Screening: quick check, not lab-grade
WeAQUA DoubleCheck Water Hardness Test Strips (200)
WeAQUA
Total water hardness
- Turnaround: About 1 minute
What it can't tell you: It measures hardness only, so it tells you nothing about lead, PFAS or bacteria.
City water report · 2026
Is San Bernardino Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Short answer: In the 2022–2025 records we hold for San Bernardino, no listed result is above a legal limit. Also worth knowing: the water is very hard. 6 substances were detected and 26 were tested and not detected. The water is from San Bernardino Municipal Water Department, serving 214,665 residents.
- Year 2026
- Utility San Bernardino Municipal Water Department
- Coverage 32 records
- Updated 2026-10-15
Water utility
Where San Bernardino’s water comes from
- Utility
- San Bernardino Municipal Water Department
- Water system
- SAN BERNARDINO CITY · CA3610039
- Source water
- Groundwater
- Disinfectant
- not on record
- Population served
- 214,665
- Reporting period
- Sampled 2022–2025
- Monitoring coverage
- 32 records · 3 of 4 groups measured
- Your water utility
- San Bernardino Municipal Water Department: contact and record
Likely match, check your bill
Your water bill or annual water quality report names your actual supplier.
- SAN BERNARDINO CITYThis reportCA3610039 · 214,665 served
Why this matters
- 1Source
Groundwater
- 2Treatment
The treatment details are not on record.
- 3Distribution
Mains, then your building’s service line.
- 4Your tap
Plumbing inside the building is outside this record.
At a glance
San Bernardino water in four numbers
Purity ScoreSAN BERNARDINO CITY · PWSID CA3610039
6Detected1 above a reference
1Above a referenceof 32 records
0Health-based violationslast 10 years · EPA SDWIS
No measured result is above a legal limit; the water is very hard.
What we found
6 detected results, by distance from their limit
Each bar runs to the named reference; the tick marks it. Open a row for five layers: measured, compared, meaning, where it matters, what to do.LithiumWithin reference · Screening level10 µg/L EPA health reference level (screening, not a legal limit)9.11µg/L
① · Measured
9.11 µg/L, sampled 2024-04-17 to 2024-10-17. EPA UCMR 5.
② · Compared
10 µg/L EPA health reference level (screening, not a legal limit).
③ · Meaning
Detected at up to 9.11 µg/L (below the 10 µg/L EPA health reference level; a screening level, not a legal limit).
④ · Where it matters
Where it enters is not in this record.
⑤ · What to do
See the evidence record →Test your own tap first: a certified lab result shows what reaches your glass.
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)Within reference · Federal MCL10 ng/L federal MCL (2024)4ng/L
① · Measured
4 ng/L, sampled 2024-04-17 to 2024-10-17. EPA UCMR 5.
② · Compared
10 ng/L federal MCL (2024): a legal limit. That limit is judged on a yearly average, and water systems have until 2029 to meet it.
③ · Meaning
Detected at up to 4 ng/L (below the 10 ng/L limit EPA set in 2024). That limit is judged on a yearly average, and water systems have until 2029 to meet it.
④ · Where it matters
Comes with the source water; home plumbing does not add it.
⑤ · What to do
See the evidence record →Test your own tap first. To reduce it: Reverse osmosis, or carbon certified for PFAS (NSF/ANSI 53 or 58, with PFHxS named on the listing).
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)Within reference · Screening level2,000 ng/L EPA health advisory (screening, not a legal limit)4.4ng/L
① · Measured
4.4 ng/L, sampled 2024-04-17 to 2024-10-17. EPA UCMR 5.
② · Compared
2,000 ng/L EPA health advisory (screening, not a legal limit).
③ · Meaning
Detected at up to 4.4 ng/L (below the 2,000 ng/L EPA health advisory; a screening level, not a legal limit).
④ · Where it matters
Comes with the source water; home plumbing does not add it.
⑤ · What to do
See the evidence record →Test your own tap first. To reduce it: Reverse osmosis, or carbon certified for PFAS (NSF/ANSI 53 or 58, with PFBS named on the listing).
Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)Within reference · State limit400,000 ng/L Michigan EGLE state MCL (strictest US state)4ng/L
① · Measured
4 ng/L, sampled 2024-04-17 to 2024-10-17. EPA UCMR 5.
② · Compared
400,000 ng/L Michigan EGLE state MCL (strictest US state): a state limit.
③ · Meaning
Detected at up to 4.0 ng/L (below the 400,000 ng/L historical comparison reference).
④ · Where it matters
Comes with the source water; home plumbing does not add it.
⑤ · What to do
See the evidence record →Test your own tap first. To reduce it: Reverse osmosis, or carbon certified for PFAS (NSF/ANSI 53 or 58, with PFHxA named on the listing).
Water hardnessAbove aesthetic · Aesthetic, no health limitAesthetic, no federal health limit14.2gpg
① · Measured
14.2 gpg, sampled 2025. Utility CCR.
② · Compared
Aesthetic, no federal health limit.
③ · Meaning
242.2 mg/L as CaCO3 (14.2 grains/gal), very hard. Aesthetic (scale/appliances), not a health finding.
④ · Where it matters
Shows up as scale in kettles, water heaters and fixtures.
⑤ · What to do
See the evidence record →Test your own tap first. To reduce it: Ion-exchange water softener (NSF/ANSI 44 (softeners)).
Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA)Detected · no limit · No federal limitNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency3.4ng/L
① · Measured
3.4 ng/L, sampled 2024-04-17 to 2024-10-17. EPA UCMR 5.
② · Compared
No federal limit is on record for it.
③ · Meaning
Detected at up to 3.4 ng/L. No federal or state limit exists for this substance; shown for transparency, not graded.
④ · Where it matters
Comes with the source water; home plumbing does not add it.
⑤ · What to do
See the evidence record →Test your own tap first. To reduce it: Reverse osmosis, or carbon certified for PFAS (NSF/ANSI 53 or 58, with PFPeA named on the listing).
26 others tested, none detectedshow
- 11Cl-PF3OUdS
- 8:2 FTS
- 4:2 FTS
- 6:2 FTS
- ADONA
- 9Cl-PF3ONS
- HFPO-DA (GenX)
- Lead (90th percentile)
- NEtFOSAA
- NMeFOSAA
- NFDHA
- PFEESA
- PFMPA
- PFMBA
- PFBA
- PFDA
- PFDoA
- PFHpS
- PFHpA
- PFNA
- PFOS
- PFOA
- PFPeS
- PFTA
- PFTrDA
- PFUnA
SAN BERNARDINO CITY (EPA PWSID CA3610039) delivers groundwater to 214,665 residents. This report reflects 29 individual PFAS result(s) from the source UCMR5 observations and the latest Lead & Copper Rule 90th-percentile result. The utility's 2025 CCR reports very hard water.
Track record
0health-based violations in the last 10 years
From EPA SDWIS. A clean violation history means no enforcement action was recorded; it does not cover contaminants without a limit.
Not in this recordDisinfection by-products weren't monitored in this dataset
No result is not a pass. Your utility's annual water quality report may list them, and a certified lab test covers your own tap.
Your household
Your tap can differ from the city record
The record describes water leaving treatment and samples across the system. Pipes, solder and fixtures inside a building can add lead the record can’t see, especially in older buildings with lead service lines.
Test your water- CityTreated water
Measured in this report
- MainsDistribution network
Sampled across the system
- BuildingService line and plumbing
Not in this record
- TapYour glass
Only a tap test measures it
Test first, then treat
Three steps from a record to your glass
- 01Test
Know what comes from your tap, starting with a first-draw lead sample.
- 02Match
Compare each result with its named reference in our test reader.
- 03Treat
Choose a technology certified for what your test found.
Commercial
Test kits
Affiliate linksAs an Amazon Associate, PurityMap earns from qualifying purchases.Screening tells you if something is worth a closer look; a lab result is the number you can act on.
As an Amazon Associate, PurityMap earns from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure.
When your results arrive, read them here → · Compare every kit we list
Treatment matching
What can reduce what was found here
Finding → technology → certification → product, in that order. The reference type carries the meaning; there is no severity score.| Finding | Reference type | Technology | Certification to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)4 ng/L | Federal MCL | Reverse osmosis, or carbon certified for PFAS | NSF/ANSI 53 or 58, with PFHxS named on the listing |
| Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)4.4 ng/L | Screening level | Reverse osmosis, or carbon certified for PFAS | NSF/ANSI 53 or 58, with PFBS named on the listing |
| Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)4 ng/L | State limit | Reverse osmosis, or carbon certified for PFAS | NSF/ANSI 53 or 58, with PFHxA named on the listing |
| Water hardness14.2 gpg | Aesthetic, no health limit | Ion-exchange water softener | NSF/ANSI 44 (softeners) |
| Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA)3.4 ng/L | No federal limit | Reverse osmosis, or carbon certified for PFAS | NSF/ANSI 53 or 58, with PFPeA named on the listing |
Commercial
Filters for the PFAS found in San Bernardino water
Affiliate linksPurityMap earns a commission from these links. "Best choice" and "Budget pick" go to certified products first; commission never decides them. Affiliate disclosure★ Best available: Aquasana Claryum 3-Stage Max Flow Under-Sink Filter (AQ-6300M), the best fit here; nothing in this group is certified yet.
| Pick | Product | Details and price | Certification | Why it’s listed | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ★ Best available | Under-sinkAquasana Claryum 3-Stage Max Flow Under-Sink Filter (AQ-6300M) | Price$$ | Not certified for Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), PFHxS and Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) | See the evidence | Check price at Aquasana |
| Also good | CountertopAquasana Clean Water Machine Countertop Filter (AQ-CWM2) | Price$$ | Not certified for Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), PFHxS and Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) | See the evidence | Check price at Aquasana |
| Also good | Reverse osmosisSmartFlow® Reverse Osmosis | TechnologyReverse osmosisPrice$$$ | Not certified for Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), PFHxS and Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) | See the evidence | Check price at Aquasana |
See all 8 drinking-water options for PFAS
★ Best choice: HealthShield™, certified for PFHxS.
| Pick | Product | Details and price | Certification | Why it’s listed | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ★ Best choice | Whole-houseHealthShield™ | TreatsPFHxSPrice$$$$ | Certified for PFHxS (NSF/ANSI 53, WQA) | Why it’s listed: its current certification names PFHxS, found in San Bernardino’s record.See the evidence | Check price at Aquasana |
| $ Budget pick | Whole-houseiSpring WGB32B-PFKS PFAS & Heavy Metals Whole House FilterUse code REFISPRING at checkout: 10% off your first iSpring order. | Price$$$ | Brand lab-tested for PFAS, not independently certified for Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), PFHxS and Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) | See the evidence | Check price at iSpring |
Also: hard water picks →
PurityMap earns a commission from these links. "Best choice" and "Budget pick" go to certified products first; commission never decides them. Affiliate disclosure.
Local help
Tired of hard-water buildup?
A local plumber can look at your home and install a water softener or whole-home system.
Is this right for my home?
Choose your situation
Your path: I live in an older buildingLead from plumbing is the main question
Older buildings may have lead service lines, solder or fixtures. Lead is not in San Bernardino’s published record, so only a tap test tells you. Test first-draw water, then filter if needed.
Look forLead reduction: NSF/ANSI 53 (lead)
How to test your tap →Your path: I care about PFASCheck what was tested
4 of 29 PFAS tested were detected in San Bernardino’s record (PFHxS 4 ng/L, PFBS 4.4 ng/L and PFHxA 4 ng/L, and more). If PFAS matters to you, a filter certification names each compound it covers.
Look forNSF/ANSI 53 or 58, with each compound you care about named on the listing
PFAS in San Bernardino →Your path: My water tastes of chlorineThe disinfectant is not in this record
Most utilities keep chlorine or chloramine in the pipes. A carbon filter certified for taste and odor reduces either; your utility can tell you which it uses.
Look forNSF/ANSI 42 (chlorine taste and odor)
Water treatment technologies →Your path: I have scale or hard waterSan Bernardino water is very hard (14.2 gpg)
Scale is a comfort and appliance issue, not a health one.
Look forSoftener: NSF/ANSI 44 (softeners)
Hard water in San Bernardino →Your path: I want the broadest reductionReverse osmosis at one tap
Reverse osmosis reduces many dissolved contaminants, including lead and minerals, at a single faucet, with some water sent to drain.
Look forNSF/ANSI 58
Compare treatments →Questions
San Bernardino tap water FAQ
Follow San Bernardino’s water
Get one email when San Bernardino’s record changes.
One email when a new sampling round is published, a result moves above or below its reference, or the system's score changes.Is San Bernardino tap water safe to drink?
PurityMap does not give a safe/unsafe verdict; it shows what the public records measured. For San Bernardino, PFAS were detected below their limits, and PFPeA 3.4 ng/L with no federal or state limit. SAN BERNARDINO CITY (PWSID CA3610039) has a Purity Score of 93/100 (confidence: moderate), assessed at the water-system level and computed only from contaminants that were measured. Water can change in your own pipes, so a certified test is the only way to know what comes out of your tap. What we found →
Who provides tap water in San Bernardino?
SAN BERNARDINO CITY (PWS ID CA3610039) is the public water system on record for San Bernardino, California, serving about 214,665 people. Confirm the utility on your water bill before acting on a specific finding. Water utility →
Where does San Bernardino get its drinking water?
Groundwater (primary source of record in EPA SDWIS). Water utility →
Are PFAS "forever chemicals" in San Bernardino's water?
In EPA's UCMR 5 testing (2024-04-17 to 2024-10-17), PFBS was detected at 4.4 ng/L, below the 2,000 ng/L EPA health advisory, PFHxA was detected at 4 ng/L, below the 400,000 ng/L state limit and PFHxS was detected at 4 ng/L, below the 10 ng/L federal limit. PFPeA (3.4 ng/L) was also detected; it has no federal or state limit. What we found →
Is there lead in San Bernardino's tap water?
Lead is not in San Bernardino's current published record. Lead usually enters from a building's own pipes and fixtures, so a certified home test is the way to know yours. Your household →
What does the latest San Bernardino water report show?
PurityMap's current record for San Bernardino holds 32 findings: 1 above a reference, 4 detected within the reference, 1 detected with no limit and 26 not detected. Each finding links to its dated public record; a parameter that was never monitored is shown as pending, not as a pass. Records →
Is San Bernardino's water hard?
San Bernardino's water is recorded as 14.2 gpg, very hard. Hardness is an aesthetic and plumbing characteristic, not a health-based limit. Choose your situation →
Data and sources
32 records, each traceable
- EPA UCMR 5
- EPA SDWIS (Lead & Copper Rule)
- Utility CCR
UCMR5 Analytical Results
UCMR5 Analytical Results: SAN BERNARDINO CITY (CA3610039)
US EPA
State SDWIS Compliance Record
Lead & Copper Rule 90th-percentile: SAN BERNARDINO CITY (CA3610039)
US EPA SDWIS
Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)
City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department 2025 Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)
City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department
Methodology: how we analyze water. Prepared with AI assistance and reviewed by the PurityMap Editorial Team before publication.
Methodology
How PurityMap reads San Bernardino’s water
- 01Source data
EPA SDWIS, EPA UCMR 5 and utility reports, each dated and linked.
- 02Normalize
Units converted to one basis; a non-detect kept distinct from zero.
- 03Classify
Each result tagged by reference type: MCL, action level, screening level or aesthetic.
- 04Compare to the named reference
Every value sits against its own reference, never a blended one.
- 05Score
Measured subjects summarised at the water-system level; an open health-based violation caps the score.
- 06Match treatment
Treatment is matched to what was found; a product is called certified only when its current certification names it.
What the Purity Score means: a summary of this water system’s published record, capped while a health-based violation is open. It is not a test of any tap. SAN BERNARDINO CITY · PWSID CA3610039 · Purity Score 93/100 (Excellent) · Confidence: moderate · Assessed at the water-system level
Full methodology →Something off with your water's smell, color or taste?
Start with the hot-or-cold tap check. Where San Bernardino Municipal Water Department reported something related, it's shown below.
- Rotten-egg smell
- Cloudy or milky water
- Chlorine smell
- Brown or yellow water
- Metallic taste
Lead at San Bernardino Municipal Water Department: not detected (90th percentile, 2022–2024 monitoring period). Lead has no taste, so a taste neither shows nor rules it out.