Tap Water Results

Is Chula Vista, CA tap water safe?

Data: U.S. EPA · How we read the data · How we check it

Summary

No federal limits exceeded in EPA data for Otay Water District.

2 public water systems serve parts of Chula Vista. The largest, Otay Water District, serves 242,155 people, and one system here had PFAS above a federal limit. Your water bill names your system.

Largest system

Otay Water District

242,155 people · Purchased surface water · EPA ID CA3710034

Buys treated water from San Diego County Water Authority, Sweetwater Authority, City of San Diego, California American Water – Coronado, Helix Water District.

PFASHighest averageLimitStatus
PFOA
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFOS
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFHxS
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
PFNA
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
HFPO-DA (GenX)
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected

ppt = parts per trillion. "Highest average" is the highest average at any of the system's entry points, the way EPA compares results with the limits.

Lead: 0 ppb at the 90th percentile (Nov 2026, and 9 in 10 homes sampled were at or below it) Below action level
Health-based violations since 2016: 0

Full Otay Water District results

Across California, 129 of 691 water systems EPA tested had PFAS above a 2024 federal limit, and 26 systems were above the lead action level in results from the last five years. California results.

Chula Vista homes and lead pipes

42%
of homes built before 1980 (California 56%, US 50%)
4%
built before 1950 (California 14%)
40%
of households rent (California 44%)

Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so homes from before then are the ones to check. Renting? Ask your landlord what the service line is made of, because it's their pipe to replace. How to check your own line.

Housing: Census American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates for Chula Vista city (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.

Other water systems serving Chula Vista

How nearby cities compare

CityMain water systemPFASLead (90th pct.)
National City 6 mi
Sweetwater Authority
Sweetwater AuthorityAbove limit0 ppb
Imperial Beach 7 mi
California American Water – Coronado
California American Water – CoronadoNone above limits2 ppb
Lemon Grove 7 mi
Helix Water District
Helix Water DistrictNone above limits0 ppb
La Mesa 10 mi
Helix Water District
Helix Water DistrictNone above limits0 ppb
El Cajon 12 mi
Helix Water District
Helix Water DistrictNone above limits0 ppb
San Diego 15 mi
City of San Diego
City of San DiegoNone above limits0 ppb
Chula Vista ZIP codes (5)
  • 91910
  • 91911
  • 91913
  • 91914
  • 91915

Questions

Is Chula Vista tap water safe to drink?

Otay Water District has had no health-based violations since 2016. Utility data can't show lead from your own pipes: if your home was built before 1986, test your tap. Your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report is the official summary.

Who supplies water in Chula Vista, CA?

2 public water systems serve parts of Chula Vista. The largest is Otay Water District (242,155 people). Your water bill names your system. The EPA ID is also on your utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

Does Chula Vista tap water have PFAS?

None detected above EPA's reporting limits. Otay Water District had no PFAS detected in EPA's 2023–2025 testing. "Not detected" means below the reporting limit (about 2 to 20 ppt), not proven zero.

Do Chula Vista homes have lead pipes?

Census estimates put 42% of Chula Vista homes as built before 1980 (California: 56%). Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so older homes are more likely to have them. Otay Water District's service line inventory says what your line is made of. The only way to know for your home is to check the line where it enters the house and test your tap.

Source: U.S. EPA drinking water records and PFAS testing (UCMR 5). How we read the data.