Is San Bernardino tap water safe to drink?
Use caution filtration recommended
San Bernardino's water has significant quality concerns. We strongly recommend a certified water filter.
4 Issues Detected in San Bernardino
PFAS (Forever Chemicals) Detected
PFAS are man-made chemicals that do not break down and accumulate in the body.
PFAS details for San BernardinoVery Hard Water (14.5 GPG)
Hard water causes scale in pipes and shortens appliance lifespan.
Hardness data for San BernardinoModerate Chlorine Level
Chlorine within EPA limits but may affect taste.
Chlorine info for San Bernardino924,019,240,492,405 · Groundwater and State Water Project
San Bernardino PFAS Water Analysis (2026)
Recent testing detected PFAS in San Bernardino tap water. Below you'll find contaminant data, an overall purity score, and matched filter recommendations based on San Bernardino's specific water profile.
Water Quality Data
Contaminant Levels
Health Insights
- 1With a hardness of 14.5 GPG, San Bernardino residents may notice white scale on faucets. Hard water increases maintenance costs.
- 2PFAS have been identified in San Bernardino's water at 4.2 parts per trillion. A reverse osmosis system is the most reliable home treatment.
- 3Chlorine levels may affect the taste of San Bernardino's tap water. A carbon filter improves flavor.
Score
San Bernardino tap water is sourced from Groundwater and State Water Project and treated by San Bernardino Municipal Water. PFAS forever chemicals have been detected. Water hardness is very hard at 14.5 GPG which may cause scale buildup. TDS is 590 ppm which is above the EPA secondary guideline of 500 ppm. Overall purity score: 58/100 (Poor). Updated for 2026.
MATCHED TO SAN BERNARDINO'S WATER DATA
Best Water Filters for San Bernardino, CA (2026)
Matched to PFAS Detected, Very Hard Water (14.5 GPG), Moderate Chlorine in San Bernardino.
Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher
Pitcher Filter
$80-95
Why this fits San Bernardino
- Removes 99%+ of PFAS detected in San Bernardino's water
- Eliminates chlorine taste and odor from San Bernardino's water
- NSF/ANSI 42 + NSF/ANSI 53 + NSF/ANSI 401 certified
Waterdrop G3P800 Tankless RO
Tankless Reverse Osmosis
$380-450
Why this fits San Bernardino
- Removes 99%+ of PFAS detected in San Bernardino's water
- Eliminates chlorine taste and odor from San Bernardino's water
- NSF/ANSI 58 + NSF 372 certified
APEC Water Systems ROES-50
Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis
$195-220
Why this fits San Bernardino
- Removes 99%+ of PFAS detected in San Bernardino's water
- Eliminates chlorine taste and odor from San Bernardino's water
- NSF/ANSI 58 certified
Waterdrop 10UA Under-Sink Filter
Under-Sink Carbon Filter
$40-60
Why this fits San Bernardino
- Eliminates chlorine taste and odor from San Bernardino's water
- NSF/ANSI 42 certified
- Budget-friendly at $40-60
As an Amazon Associate, PurityMap may earn from qualifying purchases. Based on latest San Bernardino water data.
Know exactly what's in YOUR tap
City data shows averages. Your home may differ.
Test Your Water — $25-30About San Bernardino's Water
Understanding PFAS in San Bernardino's Water Supply
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a class of synthetic chemicals used in industrial and consumer products since the 1940s. Testing identified PFAS compounds in San Bernardino's water at 4.2 parts per trillion. These chemicals resist breakdown in the environment and the human body, which is why they're sometimes called forever chemicals. The EPA has established health advisories for several PFAS compounds. A certified reverse osmosis system removes 99% or more of PFAS from drinking water and is currently the most reliable home treatment option.
Hard Water in San Bernardino: Impact on Plumbing and Appliances
At 14.5 grains per gallon, San Bernardino's water qualifies as very hard. Hard water carries dissolved calcium and magnesium that deposit as limescale inside pipes, water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines over time. Scale accumulation reduces appliance efficiency and shortens service life. A salt-based water softener is the most effective solution for whole-home protection. For drinking water only, a reverse osmosis system also reduces mineral content significantly.
Explore San Bernardino Water Data
San Bernardino Water FAQ
Is San Bernardino CA tap water safe to drink in 2026?
Does San Bernardino CA use chlorine or chloramine for disinfection?
How hard is San Bernardino CA water and what is the TDS level?
Has PFAS been found in San Bernardino CA drinking water?
Nearby Reports
Compare across all 50 US states
Data Sources
- EPA SDWIS
- EWG Tap Water Database
- San Bernardino Municipal Water CCR
- USGS monitoring data
PurityMap compiles public data. Updated March 2026.