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Downey Hard Water
How Hard Is Downey Water?
Downey’s most recent water quality report doesn’t publish a hardness figure, so a free in-home water test is the best way to know how hard your water is. All of Downey’s drinking water is groundwater, pumped from 19 city wells in the Central Groundwater Basin, and it carries a high mineral load, with total dissolved solids averaging 507 ppm (range 380–610).
Where Can I Get A Water Quality Report?
You can access Downey’s annual Water Quality Report. This is also known as a consumer confidence report, and provides detailed data on the composition of your municipal water annually.
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water in downey, california
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Downey tap water safe to drink?
Downey’s water comes from the Central Groundwater Basin and is treated to meet federal and state standards. While it is considered safe to drink, recent testing has detected contaminants such as arsenic, chromium (hexavalent), nitrates, and uranium, as well as PFAS chemicals (PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFBS, and others). PFOA and PFOS levels are above the 4 ppt federal limits that take effect in 2029, though no violation is reported because those limits aren’t enforceable yet. Many residents use water filters or reverse osmosis systems for additional protection.
Is Downey’s water hard?
Downey’s most recent water quality report doesn’t list a hardness figure. Because Downey’s water is 100% groundwater with total dissolved solids averaging 507 ppm, it carries a lot of minerals, and a free in-home water test will tell you exactly how hard your water is. Hard water can lead to limescale buildup, dry skin, and decreased efficiency of water-using appliances.
Does Downey’s water contain PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)?
Yes. PFAS substances such as PFOA (11.7 ppt), PFOS (28 ppt), and PFBS (6.7 ppt) were detected in Downey’s tap water in the latest testing (highest quarterly running annual averages). No violation is reported because the federal limits of 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS don’t take effect until 2029, but Downey’s current levels are above those future limits. PFAS are persistent chemicals linked to various health risks, including immune system effects and potential cancer risks.
Does Downey add fluoride to its water?
Downey’s water quality report doesn’t indicate that fluoride is added. Downey’s water contains fluoride at an average of 0.28 ppm (range 0.19–0.35), which is within both federal and state guidelines.
What other contaminants are in Downey’s water?
The most recent water quality report detected multiple contaminants, including:
- Arsenic (averaging 1.6 ppb, range ND–2.5)
- Chromium (Hexavalent) (averaging 0.79 ppb, range 0.39–1.00)
- Uranium (averaging 1.3 pCi/L, range ND–2.7)
- Nitrates (averaging 3.2 ppm, range 1.2–4.8)
- Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) (507 ppm average)
These levels are within current state and federal limits, though some, such as arsenic and uranium, are above California’s public health goals.
Where does Downey get its water?
Downey’s drinking water comes entirely from 19 groundwater wells in the Central Groundwater Basin, which is recharged through spreading grounds along the Rio Hondo and San Gabriel River. Downey uses no imported water.
What is the pH level of Downey water?
Downey’s water has an average pH of 7.49 (range 7.05 to 7.77), which is considered neutral to slightly alkaline.
Should I use a water filter or softener in Downey?
Yes. Given the presence of PFAS, trace arsenic and hexavalent chromium, and a high mineral load (TDS averaging 507 ppm), a whole-home water filtration system combined with a water softener is recommended for many households. A free in-home water test will confirm your hardness level. These systems help protect plumbing, improve water taste, and reduce health concerns from contaminants.
Does Downey water have a high total dissolved solids (TDS) level?
Downey’s water has an average TDS level of 507 ppm (range 380–610), which is above California’s 500 ppm recommended secondary standard but below the 1,000 ppm upper limit, and may affect water taste and quality. Reverse osmosis systems are commonly used to reduce TDS.
Where Can I Get A Local Water Quality Report?
You can access the most recent Downey’s Tap Water Quality Report here.
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