less

This Utility

0.11 pCi/L

Legal Limit

5 pCi/L

National Average

0.46 pCi/L

State Average

0.12 pCi/L
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2014-2019.
pCi/L = picocuries per liter

Health Risks

EWG applied the health guideline of 0.05 pCi/L, defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal for radium-226, to radium-226 and radium-228 combined. This health guideline protects against cancer.

Pollution Sources

industry icon

Industry

naturally occuring icon

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

reverse osmosis icon

Reverse Osmosis

ion exchange icon

Ion Exchange

Uranium

Potential Effect: cancer5.5x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY2.35 pCi/L
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.43 pCi/L
LEGAL LIMIT20 pCi/L
DETAILS
X

Uranium is a known human carcinogen. The federal legal limit for uranium is set at 30 micrograms per liter (corresponding to parts per billion), but utilities can also report uranium in picocuries per liter (pCi/L), which is a measure of radioactivity in water. EWG translated all uranium results to pCi/L using a conversion factor developed by the EPA. With this conversion approach, the limit of 30 ppb corresponds to 20 pCi/L. Drinking water with this much uranium would cause more than 4.6 cancer cases in a population of 100,000. California set a public health goal for uranium of 0.43 pCi/L.

Uranium was found at 5.5 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.43 pCi/L or less

This Utility

2.35 pCi/L

Legal Limit

20 pCi/L

National Average

1.04 pCi/L

State Average

2.54 pCi/L
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2014-2019.
pCi/L = picocuries per liter

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.43 pCi/L for uranium was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. Three most common uranium isotopes are U-234, U-235 and U-238. All isotopes of uranium are radioactive, and the total radioactivity depends on the ratio of isotopes. This health guideline protects against cancer.

Pollution Sources

industry icon

Industry

naturally occuring icon

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

reverse osmosis icon

Reverse Osmosis

ion exchange icon

Ion Exchange

Includes chemicals detected in 2017-2019 for which annual utility averages exceeded an EWG-selected health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority; radiological contaminants detected between 2014 and 2019.


Other Contaminants Tested


Chemicals tested for but not detected from 2014 to 2019:

1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane , 1,1,1-Trichloroethane , 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane , 1,1,2-Trichloroethane , 1,1-Dichloroethane , 1,1-Dichloroethylene , 1,1-Dichloropropene , 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene , 1,2,3-Trichloropropane , 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene , 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene , 1,2-Dichloroethane , 1,2-Dichloropropane , 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene , 1,3-Dichloropropane , 1,3-Dichloropropene , 11-chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic aci, 2,2-Dichloropropane , 2,4-Dinitrotoluene , 4,8-dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA) , 9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanone-1-sulfonic acid (, Alachlor (Lasso) , Aldrin , Atrazine , Benzene , Benzo[a]pyrene , Beryllium , Bromacil , Bromobenzene , Bromochloroacetic acid , Bromochloromethane , Bromomethane , Butachlor , Cadmium , Caffeine , Carbon tetrachloride , Chloroethane , Chromium (hexavalent) , Chromium (total) , cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene , cis-1,3-Dichloropropene , Cyanide , Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate , Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate , Diazinon (Spectracide) , Dibromomethane , Dichlorodifluoromethane , Dieldrin , Dimethoate , Endrin , Ethyl tert-butyl ether , Ethylbenzene , Haloacetic acids (HAA5) , Heptachlor , Heptachlor epoxide , Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) , Hexachlorobutadiene , Hexachlorocyclopentadiene , Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) , Isopropyl ether , Isopropylbenzene , Lindane , m-Dichlorobenzene , Mercury (inorganic) , Methoxychlor , Methyl ethyl ketone , Methyl isobutyl ketone , Metolachlor , Metribuzin , Molinate , Monobromoacetic acid , Monochloroacetic acid , Monochlorobenzene (chlorobenzene) , MTBE , n-Butylbenzene , N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamido acetic acid (N, N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid , n-Propylbenzene , Naphthalene , Nitrite , o-Chlorotoluene , o-Dichlorobenzene , p-Chlorotoluene , p-Dichlorobenzene , p-Isopropyltoluene , Perchlorate , Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) , Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTA) , Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA) , Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA) , Propachlor , sec-Butylbenzene , Silver , Simazine , Styrene , tert-Amyl methyl ether , tert-Butyl alcohol , tert-Butylbenzene , Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene) , Thallium , Thiobencarb , trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene , trans-1,3-Dichloropropene , Trichloroacetic acid , Trichloroethylene , Trichlorofluoromethane , Trichlorotrifluoroethane , Vinyl chloride

San Juan Basin Authority compliance with legally mandated federal standards:

  • From April 2019 to March 2021, San Juan Basin Authority complied with health-based drinking water standards.

Information in this section on San Juan Basin Authority comes from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online database (ECHO).

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS UTILITY

Water Filters That Can Reduce Contaminant Levels

ContaminantActivated Carbonactivated carbonReverse Osmosisreverse osmosisIon Exchangeion exchange
CONTAMINANTS ABOVE
HEALTH GUIDELINES
Arsenic
Manganese
Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS)
Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHPA)
Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS)
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
Radium, combined (-226 & -228)
Uranium, combined (pCi/L)
OTHER CONTAMINANTS
DETECTED
Aluminum
Antimony
Barium
Bromodichloromethane
Bromoform
Chloroform
Chloromethane
Dibromoacetic acid
Dibromochloromethane
Dichloroacetic acid
Dichloromethane (methylene chloride)
Fluoride
Nitrate
Nitrate & nitrite
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)
Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA)
Selenium
Toluene
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
Vanadium
Xylenes (total)

Take Action

Contact Your Local Official

One of the best ways to push for cleaner water is to hold accountable the elected officials who have a say in water quality – from city hall and the state legislature to Congress all the way to the Oval Office – by asking questions and demanding answers.

LEARN MORE

Filter Out Contaminants

Check out our recommendations for filters to protect your water against the detected contaminants.

EWG’S WATER FILTER GUIDE