Water Quality Reports

**Updated April 27, 2021 to include current data

Analies Dyjak, M.A.  |  Hydroviv Research Analyst

Our Water Nerds have updated our assessment of Albuquerque drinking water to include the most current available data. To do this, our team analyzed data from the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Company, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as samples that we collect and analyze. We're then able to cross reference these data with toxicity studies in scientific and medical literature. The custom water filters that we build for our customers in Albuquerque are optimized with this information in mind.

Source Of Albuquerque's Drinking Water

Albuquerque drinking water is a mix of both surface water and groundwater. Approximately 70% of the supply comes from the Colorado River Basin via the San Juan Chama Project. The remainder of the supply is collected from about 90 wells across Albuquerque. This water is then treated at the San Juan Chama Drinking Water Treatment Plant.

High Levels Of Arsenic In Albuquerque Tap Water

Arsenic is a toxic metal that is known to cause cancer and other health issues. Unlike lead, which distributes into water from plumbing, arsenic comes from the source water itself. The most recent tap water quality report for Albuquerque reported an average arsenic concentration of 2 parts per billion, with a maximum measured level of 9 parts per billion. This level is just slightly below the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 10 parts per billion. Albuquerque's most recent water quality report uses the following disclosure language:

Chromium 6 In Albuquerque Drinking Water

Chromium 6 is a hazardous metal not fully regulated by the EPA. A recent city of Albuquerque water quality report revealed an average of 970 parts per trillion for chromium 6. These substantial levels are nearly 49 times HIGHER than the concentration determined to have a negligible impact on cancer risk.

Lead In Albuquerque Drinking Water

Lead enters Albuquerque's water through older lead service pipes and lead-containing plumbing. When corrosion control measures put in place by the municipality fail (like what recently happened in Flint, Michigan), lead leaches into the drinking water, and can reach dangerous levels. Currently, 10% of samples analyzed for lead in Albuquerque's water are over 2 parts per billion. Though the city of Albuquerque's water quality is currently in compliance with federal regulations, EPA, CDC, and the American Academy of Pediatrics all acknowledge that there is no safe level of lead, and federal regulations do not take into account levels measured at an individual tap. Hydroviv Undersink filters are NSF/ANSI 53 certified to remove lead from drinking water.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) In Albuquerque Drinking Water

DBPs are a category of emerging contaminants that form when chlorine-based disinfectants react with naturally-occurring organic matter. Although these chemicals are not currently regulated very well, the EPA has admitted that they are associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer, as well as kidney, liver, and central nervous system problems.

Still Have Questions About Albuquerque Drinking Water?

Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a category of emerging contaminant. They have been detected in a growing number of municipalities across the United States. Most cities are not required to test for or remove PFAS from drinking water, including Albuquerque. Not all water filters are designed to remove PFAS from tap water. If you'd like to find a water filter that removes PFAS from tap water, check out this Duke/NC State PFAS study. 

Hydroviv is a water filtration company that uses water quality data to optimize water filters for each customer's water. The contaminants that we list above are what we consider to be major “points of emphasis” that we use to build water filters that are built specifically for Albuquerque, but all of our our filters provide broad protection against a wide range of contaminants (including lead).

Emma Schultz M.S.  |  Scientific Contributor
**Updated May 3, 2021 to include data from the most recent Jersey City Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). 

To determine problems with drinking water in Jersey City, our Water Nerds use data from the Jersey City Water System, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as from samples that we collect and analyze. We use these data to cross reference with toxicity studies in the scientific and medical literature. The water filters that we build for our Jersey City customers are optimized with these issues in mind.

Source Of Jersey City Drinking Water

Jersey City’s drinking water comes from two surface water locations: the Jersey City Reservoir in Boonton, and the Split Rock Reservoir in Rockaway Township. Jersey City drinking water is treated at the Jersey City Water Treatment Plant in Boonton. Supplementary water may be briefly supplied by the City of Newark, the Passaic Valley Water Commission, or the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission.

Lead In Jersey City Drinking Water

Lead can enter Jersey City drinking water when water comes into contact with older lead service pipes and lead-containing plumbing. When corrosion control measures fail, such as the country witnessed in Flint, Michigan, lead leaches into the drinking water and reaches toxic levels. Recent sampling for lead in Jersey City found a 90th percentile concentration of 4.39 parts per billion. While these concentrations fall below the Federal Action Level, the EPA, CDC, and the American Academy of Pediatrics all agree that there is no such thing as a safe level of lead. Additionally, federal regulations cannot possibly take into account levels measured at an individual tap, especially if your home has plumbing that contains lead. 

Chromium 6 In Jersey City Drinking Water

Chromium 6 is a hazardous metal that is not currently regulated by the EPA. Jersey City tap water recently averaged 90 parts per trillion for chromium 6. This average level is over 3 times higher than the concentration determined to have a negligible impact on cancer risk. It's important to point out that the last timeJersey City tested for chromium 6 was in 2015, so this concentration might not be representative of the current chromium 6 levels in Jersey City tap water. 

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) In Jersey City Drinking Water

DBPs are a category of emerging contaminants that form when chlorine-based disinfectants interact with naturally-occurring organic matter such as twigs and leaves. These chemicals are not well regulated, but EPA has acknowledged their association with an increased risk of bladder cancer, as well as kidney, liver, and central nervous system problems. EPA regulates two categories of DBPs: Haloacetic Acids 5 (HAA5) and Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs). The concentrations of TTHMs average 57.5 parts per billion, with concentrations reaching as high as 65.4 parts per billion. For a bit of perspective, the federal EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for TTHMs is 80 parts per billion. 

Chlorine In Jersey City Tap Water

As is common practice in municipalities across the United States, Jersey City adds chlorine to its water to protect consumers from waterborne illness. While not considered acutely harmful, many consumers find that they prefer the taste of their water when chlorine is removed. When your tap water is filtered, we believe you will notice an immediate taste improvement.

Still Have Questions About Jersey City's Drinking Water Quality?

Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a category of emerging contaminants. They have been detected in a growing number of municipalities across the United States. Most cities are not required to test for or remove PFAS from drinking water, including Jersey City. Not all water filters are designed to remove PFAS from tap water.

Hydroviv is a water filtration company that uses water quality data to optimize water filters for each city’s water. The chemicals that we list above are what we consider to be “points of emphasis” so we can build the best water filter for Jersey City tap water, but all of our custom water filters provide broad protection against other contaminants commonly found in drinking water (e.g. VOCs, heavy metals [including lead], pharmaceuticals, solvents, pesticides, mercury).

If you’re interested in learning more about New Jersey's water quality or about water filters that have been optimized for Jersey City tap water, feel free to visit www.hydroviv.com, reach out by email (hello@hydroviv.com) or through our live chat. We also frequently post water-related news on Twitter or Facebook.

Please Share This Jersey City Water Quality Article On Social Media With Anyone You Think Would Benefit From The Information!

Kezia Snipe  |  Hydroviv Research Analyst
**Updated June 25, 2021 to include current data

We've updated our water quality report of Fullerton, California to include the most up-to-date information. Our team aggregated data from the City of Fullerton Water System Management, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well our own internal data. We cross reference these data with toxicity studies in scientific and medical literature, and look at upcoming regulatory changes. The water filters that we sell to our customers in Fullerton are optimized with this research in mind.

Source Of Fullerton Drinking Water

Fullerton source water is a mix of both surface and groundwater. Surface water is imported by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), which is a blend of the State Water Project and the Colorado River Aqueduct. The groundwater that Fullerton uses comes from a reservoir under the Prado Dam. 

Lead In Fullerton Drinking Water

Lead enters tap water through older lead service pipes and lead-containing plumbing. When corrosion control measures put in place by the municipality fail (like what happened in Flint, Michigan), lead leaches into the drinking water, and can reach dangerous levels. A 90th percentile was not detected in Fullerton drinking water, but older homes built before 1986 still contain lead pipes and plumbing. The EPA, CDC and The American Academy of Pediatrics all acknowledge that there is no safe level of lead for children.

Chromium 6 In Fullerton Drinking Water

Chromium 6 is an extremely toxic metal that is not currently regulated by the EPA. In recent years, Fullerton tap water quality averaged 340 parts per trillion. For the sake of perspective, these levels are nearly 17 times higher than the concentration determined to have negligible impact on cancer risk.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) In Fullerton Drinking Water

DBPs are a category of emerging contaminants that form when chlorine-based disinfectants react with naturally-occurring organic matter. Although these chemicals are not currently regulated very well, the EPA has admitted that they are associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer, as well as kidney, liver, and central nervous system problems.

Still Have Questions About Fullerton Drinking Water?

Hydroviv is a water filtration company that uses water quality data to optimize water filters for each customer's water. The contaminants that we list above are what we consider to be major “points of emphasis” that we use to build water filters that are built specifically for Fullerton, but all of our our filters provide broad protection against a wide range of contaminants (including lead).

If you’re interested in learning more about water filters that have been optimized for Fullerton's tap water issues, or just have questions about water quality in general, feel free to visit www.hydroviv.com, reach out by email (hello@hydroviv.com) or through our live chat. We also frequently post water-related news on Twitter or Facebook. We pride ourselves in being a reputable source of information on water quality, and your questions will be answered by scientists, not salespeople (we don't have any salespeople).

Please Share This City of Fullerton Water Quality Article On Social Media With Anyone You Think Would Benefit From The Information!

Other Articles We Think You Might Enjoy:
How Do I Remove Chromium 6 Contamination From My Drinking Water?
Disinfection Byproducts In Your Drinking Water

Emma Schultz, M.S.  |  Scientific Contributor
**Updated August 16, 2019 to include current data 

Our Water Nerds have updated our report of Santa Ana drinking water to include the most recent available data. We aggregated data from the City of Santa Ana Water Resources Division, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as our own internal data. Our team then cross references these data with toxicity studies in scientific and medical literature, and look at upcoming regulatory changes.The water filters that we sell in Santa Ana are optimized with these issues in mind.

Source of Santa Ana Drinking Water

Santa Ana tap water is a blend of 70% groundwater and 30% imported water. Water is imported via the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California from the Colorado River via Lake Havasu and snowpack runoff from Northern California’s Sierra Nevadas. All imported water is treated in Yorba Linda or La Verne before delivery to Santa Ana. Local groundwater is pumped to the surface from 20 city-owned wells. 

High Levels Of Chromium 6 In Santa Ana Drinking Water

Chromium 6 is a highly toxic metal not currently regulated by the EPA. Santa Ana tap water has recently averaged 1,010 parts per trillion for chromium 6. These levels are over 50 times higher than the concentration determined to have a negligible impact on cancer risk. For this reason, we recommend that Santa Ana residents take steps to remove chromium 6 from drinking water.

Disinfection Byproduct (DBP) Levels In Santa Ana Drinking Water

DBPs are emerging contaminants that form when chlorine-based disinfectants are added to water and then combine with naturally-occurring organic matter found in the water supply. While these chemicals are not yet well-regulated, the EPA has cautioned that ingesting high levels of disinfection byproducts have been linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer, as well as kidney, liver, and central nervous system problems. Santa Ana’s tap water has recently had moderate levels of trihalomethanes, with an average of 37 ppb (and a maximum of 51.2 ppb), and has measured low levels of haloacetic acids as well.

Chlorine Levels In Santa Ana Drinking Water

Like most municipalities in the United States, Santa Ana adds chlorine to the water supply to protect against waterborne illness. While not considered harmful to public health, many consumers find that removing chlorine from their drinking water greatly improves the overall taste and odor. When your tap water is filtered, we expect that you will notice an immediate taste improvement.

Still Have Questions About Santa Ana Tap Water?

Hydroviv is a water filtration company that uses water quality data to optimize water filters for each city’s water. The contaminants that we list above are what we consider to be “points of emphasis” to address in our filter design, so we can design and build the best water filter for Santa Ana tap water, but all of our water filters provide broad protection against other contaminants commonly found in drinking water (e.g. VOCs, heavy metals (including lead), pharmaceuticals, solvents, pesticides, mercury).

If you’re interested in learning more about water filters that have been optimized for Santa Ana tap water, feel free to visit www.hydroviv.com, reach out by email (hello@hydroviv.com) or through our live chat. We also frequently post water-related news on Twitter or Facebook.

Please Share This Santa Ana Water Quality Report On Social Media With Anyone You Think Would Benefit From The Information!

Recommended Articles For You
What Are The Ways To Filter Chromium 6 From Santa Ana Drinking Water?
Why You Shouldn't Use A TDS Meter To Assess Your Home's Water Quality
What Do I Need To Know About Arsenic In Tap Water?

Update/Editor's Note: On November 27, 2017 we were contacted by the Portland Water Bureau's. They asked us to clarify a couple of things:

1. That any lead found in residents' water came from the home's plumbing, not from the water supply. 
2. That an "exceedance" of a regulation is not the same as being "out of compliance." We have changed the word in the original article to reflect the legal technicality.
3. To include information saying that "Concerned customers can order a free lead-in-water test kit from the LeadLine at 503-988-4000 or multco.us/health/lead-poisoning-prevention."

Kezia Snipe  |  Hydroviv Research Analyst

For Hydroviv’s assessment of Portland's tap and drinking water, we aggregated water quality test data from Portland Water Bureau, the city’s water provider, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as from samples that we collect and analyze. We cross reference these data with toxicity studies in scientific and medical literature, and look at upcoming regulatory changes. The water filters that we build for people who live in Portland are optimized with these figures in mind.

Source Of Portland Drinking Water

Portland’s drinking water system delivers water from two sources — the Bull Run Watershed and the Columbia South Shore Well Field — to almost one million people in Portland and surrounding communities.

Lead Levels In Portland Drinking Water

Portland, Oregon has a lead problem. There's no way around it. In early November of this year, the city announced that it was in exceedance of the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule (LCR). More than 13% of the taps sampled for lead in Portland's water exceeded 15 parts per billion. This is an exceedance of the federal rule, and the municipal water provider aims to have a new treatment plan in place by 2022. For reference, the American Academy Of Pediatrics urges legal changes to remediate any school/childcare water fountain that produces water over 1 part per billion. In the meantime, we strongly urge all Portland residents whose home was built before 1986 to filter their home's water for lead.

Please Share This Portland Water Article On Social Media With Anyone You Think Would Benefit From The Information!