F17/100
South Gate Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 76,443 residents · California
What's In South Gate's Tap Water?
73
Contaminants Tested
2
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOS | 0.019 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
PFOA | 0.007 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2018.
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
SOUTH GATE-CITY, WATER DEPT.
Population Served
76,443
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
CA1910152
Frequently Asked Questions About South Gate Water
Is South Gate tap water safe to drink?
South Gate, California tap water receives a grade of F (17/100), which is considered failing. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 59 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in South Gate's water?
Of the 73 contaminants tested in South Gate's water supply, the most notable include PFOS, PFOA. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does South Gate have any water quality violations?
Yes, South Gate has 59 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2018. Violation types include MR, Other, MCL. 2 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in South Gate?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in South Gate is recommended. 2 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does South Gate's tap water come from?
South Gate's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by SOUTH GATE-CITY, WATER DEPT.. The system serves approximately 76,443 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is South Gate'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. South Gate'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 South Gate's water compare to other cities in California?
South Gate's water quality score of 17/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our California state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about South Gate's water quality?
If you have concerns about South Gate'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 (SOUTH GATE-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.