Can I drink the tap water?
How good is the tap water in Los Angeles, United States ?
All in all, 21% of folks here drink from the tap.
How good is the tap water in all of United States?
All in all, 31% of folks here drink from the tap.
Can you drink the tap water in Los Angeles then?
What residents and travelers say
Residents and visitors to Los Angeles often report mixed experiences with tap water. Some find it perfectly fine to drink straight from the tap, appreciating its safety and convenience, while others note a distinctive taste attributed to the source water and treatment processes. Taste perceptions vary by neighborhood and building, with older constructions sometimes contributing a slight metallic or chlorine flavor due to aging pipes. Many locals use water filters—mostly activated carbon pitchers or faucet attachments—to improve taste and reduce any lingering chlorine smell. Travelers generally feel comfortable refilling water bottles at public fountains and establishments, particularly after confirming local water quality updates.
- Taste: Varies from neutral to mildly chlorinated; influenced by water source and plumbing.
- Filter usage: Common in areas with older plumbing or for those sensitive to taste.
- Refilling norms: Widely accepted; refill stations common in public places.
- Building variability: Newer buildings often have better water quality and taste due to updated pipes.
- Local caveats: Residents recommend occasionally checking updates from LADWP or LACDPH for notices about maintenance or contamination events.
For the most reliable, current information on Los Angeles tap water safety and quality, it’s best to consult official sources such as the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, or updates on LADWP’s Twitter feed. These resources provide alerts on any water quality issues and detailed testing results, helping both residents and visitors make informed decisions about drinking tap water in different parts of the city.
Further reading on tap water in Los Angeles
To verify the quality of tap water in Los Angeles and check for any advisories, visit the official Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) website, which provides up-to-date water quality reports and alerts. Additionally, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health posts relevant information about water safety and advisories. For national context, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers resources on drinking water standards and violations. Following LADWP's official social media accounts on platforms like X (Twitter) can also provide timely updates and advisories.
- https://www.ladwp.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP)
- http://publichealth.lacounty.gov" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
- https://www.epa.gov/dwstandardsregulations" rel="noopener" target="_blank">US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Drinking Water
- https://twitter.com/ladwp" rel="noopener" target="_blank">LADWP Twitter