EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (2024)

Table of Contents
Utility Details Contaminants Detected What To Do Looking for a countertop water filter? Find out which filters earned EWG's recommendation Contaminants Detected Bromochloroacetic acid Bromochloroacetic acid Bromochloroacetic acid was found at 22 times above EWG's Health Guideline. Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Bromodichloromethane Bromodichloromethane Bromodichloromethane was found at 29 times above EWG's Health Guideline. Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Chloroform Chloroform Chloroform was found at 11 times above EWG's Health Guideline. Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Chromium (hexavalent) Chromium (hexavalent) Chromium (hexavalent) was found at 7.3 times above EWG's Health Guideline. Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Dibromochloromethane Dibromochloromethane Dibromochloromethane was found at 7.3 times above EWG's Health Guideline. Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Dichloroacetic acid Dichloroacetic acid Dichloroacetic acid was found at 11 times above EWG's Health Guideline. Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Haloacetic acids (HAA5)† Haloacetic acids (HAA5) Haloacetic acids (HAA5) was found at 38 times above EWG's Health Guideline. Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Haloacetic acids (HAA9)† Haloacetic acids (HAA9) Haloacetic acids (HAA9) was found at 79 times above EWG's Health Guideline. Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)† Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) was found at 46 times above EWG's Health Guideline. Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Trichloroacetic acid Trichloroacetic acid Trichloroacetic acid was found at 16 times above EWG's Health Guideline. Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Barium Barium How your levels compare Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Chlorate Chlorate How your levels compare Health Risks Pollution Sources Chromium (total) Chromium (total) How your levels compare Pollution Sources Filtering Options Fluoride Fluoride How your levels compare Pollution Sources Filtering Options Manganese Manganese How your levels compare Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Nitrate Nitrate How your levels compare Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Nitrate and nitrite Nitrate and nitrite How your levels compare Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Silver Silver How your levels compare Pollution Sources Filtering Options Strontium Strontium How your levels compare Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Vanadium Vanadium How your levels compare Health Risks Pollution Sources Filtering Options Other Contaminants Tested City of Port Angeles compliance with legally mandated federal standards: Water Filters That Can Reduce Contaminant Levels Take Action Contact Your Local Official Filter Out Contaminants Get the guide EWG drinking water standards Have a question? References

EWG's drinking water quality report showsresults of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Washington State Department of Health, as well asinformation from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2021 - March 2021), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.

Utility Details

  • Port Angeles, Washington
  • Serves: 19,038
  • Data available: 2014-2020*
  • Source: Surface water
  • * 2020/2021 testing is for chemicals in EPA's Fourth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR-4) only.

Contaminants Detected

10

EXCEED
EWG HEALTH
GUIDELINES

20 Total Contaminants

  • Legal does not necessarily equal safe. Getting a passing grade from the federal government does not mean the water meets the latest health guidelines.
  • Legal limits for contaminants in tap water have not been updated in almost 20 years.
  • The best way to ensure clean tap water is to keep pollution out of source water in the first place.

Looking for a countertop water filter?

Find out which filters earned EWG's recommendation

See the guide

Contaminants Detected

Bromochloroacetic acid

Potential Effect: 22x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE

THIS UTILITY0.434 ppb

EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.02 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

DETAILS

X

Bromochloroacetic acid

more about
this contaminant

Bromochloroacetic acid is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Bromochloroacetic acid and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy.

Bromochloroacetic acid was found at 22 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.02 ppb or less

This Utility

0.434 ppb

National Average

3.16 ppb

State Average

0.231 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.02 ppb for bromochloroacetic acid was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and represents a on-in-a-million lifetime cancer risk level. This health guideline protects against cancer.

Pollution Sources

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (1)

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (2)

Activated Carbon

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (3)

Reverse Osmosis

Bromodichloromethane

Potential Effect: cancer29x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE

THIS UTILITY1.77 ppb

EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.06 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

DETAILS

X

Bromodichloromethane

more about
this contaminant

Bromodichloromethane, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Bromodichloromethane and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.

Bromodichloromethane was found at 29 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.06 ppb or less

This Utility

1.77 ppb

National Average

5.79 ppb

State Average

1.82 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.06 ppb for bromodichloromethane was proposed in 2018 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.

Pollution Sources

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (4)

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (5)

Activated Carbon

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (6)

Reverse Osmosis

Chloroform

Potential Effect: cancer11x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE

THIS UTILITY4.42 ppb

EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.4 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

DETAILS

X

Chloroform, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Chloroform and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy.

Chloroform was found at 11 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.4 ppb or less

This Utility

4.42 ppb

National Average

15.5 ppb

State Average

16 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.4 ppb for chloroform was proposed in 2018 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.

Pollution Sources

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (7)

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (8)

Activated Carbon

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (9)

Reverse Osmosis

Chromium (hexavalent)

Potential Effect: cancer7.3x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE

THIS UTILITY0.146 ppb

EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.02 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

DETAILS

X

Chromium (hexavalent)

more about
this contaminant

Chromium (hexavalent) is a carcinogen that commonly contaminates American drinking water. Chromium (hexavalent) in drinking water may be due to industrial pollution or natural occurrences in mineral deposits and groundwater. Read more about chromium (hexavalent).

Chromium (hexavalent) was found at 7.3 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.02 ppb or less

This Utility

0.146 ppb

National Average

0.484 ppb

State Average

0.226 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.02 ppb for chromium (hexavalent) was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer.

Pollution Sources

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (10)

Industry

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (11)

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (12)

Reverse Osmosis

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (13)

Ion Exchange

Dibromochloromethane

Potential Effect: cancer7.3x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE

THIS UTILITY0.732 ppb

EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.1 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

DETAILS

X

Dibromochloromethane

more about
this contaminant

Dibromochloromethane, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Dibromochloromethane and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.

Dibromochloromethane was found at 7.3 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.1 ppb or less

This Utility

0.732 ppb

National Average

3.29 ppb

State Average

0.634 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.1 ppb for dibromochloromethane was proposed in 2018 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.

Dichloroacetic acid

Potential Effect: cancer11x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE

THIS UTILITY2.23 ppb

EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.2 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

DETAILS

X

Dichloroacetic acid

more about
this contaminant

Dichloroacetic acid, one of the group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards, is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Haloacetic acids and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.

Dichloroacetic acid was found at 11 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.2 ppb or less

This Utility

2.23 ppb

National Average

7.97 ppb

State Average

6.16 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.2 ppb for dichloroacetic acid was proposed in 2020 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk.a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.

Pollution Sources

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (17)

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (18)

Activated Carbon

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (19)

Reverse Osmosis

Haloacetic acids (HAA5)†

Potential Effect: cancer38x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE

THIS UTILITY3.83 ppb

EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.1 ppb

LEGAL LIMIT60 ppb

DETAILS

X

Haloacetic acids (HAA5)

more about
this contaminant

Haloacetic acids are formed when disinfectants such as chlorine are added to tap water. The group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards includes monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, monobromoacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid.

Haloacetic acids (HAA5) was found at 38 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.1 ppb or less

This Utility

3.83 ppb

Legal Limit

60 ppb

National Average

17.1 ppb

State Average

15.3 ppb

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.1 ppb for the group of five haloacetic acids, or HAA5, was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and represents a one-in-a-million lifetime cancer risk level. This health guideline protects against cancer.

Pollution Sources

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (20)

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (21)

Activated Carbon

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (22)

Reverse Osmosis

Haloacetic acids (HAA9)†

Potential Effect: cancer79x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE

THIS UTILITY4.72 ppb

EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.06 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

DETAILS

X

Haloacetic acids (HAA9)

more about
this contaminant

Haloacetic acids are formed when disinfectants such as chlorine are added to tap water. The group of nine haloacetic acids includes monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, monobromoacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid, which are regulated as a group by the federal government (HAA5); and bromochloroacetic acid, bromodichloroacetic acid, chlorodibromoacetic acid, and tribromoacetic acid.

Haloacetic acids (HAA9) was found at 79 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.06 ppb or less

This Utility

4.72 ppb

National Average

23.7 ppb

State Average

17.2 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2021.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.06 ppb for the group of nine haloacetic acids, or HAA9, was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and represents a one-in-a-million lifetime cancer risk level. This health guideline protects against cancer.

Pollution Sources

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (23)

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (24)

Activated Carbon

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (25)

Reverse Osmosis

Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)†

Potential Effect: cancer46x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE

THIS UTILITY6.92 ppb

EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.15 ppb

LEGAL LIMIT80 ppb

DETAILS

X

Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)

more about
this contaminant

Trihalomethanes are cancer-causing contaminants that form during water treatment with chlorine and other disinfectants. The total trihalomethanes group includes four chemicals: chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane and bromoform.

Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) was found at 46 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.15 ppb or less

This Utility

6.92 ppb

Legal Limit

80 ppb

National Average

29.7 ppb

State Average

19.2 ppb

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The health guideline of 0.15 parts per billion, or ppb, for the group of four trihalomethanes, or THM4/TTHM, was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and represents a one-in-one-million lifetime cancer risk level.

Pollution Sources

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (26)

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (27)

Activated Carbon

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (28)

Reverse Osmosis

Trichloroacetic acid

Potential Effect: cancer16x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE

THIS UTILITY1.59 ppb

EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.1 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

DETAILS

X

Trichloroacetic acid

more about
this contaminant

Trichloroacetic acid, one of the group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards, is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Haloacetic acids and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.

Trichloroacetic acid was found at 16 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.1 ppb or less

This Utility

1.59 ppb

National Average

6.62 ppb

State Average

8.76 ppb

NO LEGAL LIMIT

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.1 ppb for trichloroacetic acid was proposed in 2020 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk.a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.

Pollution Sources

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (29)

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (30)

Activated Carbon

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (31)

Reverse Osmosis

Includes chemicals detected in 2017-2019 for which annual utility averages exceeded an EWG-selected health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority; chemicals detected under the EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 3) program in 2013 to 2015 (and subsequent testing when available), for which annual utility averages exceeded a health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority; chemicals detected under the EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 4) program in 2017 to 2020 (and subsequent testing when available), for which annual utility averages exceeded a health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority.

† HAA5 is a contaminant group that includes monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, monobromoacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid. HAA9 is a contaminant group that includes the chemicals in HAA5 and bromochloroacetic acid, bromodichloroacetic acid, chlorodibromoacetic acid and tribromoacetic acid. TTHM is a contaminant group that includes bromodichloromethane, bromoform, chloroform and dibromochloromethane.

    Barium

    THIS UTILITY4.40 ppb

    EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE700 ppb

    LEGAL LIMIT2,000 ppb

    DETAILS

    X

    Barium is a mineral present in rocks, soil and water. High concentrations of barium in drinking water increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension.

    How your levels compare

    EWG Health Guideline

    700 ppb or less

    This Utility

    4.4 ppb

    Legal Limit

    2,000 ppb

    National Average

    41.5 ppb

    State Average

    9.99 ppb

    The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
    ppb = parts per billion

    Health Risks

    The EWG Health Guideline of 700 ppb for barium was defined by EWG as benchmark that protects against harm to the kidneys and the cardiovascular system.

    Pollution Sources

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (32)

    Industry

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (33)

    Naturally Occurring

    Filtering Options

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (34)

    Reverse Osmosis

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (35)

    Ion Exchange

    Chlorate

    THIS UTILITY28.0 ppb

    EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE210 ppb

    NO LEGAL LIMIT

    DETAILS

    X

    Chlorate forms in drinking water as a byproduct of disinfection. Chlorate impairs thyroid function, making chlorate exposure most harmful during pregnancy and childhood.

    How your levels compare

    EWG Health Guideline

    210 ppb or less

    This Utility

    28 ppb

    National Average

    114.8 ppb

    State Average

    44.7 ppb

    NO LEGAL LIMIT

    The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2019.
    ppb = parts per billion

    Health Risks

    The EWG Health Guideline of 210 ppb for chlorate was defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as a benchmark for testing under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule program. This health guideline protects against hormone disruption.

    Pollution Sources

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (36)

    Agriculture

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (37)

    Industry

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (38)

    Treatment Byproducts

    Chromium (total)

    THIS UTILITY0.0546 ppb

    NO EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE

    LEGAL LIMIT100 ppb

    DETAILS

    X

    Chromium is a naturally occurring metal, but industrial uses can elevate its levels in water. One form, hexavalent chromium, causes cancer. Total chromium is not a good indicator of the amount of hexavalent chromium in drinking water.

    How your levels compare

    This Utility

    0.0546 ppb

    Legal Limit

    100 ppb

    National Average

    0.579 ppb

    State Average

    0.259 ppb

    NO EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE

    The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
    ppb = parts per billion

    Pollution Sources

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (39)

    Industry

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (40)

    Naturally Occurring

    Filtering Options

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (41)

    Reverse Osmosis

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (42)

    Ion Exchange

    Fluoride

    THIS UTILITY0.482 ppm

    NO EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE

    LEGAL LIMIT4 ppm

    DETAILS

    X

    Fluoride occurs naturally in surface and groundwater and is also added to drinking water by many water systems.

    How your levels compare

    This Utility

    0.482 ppm

    Legal Limit

    4 ppm

    National Average

    0.489 ppm

    State Average

    0.265 ppm

    NO EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE

    The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
    ppm = parts per million

    Pollution Sources

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (43)

    Treatment Byproducts

    Filtering Options

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (44)

    Reverse Osmosis

    Manganese

    THIS UTILITY4.08 ppb

    EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE100 ppb

    NO LEGAL LIMIT

    DETAILS

    X

    Manganese is a naturally occurring element that is common in food and drinking water. Excessive manganese exposures may impair children's attention, memory and intellectual capacity. Click here to read more about manganese.

    How your levels compare

    EWG Health Guideline

    100 ppb or less

    This Utility

    4.08 ppb

    National Average

    10.1 ppb

    State Average

    11.6 ppb

    NO LEGAL LIMIT

    The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
    ppb = parts per billion

    Health Risks

    The EWG Health Guideline of 100 ppb for manganese was defined by the state of Minnesota as a health risk limit, the concentration of a contaminant that can be consumed with little or no risk to health. This health guideline protects against harm to the brain and nervous system.

    Pollution Sources

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (45)

    Industry

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (46)

    Naturally Occurring

    Filtering Options

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (47)

    Ion Exchange

    Nitrate

    THIS UTILITY0.0476 ppm

    EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.14 ppm

    LEGAL LIMIT10 ppm

    DETAILS

    X

    Nitrate, a fertilizer chemical, frequently contaminates drinking water due to agricultural and urban runoff, and discharges from municipal wastewater treatment plants and septic tanks. Excessive nitrate in water can cause oxygen deprivation in infants and increase the risk of cancer. Click here to read more about nitrate.

    How your levels compare

    EWG Health Guideline

    0.14 ppm or less

    This Utility

    0.0476 ppm

    Legal Limit

    10 ppm

    National Average

    0.935 ppm

    State Average

    0.879 ppm

    The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
    ppm = parts per million

    Health Risks

    The EWG Health Guideline of 0.14 ppm for nitrate was defined by EWG . This health guideline protects against cancer and harm to fetal growth and development.

    Pollution Sources

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (48)

    Agriculture

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (49)

    Runoff & Sprawl

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (50)

    Naturally Occurring

    Filtering Options

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (51)

    Reverse Osmosis

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (52)

    Ion Exchange

    Nitrate and nitrite

    THIS UTILITY0.0280 ppm

    EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.14 ppm

    LEGAL LIMIT10 ppm

    DETAILS

    X

    Nitrate and nitrite

    more about
    this contaminant

    Nitrate and nitrite enter water from fertilizer runoff, septic tanks and urban runoff. These contaminants can cause oxygen deprivation for infants and increase the risk of cancer. Nitrite is significantly more toxic than nitrate. Click here to read more about nitrate.

    How your levels compare

    EWG Health Guideline

    0.14 ppm or less

    This Utility

    0.028 ppm

    Legal Limit

    10 ppm

    National Average

    0.888 ppm

    State Average

    0.765 ppm

    The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
    ppm = parts per million

    Health Risks

    The health guideline of 0.14 parts per million, or ppm, for nitrate and nitrite is based on the equivalent health guideline for nitrate, as defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG. This guideline represents a one-in-one-million annual cancer risk level.

    Pollution Sources

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (53)

    Agriculture

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (54)

    Runoff & Sprawl

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (55)

    Naturally Occurring

    Filtering Options

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (56)

    Reverse Osmosis

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (57)

    Ion Exchange

    Silver

    THIS UTILITY0.400 ppb

    NO EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE

    NO LEGAL LIMIT

    DETAILS

    X

    Silver occurs naturally in surface and groundwater and can be added to water as a biocide that inhibits growth of bacteria and algae. Increasingly, the use of antimicrobial nano-sized silver particles in consumer products contributes to silver in water sources used for drinking water.

    How your levels compare

    This Utility

    0.4 ppb

    National Average

    0.0381 ppb

    State Average

    0.0155 ppb

    NO EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE

    NO LEGAL LIMIT

    The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
    ppb = parts per billion

    Pollution Sources

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (58)

    Industry

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (59)

    Runoff & Sprawl

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (60)

    Naturally Occurring

    Filtering Options

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (61)

    Reverse Osmosis

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (62)

    Ion Exchange

    Strontium

    THIS UTILITY0.124 ppb

    EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE1,500 ppb

    NO LEGAL LIMIT

    DETAILS

    X

    Strontium is a metal that accumulates in the bones. Radioactive strontium-90 can cause bone cancer and leukemia, and any form of strontium at high doses can harm bone health.

    How your levels compare

    EWG Health Guideline

    1,500 ppb or less

    This Utility

    0.124 ppb

    National Average

    3.33 ppb

    State Average

    0.0619 ppb

    NO LEGAL LIMIT

    The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2019.
    ppb = parts per billion

    Health Risks

    The EWG Health Guideline of 1,500 ppb for strontium was defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as a benchmark for testing under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule program. This health guideline protects against harm to bones.

    Pollution Sources

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (63)

    Industry

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (64)

    Naturally Occurring

    Filtering Options

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (65)

    Reverse Osmosis

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (66)

    Ion Exchange

    Vanadium

    THIS UTILITY1.00 ppb

    EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE21 ppb

    NO LEGAL LIMIT

    DETAILS

    X

    Vanadium is a metal used in steels and other alloys. People are commonly exposed to vanadium in water and food. Excessive exposure can be toxic during pregnancy and childhood.

    How your levels compare

    EWG Health Guideline

    21 ppb or less

    This Utility

    1 ppb

    National Average

    1.59 ppb

    State Average

    1.56 ppb

    NO LEGAL LIMIT

    The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2019.
    ppb = parts per billion

    Health Risks

    The EWG Health Guideline of 21 ppb for vanadium was defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as a benchmark for testing under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule program. This health guideline protects against change in blood chemistry.

    Pollution Sources

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (67)

    Industry

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (68)

    Naturally Occurring

    Filtering Options

    EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (69)

    Ion Exchange

    Includes chemicals detected in 2017-2019 for which annual utility averages were lower than an EWG-selected health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority; chemicals detected under the EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 3) program in 2013 to 2015 (and subsequent testing when available), for which annual utility averages were lower than an EWG-selected health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority.

Other Contaminants Tested

Chemicals tested for but not detected from 2014 to 2019:

1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane , 1,1,1-Trichloroethane , 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane , 1,1,2-Trichloroethane , 1,1-Dichloroethane , 1,1-Dichloroethylene , 1,1-Dichloropropene , 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene , 1,2,3-Trichloropropane , 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene , 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene , 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) , 1,2-Dichloroethane , 1,2-Dichloropropane , 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene , 1,3-Butadiene , 1,3-Dichloropropane , 1,4-Dioxane , 1-butanol , 2,2-Dichloropropane , 2,4,5-T , 2,4,5-TP (Silvex) , 2,4-D , 2,4-DB , 2-methoxyethanol , 2-propen-1-ol , 3-Hydroxycarbofuran , Acifluorfen (Blazer) , Alachlor (Lasso) , Aldicarb , Aldicarb sulfone , Aldicarb sulfoxide , Aldrin , Alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane , Antimony , Arsenic , Asbestos , Atrazine , Baygon (Propoxur) , Bentazon (Basagran) , Benzene , Benzoic acid , Benzo[a]pyrene , Beryllium , Bromacil , Bromobenzene , Bromochloromethane , Bromoform , Bromomethane , Butachlor , Butylated hydroxyanisole , Cadmium , Carbaryl , Carbofuran , Carbon tetrachloride , Chlordane , Chlorodifluoromethane , Chloroethane , Chloromethane , Chlorpyriphos , cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene , cis-1,3-Dichloropropene , Cobalt , Cyanide , Dalapon , DCPA di-acid degradate , Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate , Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate , Dibromoacetic acid , Dibromomethane , Dicamba , Dichlorodifluoromethane , Dichloromethane (methylene chloride) , Dichlorprop , Dieldrin , Dimethipin , Dinoseb , Endrin , Ethoprop , Ethylbenzene , Ethylene dibromide , Fluorene , Germanium , Heptachlor , Heptachlor epoxide , Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) , Hexachlorobutadiene , Hexachlorocyclopentadiene , Isopropylbenzene , Lindane , m-Dichlorobenzene , Mercury (inorganic) , Methiocarb , Methomyl , Methoxychlor , Metolachlor , Metribuzin , Molybdenum , Monobromoacetic acid , Monochloroacetic acid , Monochlorobenzene (chlorobenzene) , n-Butylbenzene , n-Propylbenzene , Naphthalene , Nitrite , o-Chlorotoluene , o-Dichlorobenzene , o-toluidine , Oxamyl (Vydate) , Oxyflurofen , p-Chlorotoluene , p-Dichlorobenzene , p-Isopropyltoluene , Pentachlorophenol , Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) , Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHPA) , Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS) , Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) , Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) , Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) , Permethrin , Picloram , Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) , Profenofos , Propachlor , Quinoline , sec-Butylbenzene , Selenium , Simazine , Styrene , Tebuconazole , tert-Butylbenzene , Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene) , Thallium , Toluene , Toxaphene , trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene , trans-1,3-Dichloropropene , Tribufos , Trichloroethylene , Trichlorofluoromethane , Vinyl chloride , Xylenes (total)

City of Port Angeles compliance with legally mandated federal standards:

  • From April 2019 to March 2021, City of Port Angelescomplied with health-based drinking water standards.

Information in this section on City of Port Angeles comes from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online database (ECHO).

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS UTILITY

Water Filters That Can Reduce Contaminant Levels

ContaminantActivated CarbonEWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (70)Reverse OsmosisEWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (71)Ion ExchangeEWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (72)
CONTAMINANTS ABOVE
HEALTH GUIDELINES
Bromochloroacetic acid
Bromodichloromethane
Chloroform
Chromium (hexavalent)
Dibromochloromethane
Dichloroacetic acid
Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
Haloacetic acids (HAA9)
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
Trichloroacetic acid
OTHER CONTAMINANTS
DETECTED
Barium
Chlorate
Chromium (total)
Fluoride
Manganese
Nitrate
Nitrate & nitrite
Silver
Strontium
Vanadium

Take Action

Contact Your Local Official

One of the best ways to push for cleaner water is to hold accountable the elected officials who have a say in water quality – from city hall and the state legislature to Congress all the way to the Oval Office – by asking questions and demanding answers.

LEARN MORE

Filter Out Contaminants

Check out our recommendations for filters to protect your water against the detected contaminants.

EWG’S WATER FILTER GUIDE

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (74)

EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? (2024)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Margart Wisoky

Last Updated:

Views: 5621

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Margart Wisoky

Birthday: 1993-05-13

Address: 2113 Abernathy Knoll, New Tamerafurt, CT 66893-2169

Phone: +25815234346805

Job: Central Developer

Hobby: Machining, Pottery, Rafting, Cosplaying, Jogging, Taekwondo, Scouting

Introduction: My name is Margart Wisoky, I am a gorgeous, shiny, successful, beautiful, adventurous, excited, pleasant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.