A82/100
El Monte Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 287,928 residents · California
What's In El Monte's Tap Water?
73
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 460.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
1,4-dioxane | 0.630 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2019.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
EL MONTE-CITY, WATER DEPT.
Population Served
22,968
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA1910038
SAN GABRIEL VALLEY WATER CO.-EL MONTE
Population Served
248,000
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA1910039
SAN GABRIEL VALLEY WATER CO-MONTEBELLO 2
Population Served
7,330
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
CA1910117
SAN GABRIEL VALLEY WATER CO-MONTEBELLO 1
Population Served
9,630
Water Source
Purchased Groundwater
System ID
CA1910189
Frequently Asked Questions About El Monte Water
Is El Monte tap water safe to drink?
El Monte, California tap water receives a grade of A (82/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 73 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 3 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in El Monte's water?
Of the 73 contaminants tested in El Monte's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile), chlorate, 1,4-dioxane. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does El Monte have any water quality violations?
Yes, El Monte has 24 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2021. Violation types include RPT, MR, TT. 9 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in El Monte?
El Monte water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 3 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does El Monte's tap water come from?
El Monte's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by EL MONTE-CITY, WATER DEPT. and 3 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 287,928 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is El Monte's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. El Monte's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does El Monte's water compare to other cities in California?
El Monte's water quality score of 82/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places El Monte among the better-performing water systems in California. Visit our California state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about El Monte's water quality?
If you have concerns about El Monte's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (EL MONTE-CITY, WATER DEPT.) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.