Overview
EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, 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 (April 2024 - June 2024), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
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.
Contaminants Detected
Arsenic
Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 1.80 ppb
Legal Limit: 10 ppb
450x
EWG's Health Guideline: 0.004 ppb
Arsenic
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 450 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
Legal Limit
National Average
State Average
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.
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.
ppb = parts per billionPollution Sources
Agriculture
Industry
Naturally Occurring
Filtering Options
Reverse Osmosis
Ion Exchange
Bromodichloromethane
Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 11.6 ppb
No Legal Limit
194x
EWG's Health Guideline: 0.06 ppb
Bromodichloromethane
Bromodichloromethane, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Bromodichloromethane and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.
Bromodichloromethane was found at 194 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.06 ppb for bromodichloromethane was based on the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment's public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer and harm to fetal growth and development.
Legal Limit
None
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.
ppb = parts per billionPollution Sources
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
Bromoform
Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 106.2 ppb
No Legal Limit
212x
EWG's Health Guideline: 0.5 ppb
Bromoform
Bromoform, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Bromoform and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.
Bromoform was found at 212 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.5 ppb for bromoform is based on the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment's public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer, harm to reproduction and child development, and change to fetal growth and development .
Legal Limit
None
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.
ppb = parts per billionPollution Sources
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
Chloroform
Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 3.90 ppb
No Legal Limit
9.7x
EWG's Health Guideline: 0.4 ppb
Chloroform
Chloroform, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Chloroform and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy.
Chloroform was found at 9.7 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.4 ppb for chloroform was based on the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment's public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer and harm to fetal growth and development.
Legal Limit
None
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.
ppb = parts per billionPollution Sources
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
Dibromoacetic acid
Potential Effect:

This Utility: 21.1 ppb
No Legal Limit
705x
EWG's Health Guideline: 0.03 ppb
Dibromoacetic acid
Dibromoacetic acid, one of the group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards, is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Haloacetic acids and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.
Dibromoacetic acid was found at 705 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.03 ppb for dibromoacetic acid was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment's public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer and harm to fetal growth and development.
Legal Limit
None
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.
ppb = parts per billionPollution Sources
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
Dibromochloromethane
Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 45.2 ppb
No Legal Limit
452x
EWG's Health Guideline: 0.1 ppb
Dibromochloromethane
Dibromochloromethane, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Dibromochloromethane and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.
Dibromochloromethane was found at 452 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.1 ppb for dibromochloromethane was based on the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment's public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer and harm to fetal growth and development.
Legal Limit
None
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.
ppb = parts per billionPollution Sources
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
Dichloroacetic acid
Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 1.23 ppb
No Legal Limit
6.1x
EWG's Health Guideline: 0.2 ppb
Dichloroacetic acid
Dichloroacetic acid, one of the group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards, is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Haloacetic acids and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.
Dichloroacetic acid was found at 6.1 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.2 ppb for dichloroacetic acid was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment's public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer and harm to reproduction and child development.
Legal Limit
None
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.
ppb = parts per billionPollution Sources
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 24.6 ppb
Legal Limit: 60 ppb
246x
EWG's Health Guideline: 0.1 ppb
Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
Haloacetic acids are formed when disinfectants such as chlorine are added to tap water. The group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards includes monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, monobromoacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid.
Haloacetic acids (HAA5) was found at 246 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
Legal Limit
National Average
State Average
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.1 ppb for the group of five haloacetic acids, or HAA5, was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and represents a one-in-a-million lifetime cancer risk level. This health guideline protects against cancer.
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.
ppb = parts per billionPollution Sources
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)
Potential Effect:

This Utility: 0.925 ppt
No Legal Limit
154x
EWG's Health Guideline: 0.006 ppt
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. PFDA 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.
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) was found at 154 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.006 ppt for PFDA was defined by EPA's toxicity value published in the Integrated Risk Information System’s toxicological review. This health guideline protects against harm to the immune system and harm to fetal growth and child development.
Legal Limit
None
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2018-2024.
ppt = parts per trillionPollution Sources
Industry
Runoff & Sprawl
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)
Potential Effect:

This Utility: 0.925 ppt
No Legal Limit
15x
EWG's Health Guideline: 0.06 ppt
Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)
Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. PFDA 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.
Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) was found at 15 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.006 ppt for perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) was defined by EPA's recommended application of the toxicity value for PFDA published in the Integrated Risk Information System’s toxicological review. This health guideline protects against harm to the immune system and harm to fetal growth and child development.
Legal Limit
None
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2018-2024.
ppt = parts per trillionPollution Sources
Industry
Runoff & Sprawl
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS)
Potential Effect:

This Utility: 0.925 ppt
Legal Limit: 10 ppt
925x
EWG's Health Guideline: 0.001 ppt
Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS)
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 925 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
Legal Limit
National Average
State Average
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.001 ppt for perfluorohexane sulfonate was defined by EPA's toxicity value published in the Integrated Risk Information System's toxicological review. This health guideline harm to the developing immune system.
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2024.
ppt = parts per trillionPollution Sources
Industry
Runoff & Sprawl
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)
Potential Effect:

This Utility: 0.925 ppt
Legal Limit: 10 ppt
154x
EWG's Health Guideline: 0.006 ppt
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)
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 154 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
Legal Limit
National Average
State Average
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 6 ppt for perfluorononanoic acid was defined by EPA recommended application of the toxicity value for PFDA published in the Integrated Risk Information System’s toxicological review . This health guideline harm to the immune system and harm to fetal growth and child development.
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2024.
ppt = parts per trillionPollution Sources
Industry
Runoff & Sprawl
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)
Potential Effect:

This Utility: 0.925 ppt
Proposed Legal Limit: 4 ppt
3.1x
EWG's Health Guideline: 0.3 ppt
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)
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 3.1 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
Proposed Legal Limit
National Average
State Average
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.3 ppt for PFOS was defined by EPA's final toxicity value from the Office of Water’s Final Human Health Toxicity Assessment. This health guideline protects againat cardiovascular harm and harm to fetal growth.
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2024.
ppt = parts per trillionPollution Sources
Industry
Runoff & Sprawl
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 0.925 ppt
Proposed Legal Limit: 4 ppt
10x
EWG's Health Guideline: 0.09 ppt
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
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 10 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
Proposed Legal Limit
National Average
State Average
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.09 ppt for PFOA was was defined by EPA's final toxicity value from the Office of Water’s Final Human Health Toxicity Assessment. This health guideline protects againat cardiovascular harm and harm to fetal growth.
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2024.
ppt = parts per trillionPollution Sources
Industry
Runoff & Sprawl
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)
Potential Effect:

This Utility: 0.925 ppt
No Legal Limit
154x
EWG's Health Guideline: 0.006 ppt
Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)
Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA) is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. PFUnA 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.
Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA) was found at 154 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.006 ppt for PFUnA was based the EPA's recommended application of the toxicity value for PFDA published in the Integrated Risk Information System’s toxicological review. This health guideline protects against harm to the immune system and harm to fetal growth and child development.
Legal Limit
None
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2018-2024.
ppt = parts per trillionPollution Sources
Industry
Runoff & Sprawl
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
Radium, combined (-226 and -228)
Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 0.14 pCi/L
Legal Limit: 5 pCi/L
2.7x
EWG's Health Guideline: 0.05 pCi/L
Radium, combined (-226 and -228)
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 and -228) was found at 2.7 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
Legal Limit
National Average
State Average
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.
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2018-2023.
pCi/L = picocuries per literPollution Sources
Industry
Naturally Occurring
Filtering Options
Reverse Osmosis
Ion Exchange
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
Over Legal Limit

This Utility: 166.9 ppb
Legal Limit: 80 ppb
EWG's Health Guideline: 0.15 ppb
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
Trihalomethanes are cancer-causing contaminants that form during water treatment with chlorine and other disinfectants. The total trihalomethanes group includes four chemicals: chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane and bromoform.
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) was found at 1,113 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
Legal Limit
National Average
State Average
Health Risks
The health guideline of 0.15 parts per billion, or ppb, for the group of four trihalomethanes, or THM4/TTHM, was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and represents a one-in-one-million lifetime cancer risk level.
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.
ppb = parts per billionPollution Sources
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
Trichloroacetic acid
Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 1.36 ppb
No Legal Limit
14x
EWG's Health Guideline: 0.1 ppb
Trichloroacetic acid
Trichloroacetic acid, one of the group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards, is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Haloacetic acids and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.
Trichloroacetic acid was found at 14 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.1 ppb for trichloroacetic acid was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment's public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer and harm to reproduction and child development.
Legal Limit
None
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.
ppb = parts per billionPollution Sources
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
Includes chemicals detected in 2021-2023 for which annual utility averages exceeded the federal Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL); chemicals detected in 2021-2023 for which annual utility averages exceeded an EWG-selected health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority; radiological contaminants detected between 2018 and 2023.
† HAA5 is a contaminant group that includes monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, monobromoacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid. HAA9 is a contaminant group that includes the chemicals in HAA5 and bromochloroacetic acid, bromodichloroacetic acid, chlorodibromoacetic acid and tribromoacetic acid. TTHM is a contaminant group that includes bromodichloromethane, bromoform, chloroform and dibromochloromethane.
11-chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid (11Cl-PF3OUdS)

This Utility: 0.925 ppt
No Legal Limit
EWG's Health Guideline: 1 ppt
11-chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid (11Cl-PF3OUdS)
11-chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid (11Cl-PF3OUdS) is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. 11Cl-PF3OUdS 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.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 1 ppt for 11Cl-PF3OUdS was defined by EWG as 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.
Legal Limit
None
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2019-2024.
ppt = parts per trillionPollution Sources
Industry
Runoff & Sprawl
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
4,8-dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA)

This Utility: 0.925 ppt
No Legal Limit
EWG's Health Guideline: 1 ppt
4,8-dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA)
4,8-dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA) is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. ADONA 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.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 1 ppt for ADONA was defined by EWG as 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.
Legal Limit
None
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2018-2024.
ppt = parts per trillionPollution Sources
Industry
Runoff & Sprawl
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanone-1-sulfonic acid (9Cl-PF3ONS)

This Utility: 0.925 ppt
No Legal Limit
EWG's Health Guideline: 1 ppt
9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanone-1-sulfonic acid (9Cl-PF3ONS)
9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanone-1-sulfonic acid (9Cl-PF3ONS) is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. 9Cl-PF3ONS 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.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 1 ppt for 9Cl-PF3ONS was defined by EWG as 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.
Legal Limit
None
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2019-2024.
ppt = parts per trillionPollution Sources
Industry
Runoff & Sprawl
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
Aluminum

This Utility: 5.00 ppb
No Legal Limit
EWG's Health Guideline: 600 ppb
Aluminum
Aluminum is a metal released from metal refineries and mining operations. Too much aluminum exposure can impair children's brain development.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 600 ppb for aluminum 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 harm to the brain and nervous system.
Legal Limit
None
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.
ppb = parts per billionPollution Sources
Industry
Naturally Occurring
Filtering Options
Reverse Osmosis
Chromium (total)

This Utility: 0.740 ppb
Legal Limit: 100 ppb
No EWG Health Guideline
Chromium (total)
Chromium is a naturally occurring metal, but industrial uses can elevate its levels in water. One form, hexavalent chromium, causes cancer. Total chromium is not a good indicator of the amount of hexavalent chromium in drinking water.
How your levels compare
This Utility
Legal Limit
National Average
State Average
EWG Health Guideline
Not yet determined
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.
ppb = parts per billionPollution Sources
Industry
Naturally Occurring
Filtering Options
Reverse Osmosis
Ion Exchange
Fluoride

This Utility: 0.267 ppm
Legal Limit: 4 ppm
No EWG Health Guideline
Fluoride
Fluoride occurs naturally in surface and groundwater and is also added to drinking water by many water systems to prevent cavities and support oral health in people.
In 2015, the Department of Health and Human Services updated its recommendation of an optimal level of 0.7 parts per million, or ppm, added to drinking water based on the health benefits of tooth decay prevention. Studies have shown that fluoride added to community water systems at this level reduces dental cavities, especially in children.
And studies have conclusively shown that fluoride in toothpaste and mouthwash can also provide these benefits.
How your levels compare
This Utility
Legal Limit
National Average
State Average
EWG Health Guideline
Not yet determined
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.
ppm = parts per millionPollution Sources
Industry
Treatment Byproducts
Naturally Occurring
Filtering Options
Reverse Osmosis
Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA)

This Utility: 0.925 ppt
Legal Limit: 10 ppt
EWG's Health Guideline: 9 ppt
Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA)
Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. HFPO-DA 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.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
Legal Limit
National Average
State Average
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 9 ppt for HFPO-DA was based on the EPA's Human Health toxicity value.This health guideline protects against harm to the liver.
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2019-2024.
ppt = parts per trillionPollution Sources
Industry
Runoff & Sprawl
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
Manganese

This Utility: 1.33 ppb
No Legal Limit
EWG's Health Guideline: 100 ppb
Manganese
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.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
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.
Legal Limit
None
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2023.
ppb = parts per billionPollution Sources
Industry
Naturally Occurring
Filtering Options
Ion Exchange
Monobromoacetic acid

This Utility: 0.879 ppb
No Legal Limit
EWG's Health Guideline: 25 ppb
Monobromoacetic acid
Monobromoacetic acid, one of the group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards, is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Haloacetic acids and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 25 ppb for monobromoacetic acid was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment's public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against change to fetal growth and development.
Legal Limit
None
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.
ppb = parts per billionPollution Sources
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
Nitrate and nitrite

This Utility: 0.0250 ppm
Legal Limit: 10 ppm
EWG's Health Guideline: 0.14 ppm
Nitrate and nitrite
Nitrate and nitrite enter water from fertilizer runoff, septic tanks and urban runoff. These contaminants can cause oxygen deprivation for infants and increase the risk of cancer. Nitrite is significantly more toxic than nitrate. Click here to read more about nitrate.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
Legal Limit
National Average
State Average
Health Risks
The EWG health guideline of 0.14 parts per million, or ppm, for nitrate and nitrite is based on the equivalent health guideline for nitrate, as defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG. This guideline represents a one-in-one-million annual cancer risk level.
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.
ppm = parts per millionPollution Sources
Agriculture
Runoff & Sprawl
Naturally Occurring
Filtering Options
Reverse Osmosis
Ion Exchange
Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS)

This Utility: 0.925 ppt
No Legal Limit
EWG's Health Guideline: 2,000 ppt
Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS)
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.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 2,000 ppt for perfluorobutane sulfonate was defined by EPA’s Human Health toxicity value. This health guideline hormone disruption and harm to fetal growth and child development.
Legal Limit
None
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2024.
ppt = parts per trillionPollution Sources
Industry
Runoff & Sprawl
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHPA)

This Utility: 0.925 ppt
No Legal Limit
EWG's Health Guideline: 1,000 ppt
Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHPA)
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.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 1,000 ppt for perfluoroheptanoic acid was defined by EPA's recommended application of the toxicity value for PFHxA published in the Integrated Risk Information System’s toxicological review. This health guideline harm to fetal growth and child development.
Legal Limit
None
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2024.
ppt = parts per trillionPollution Sources
Industry
Runoff & Sprawl
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA)

This Utility: 0.925 ppt
No Legal Limit
EWG's Health Guideline: 1,000 ppt
Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA)
Perfluorohexanoic 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.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 1,000 ppt for perfluorohexanoic acid was defined by EPA's toxicity value published in the Integrated Risk Information System's toxicological review. This health guideline protects against harm to fetal growth and child development.
Legal Limit
None
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2018-2024.
ppt = parts per trillionPollution Sources
Industry
Runoff & Sprawl
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
Selenium

This Utility: 2.54 ppb
Legal Limit: 50 ppb
EWG's Health Guideline: 30 ppb
Selenium
Selenium is an essential element in diets. But too much selenium can decrease thyroid hormone production and cause hair loss, skin lesions and brittle fingernails.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
Legal Limit
National Average
State Average
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 30 ppb for selenium 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 hair loss and nail damage.
Understanding the Data
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.
ppb = parts per billionPollution Sources
Industry
Naturally Occurring
Filtering Options
Reverse Osmosis
Includes chemicals detected in 2021-2023 for which annual utility averages were lower than an EWG-selected health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority.
Other Contaminants Tested
✕Chemicals tested for but not detected:
1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethylene, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP), 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,2-Dichloropropane, 2,3,7,8-TCDD (Dioxin), 2,4,5-TP (Silvex), 2,4-D, 4:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonate (4:2 FTS), 6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2FTS), 8:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonate (8:2FTS), Alachlor (Lasso), Antimony, Asbestos, Atrazine, Benzene, Benzo[a]pyrene, Beryllium, Butanoic acid, 2,2,3,3,4,4-hexafluoro-4-(trifluoro, Cadmium, Carbofuran, Carbon tetrachloride, Chlordane, cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, Combined uranium, Cyanide, Dalapon, Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, Dichloromethane (methylene chloride), Dinoseb, Diquat, Endothall, Endrin, Ethylbenzene, Ethylene dibromide, Glyphosate, Heptachlor, Heptachlor epoxide, Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), Hexachlorocyclopentadiene, Lindane, Mercury (inorganic), Methoxychlor, Monochlorobenzene (chlorobenzene), N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamido acetic acid (N, N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid, Nonafluoro-3,6-dioxaheptanoic acid, o-Dichlorobenzene, Oxamyl (Vydate), p-Dichlorobenzene, Pentachlorophenol, Perfluoro(2-ethoxyethane)sulfonic acid, Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), Perfluoroheptane sulfonic acid (PFHpS), Perfluoropentane sulfonic acid (PFPeS), Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTA), Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA), Picloram, Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), Propanoic acid, 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-3-(trifluorome, Silver, Simazine, Styrene, Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene), Thallium, Toluene, Toxaphene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene, Trichloroethylene, Vinyl chloride, Xylenes (total)
Find A Filter
Utility:
Salem Water SystemCarbon Filters
FILTERS 16 contaminants exceeding guidelines (+8 others)
Can reduce the levels of many common contaminants.
pros
- Lower upfront cost
- Reduced maintenance
cons
- Does not remove all contaminants
Reverse Osmosis
FILTERS 18 contaminants exceeding guidelines (+13 others)
Can reduce the levels of many common contaminants.
pros
- Most effective
cons
- Higher upfront cost
- Requires more maintenance
- Wastes water
Other Considerations
Ion Exchange
Pros: Softens hard water, Reduces some contaminants
Cons: Doesn’t remove all contaminants
Whole-House Filters
Pros: Useful for reducing radiologicals and TCE
Cons: Expensive to install and maintain, Risk of bacterial contamination
Distillation
Pros: Removes heavy metals and harmful microbes
Cons: Does not reduce most contaminants
Explore filter options for each contaminant. See which technologies are effective at reducing specific contaminants to help you make an informed decision on the best water treatment solution for your needs.
CONTAMINANTS ABOVE HEALTH GUIDELINES | activated carbon | reverse osmosis | ion exchange |
Arsenic | |||
Bromodichloromethane | |||
Bromoform | |||
Chloroform | |||
Dibromoacetic acid | |||
Dibromochloromethane | |||
Dichloroacetic acid | |||
Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | |||
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) | |||
Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) | |||
Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS) | |||
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) | |||
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) | |||
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) | |||
Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA) | |||
Radium, combined (-226 & -228) | |||
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | |||
Trichloroacetic acid | |||
OTHER CONTAMINANTS DETECTED | activated carbon | reverse osmosis | ion exchange |
11-chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid (11Cl-PF3OUdS) | |||
4,8-dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA) | |||
9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanone-1-sulfonic acid (9Cl-PF3ONS) | |||
Aluminum | |||
Chromium (total) | |||
Fluoride | |||
Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) | |||
Manganese | |||
Monobromoacetic acid | |||
Nitrate & nitrite | |||
Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) | |||
Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHPA) | |||
Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA) | |||
Selenium |
Take Action
Interested in supporting other causes? Learn more about our ongoing campaigns and how you can make a difference.

Need help finding a filter?
Discover top-rated filters that protect your family from harmful contaminants.
GET THE GUIDE
We’re in this together
Donate today and join the fight to protect our environmental health.
DONATE TODAY