← Back to search

City Of Milpitas

Milpitas, CA · serves 74,865 · Purchased surface waterCA4310005
All clear
All monitored contaminants within federal limits. Last updated from the most recent CCR and EPA monitoring data available.
See filter recommendations →
Not your system? Search your address:
Measured in your 2023 water report
From your utility's Consumer Confidence Report · 23 contaminants tested
Above limit
Approaching limit
Within limits
Regulated contaminants — legally enforceable limits
Chromium-6▸
0.23 µg/L
What is it?
Also known as chromium-6 — the contaminant from the Erin Brockovich case. Found naturally in some groundwater and also from industrial pollution.
Why it matters
There is no federal MCL for chromium-6 specifically. California had a state MCL of 10 µg/L but it was withdrawn in 2017 and never reinstated. WaterScore uses California's Notification Level as a reference point.
What to do
If detected, a reverse osmosis filter can reduce chromium-6. This is one of the contaminants where the science suggests risk below current regulatory thresholds.
Fluoride▸
Valley Water
0.9 mg/L
What is it?
Naturally occurring mineral, also added to many water systems to prevent tooth decay. The MCL (4 mg/L) is much higher than the typical added amount (0.7 mg/L).
Why it matters
At levels near the MCL, long-term exposure can cause skeletal fluorosis (bone pain and tenderness). The secondary standard of 2 mg/L triggers a required public notice about dental fluorosis risk in children.
What to do
Levels below 2 mg/L are within the range considered safe. If above 2 mg/L, children under 9 may be at risk for dental fluorosis — talk to your pediatric dentist.
What the research says
Multiple peer-reviewed studies have found lower IQ in children and potential thyroid disruption at concentrations as low as 1.5 mg/L — 3x below the US federal limit.
Gross Alpha▸
Distribution System
3.3 pCi/L
What is it?
A screening test that measures total alpha radiation from all radioactive elements in water — including radium, uranium, and radon.
Why it matters
The MCL of 15 pCi/L protects against long-term cancer risk from radiation exposure.
What to do
No action needed at typical detection levels. If near the MCL, reverse osmosis and ion exchange filters can reduce radioactive contaminants.
Nitrate (as N)▸
Valley Water
1.4 mg/L
What is it?
Comes from fertilizer runoff, septic systems, and erosion of natural deposits. One of the most common groundwater contaminants in agricultural areas.
Why it matters
Nitrate above 10 mg/L can cause "blue baby syndrome" (methemoglobinemia) in infants under 6 months — it interferes with blood's ability to carry oxygen. Adults can tolerate higher levels.
What to do
If you have an infant on formula and your water is above 5 mg/L, consider using bottled water for formula preparation. Boiling water does NOT remove nitrate — it concentrates it.
What the research says
Multiple peer-reviewed studies have found neural tube defects, preterm birth, and low birth weight at concentrations as low as 5 mg/L — 2x below the US federal limit.
Uranium▸
Distribution System
1.3 µg/L
What is it?
A naturally occurring radioactive metal found in some groundwater, especially in granite and volcanic rock formations. Common in the western US.
Why it matters
The MCL of 20 pCi/L (or 0.030 mg/L) protects against kidney toxicity and cancer risk. Uranium is both a chemical toxin and a radiological hazard.
What to do
Reverse osmosis and ion exchange filters can reduce uranium. If your system uses groundwater in a uranium-bearing geology, a point-of-use filter is good protection.
Lead & copper — tested at your tap
Copper▸
Distribution System
0.062 mg/L
What is it?
Leaches from copper household plumbing and pipes. Some copper is a normal part of drinking water infrastructure.
Why it matters
Short-term exposure above the action level of 1.3 mg/L can cause gastrointestinal distress. Long-term exposure can cause liver and kidney damage. At typical detected levels (well below the AL), copper is not a health concern.
What to do
If above the action level, run your tap for 30 seconds before drinking. Copper levels decrease as water flows through the pipes.
Lead▸
Distribution System
0.0017 mg/L
What is it?
Lead in drinking water almost always comes from your home's plumbing — not from the water source or treatment plant. Lead pipes, solder, and brass fixtures can leach lead, especially if water sits in pipes for hours.
Why it matters
There is no safe level of lead exposure. Even low levels can harm children's brain development, and cause kidney and blood pressure problems in adults. The action level of 15 µg/L is a regulatory trigger, not a safety threshold.
What to do
Run your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning. Use cold water for cooking and formula — hot water leaches more lead. A filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead removal is the most reliable protection.
What the research says
There is no safe level of lead exposure. Lead crosses the placenta and causes preterm birth and cognitive impairment in children at blood lead levels below 10 µg/dL.
Disinfection byproducts
Bromate▸
Valley Water
0.0026 mg/L
What is it?
A disinfection byproduct formed when water containing bromide is treated with ozone.
Why it matters
Long-term exposure above the MCL of 0.010 mg/L is associated with increased cancer risk.
What to do
Bromate is not removable by typical home filters. If above the MCL, contact your utility.
HAA5▸
Distribution System
45.3 µg/L
What is it?
Another group of disinfection byproducts formed when chlorine reacts with natural organic matter. HAA5 measures the five most common species.
Why it matters
Long-term exposure above the MCL of 60 µg/L (0.060 mg/L) is associated with increased cancer risk. Like THMs, the MCL is based on a running annual average.
What to do
Activated carbon filters can reduce HAA5. If your system consistently approaches the limit, a reverse osmosis filter provides more complete removal.
HAA6Br▸
3.44 µg/L
What is it?
Another group of disinfection byproducts formed when chlorine reacts with natural organic matter. HAA5 measures the five most common species.
Why it matters
Long-term exposure above the MCL of 60 µg/L (0.060 mg/L) is associated with increased cancer risk. Like THMs, the MCL is based on a running annual average.
What to do
Activated carbon filters can reduce HAA5. If your system consistently approaches the limit, a reverse osmosis filter provides more complete removal.
HAA9▸
33.3 µg/L
What is it?
Another group of disinfection byproducts formed when chlorine reacts with natural organic matter. HAA5 measures the five most common species.
Why it matters
Long-term exposure above the MCL of 60 µg/L (0.060 mg/L) is associated with increased cancer risk. Like THMs, the MCL is based on a running annual average.
What to do
Activated carbon filters can reduce HAA5. If your system consistently approaches the limit, a reverse osmosis filter provides more complete removal.
TTHM▸
Distribution System
57.5 µg/L
What is it?
Formed when chlorine used to disinfect water reacts with natural organic matter. Includes chloroform, bromoform, and related compounds. The trade-off: disinfection prevents waterborne disease, but creates these byproducts.
Why it matters
Long-term exposure above the MCL of 80 µg/L (0.080 mg/L) is associated with increased cancer risk and possible reproductive effects. The MCL is based on a running annual average, not a single sample.
What to do
If your system is near or above the limit, an activated carbon filter (including pitcher filters like Brita) can reduce THMs. Running water for a minute before drinking also helps, as THMs are volatile and dissipate.
OTHER
Butylated Hydroxyanisole▸
0.035 µg/L
No additional information available for this contaminant.
Disinfectant Residual▸
Distribution System
2.78 mg/L
No additional information available for this contaminant.
p▸
9.2 –
No additional information available for this contaminant.
% of limit

Other measurements

These describe characteristics of the water that aren’t health risks at typical levels — mineral content, taste, hardness, and similar.

Iron
▸
0.019 mg/L
(EPA secondary standard: 0.3 mg/L)
Manganese
▸
0.0064 mg/L
(EPA secondary standard: 0.05 mg/L)
Strontium
▸
0.139 mg/L
TOC
▸
2.6 mg/L

CCR data in early access — values are extracted from utility PDFs and may contain errors. Verify with your utility's 2023 CCR report.

Source: CITY OF MILPITAS Consumer Confidence Report 2023 · Extracted by WaterScore
Measured data
Private Well Risk

Do you have or use a private well? Measured concentrations from nearby private wells sampled within 5 miles.

Details ↓
19 sites within 10 mi
Nearby Superfund Sites

19 EPA Superfund sites within 10 miles. Proximity does not necessarily mean your water is affected.

Details ↓
Blended supply
Water Sources

Milpitas uses both groundwater and surface water sources, giving it more supply flexibility during drought conditions. Emergency backup sources are available if primary supplies are disrupted.

Details ↓
Spatial context
Your area on the map
Open full map →