Thousands of Californians Are Drinking Toxic Tap Water — Are You One of Them?
A disturbing new investigation by CalMatters reveals what many have long feared: California’s drinking water crisis is worse than we thought. More than 735,000 Californians — including children, seniors, and entire families — are served by nearly 400 public water systems that fail to meet basic state and federal safety standards.
If you think your home’s tap water is safe just because you live in a city or a newer neighborhood, think again. These water systems are spread across both rural and urban communities. And the water you're using to drink, cook, shower, and brush your teeth could be contaminated with dangerous chemicals — even if it looks clean and tastes fine.
The Hidden Dangers Flowing Through Your Pipes
According to the report, roughly 75% of the failing water systems exceeded health standards for one or more of the following contaminants:
Arsenic
Found naturally in groundwater, this silent killer is linked to bladder, lung, and skin cancers, as well as developmental issues in children.
Nitrate
Often found in agricultural areas, this contaminant is especially dangerous for infants and pregnant women. It reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, causing what’s known as “blue baby syndrome.”
1,2,3-Trichloropropane (1,2,3-TCP)
An industrial solvent and pesticide ingredient, 1,2,3-TCP is a known carcinogen. Even in extremely small amounts, it poses long-term risks to your health.
Who’s Affected?
These aren’t isolated incidents. Water systems across California’s Central Valley, coastal communities, and even some suburban neighborhoods are impacted.
The burden is especially heavy in Latino farmworker communities, where poverty, poor infrastructure, and proximity to agricultural runoff make clean drinking water an even greater challenge.
But no matter where you live, water quality violations can happen without warning — and you may never even know.
Sherry Hunter pours a cup of bottled water she uses to brush her teeth in her home in Allensworth on Sept.4, 2024. The San Joaquin Valley community of about 500 people has been dealing with arsenic contamination of its public wells, one of which regularly exceeds state health limits. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local
“Boil Notices” Aren’t a Long-Term Solution
Temporary fixes like boil advisories, bottled water handouts, or waiting for local agencies to "eventually" fix the problem don’t address the root issue. What about showering? What about brushing your teeth? What about your pets or your plants?
Contaminated water doesn’t stop at the kitchen sink. It travels through every faucet, every pipe, every appliance in your home.
Take Back Control of Your Water Supply
At Filtercon, we’ve helped thousands of California homeowners install whole-house water filtration systems that remove harmful contaminants right at the point of entry — before they reach your faucets, showers, or drinking glasses.
With a Filtercon system, you’ll have:
✅ Clean, filtered water in every room of your home
✅ Protection from arsenic, nitrates, chlorine, PFAS, and other harmful chemicals
✅ Peace of mind knowing your family is safe from hidden water dangers
✅ Reduced exposure to harsh chemicals on your skin and hair
A Simple Call Can Protect Your Entire Home
Don’t wait until the next water warning. Take action today.
📞 Call us now at 619-688-1810
📩 Or Get a Free Quote Here
Your home should be your safe space and that includes your water.
Want to Learn More?
You can read the full CalMatters investigation here:
👉 California drinking water still unsafe for hundreds of thousands
