Long Beach Water Contamination: Water Quality Report & Filters – Frizzlife

Long Beach water contamination affects both the tap water you drink and the ocean water where you swim, surf, and play. Official reports say that Long Beach drinking water meets EPA standards, yet tests still find arsenic, lead, chromium‑6, and disinfection byproducts (DBPs) at levels that can raise long‑term health risks. At the same time, coastal waters near Long Beach are stressed by wildfires, stormwater runoff, sewage spills, and algal blooms, which can lead to beach closures.

This guide gives clear, fast answers about how safe water in Long Beach is right now, then explains the data on contaminants, health effects, and regulations in simple language. You’ll also find practical steps to reduce exposure at home, understand beach warnings, and know where to look for the most current information.

Long Beach water contamination: 2025 snapshot & quick answers

Long Beach water contamination has become a growing concern in 2025 as residents look for clearer answers about what’s actually in their tap water and how it may affect daily health. This section gives you a fast, fact-driven snapshot.

Key takeaways: drinking vs ocean water at a glance

Is Long Beach tap water contaminated? Yes, Long Beach tap water contains contaminants like arsenic, lead, chromium-6, and DBPs. Most levels meet legal standards, but some are above stricter health-based goals, so experts see this as a health risk over time, not an emergency.
Is Long Beach water safe to drink now? As of early 2025, city reports say Long Beach drinking water is safe to drink under federal and California standards, and the October 2024 boil water notice was canceled after testing. Many health-conscious residents still use water filters or RO systems to reduce contaminants.
Why is there a boil water notice in Long Beach, CA? Does Long Beach really have to boil water? Boil water notices are issued when there is a risk that germs (like bacteria) entered the system, for example after a main break, pressure loss, or a concerning lab test. During those periods, yes, residents really must boil tap water or use safe bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, and cooking until the utility and health department cancel the notice. Right now, Long Beach does not have an active boil water notice according to recent city updates.
Is reverse osmosis water safe to drink during a boil water advisory? A reverse osmosis (RO) system can remove many contaminants, but not every home RO unit is certified to remove all bacteria and viruses. Health agencies say you should not rely on typical under-sink filters or RO alone during a boil notice unless the device is certified for microbiological purification. The safer choice is to boil water first or use sealed bottled water, and you can still run that boiled water through your RO system afterward if you want extra taste or chemical reduction.
Is Long Beach water safe to swim in? Is it safe to swim at Long Bay beach? People often ask, “Is it safe to swim at Long Bay beach?” If you mean Long Beach, CA, the answer depends on recent rain, sewage spills, and health advisories. On dry days, many Long Beach beaches receive good to excellent grades from groups like Heal the Bay. After rainstorms, fires, or sewage spills, bacteria, heavy metals, and chemicals can spike, and LA County Public Health may post warnings or close beaches. Always check current beach grades and advisories before you swim or surf.

Is Long Beach tap water safe to drink in 2025?

The water in Long Beach comes from a mix of local groundwater and imported surface water from systems like the Colorado River Aqueduct and State Water Project. This mix is treated at a water treatment plant, then distributed through city pipes.

Recent reports show:

Arsenic in Long Beach water has been detected up to 2.5 parts per billion (ppb). This is below the EPA standard of 10 ppb, but above the 1 ppb level where many scientists say cancer risk starts to rise.
Chromium-6 averages around 63 parts per trillion (ppt), about three times higher than California’s Public Health Goal of 20 ppt. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the federal drinking-water rule still regulates only total chromium—not chromium-6 on its own—even though EPA acknowledges that long-term exposure to chromium-6 can increase cancer risk.
Lead is mostly from old building plumbing and fixtures, not from the city’s main pipes. Long Beach Utilities reports no known lead service lines, but even very low lead is unsafe for children’s brains and nervous system.
Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) form when chlorine reacts with naturally‑occurring organic matter in surface and groundwater. Levels meet the current EPA standard, but many health experts say the limits are not strict enough to fully protect against bladder cancer and possible impacts on the liver and kidney.

So, is Long Beach water safe to drink now?

Legally: Yes, the Long Beach utility reports that drinking water meets state and federal standards.
Health‑wise: Some people, especially parents, pregnant people, and those with chronic health issues, may choose to use a good water filter to lower exposure to arsenic, chromium‑6, lead, and DBPs as much as possible.

If you want to be extra careful, using a certified water filtration system (such as certain RO systems with carbon stages) at the tap you use for drinking and cooking can significantly remove contaminants.

Is it safe to swim at Long Beach beaches right now?

Whether Long Beach water is safe to swim in depends on:

Recent rainfall and storms
Sewage spills and reportable overflows
Runoff after wildfires and strong winds
Current bacteria and toxin levels

After the January 2025 Palisades fires and winter storms, runoff carried heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and debris into coastal waters, including the Santa Monica Bay region that connects along the coast toward Long Beach. In some samples, metals like aluminum, iron, selenium, and manganese were measured at up to 10 times typical drinking water limits for short periods.

Health departments and Heal the Bay reported elevated bacteria and chemical concerns, so certain beaches had closures and health advisories. On dry days with no recent spills or heavy rain, many Long Beach beaches now test within safe ranges and get good grades.

Before you swim, surf, or let your kids play in the waves, it helps to:

Check the latest beach grades (A–F style) from trusted organizations.
Look for posted warning signs at the beach entrance.
Avoid swimming for at least 72 hours after heavy rain, when storm drains send polluted runoff into the ocean.

Fast comparison of risks by water type, activity, and conditions

Water Type / Activity	Typical Conditions	Main Risk Types	Relative Risk Level*
Tap water – drinking / cooking	Normal operation, no boil notice	Arsenic, chromium‑6, DBPs, possible lead from home plumbing	Low to moderate (long‑term)
Tap water – drinking / cooking	During active boil water notice	Bacteria, viruses, parasites	High until boiled or replaced with bottled
Showering / washing (tap)	Normal	Skin exposure to DBPs and metals	Low for most people
Ocean – swimming / surfing	Dry weather, good grades	Bacteria usually low; some metals/PAHs near storm drains	Low to moderate
Ocean – swimming / surfing	Within 72 hours after rain	High bacteria, runoff chemicals, trash	Higher, especially near river mouths and drains
Ocean – swimming / surfing	During sewage spill advisory/closure	Sewage‑borne pathogens, chemicals	High – avoid water

*Relative risk is general and does not replace medical advice or official notices.

Contaminants in Long Beach tap water (arsenic, lead, chromium‑6, DBPs)

Long Beach tap water contains a mix of naturally occurring and human-made contaminants that can affect long-term health. In this section, we break down the key substances—arsenic, lead, chromium‑6, and disinfection byproducts (DBPs)—explaining their typical levels, sources, and potential risks, so residents can make informed choices about drinking and using tap water.

Data overview: arsenic, lead, chromium‑6, and disinfection byproducts

Current testing shows that Long Beach drinking water contains a mix of naturally occurring and human‑made contaminants. Some come from local groundwater, others from imported surface and groundwater that pass through large systems before reaching the city.

Key numbers from recent assessments:

Arsenic: Up to 2.5 ppb
Lead: Detected at low levels in some homes; no known lead service lines, but risk from building pipes and fixtures remains.
Chromium‑6: Around 63 ppt on average in many neighborhoods.
DBPs (like trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids): Present at levels under current EPA standards, but still linked with increased bladder cancer and possible problems for the liver, kidney, and central nervous system with long‑term exposure.

What contaminants are in Long Beach drinking water?

The main contaminants that raise health questions in Long Beach include:

Arsenic: A toxic metal found in some rock formations and released into groundwater. It can also come from past industrial activity. Even at low levels, long‑term arsenic exposure is associated with increased risk of skin, bladder, and lung cancer, as well as heart and nerve problems.
Lead: Lead is rarely added to water on purpose. Instead, it leaches from old pipes, solder, and brass fixtures. There is no safe level of lead for children, because even tiny amounts can harm the brain, learning ability, and behavior. Pregnant people are also at higher risk.
Chromium‑6: A chemical form of chromium linked to cancer and other health problems. It can enter water from industrial pollution, past uses like plating, and sometimes from natural sources. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not yet have a separate chromium‑6 drinking water standard, which leaves a gap for cities like Long Beach.
Disinfection byproducts (DBPs): When the utility treats water with chlorine or other disinfectants (to kill germs), those chemicals react with organic matter such as leaves, algae, or other natural material in the water. This reaction forms DBPs. Long‑term studies show that some DBPs can cause cancer and may stress the liver and kidneys.

Other contaminants often measured in Long Beach and across California include nitrate, manganese, and total dissolved solids (TDS), which affect taste and may affect health at high levels.

Health-based vs legal limits: how Long Beach compares

It can be confusing when a water quality report says your tap water is “in compliance”, but independent scientists still warn about risk. The issue is the gap between legal limits and health‑based goals.

Here is how some key numbers line up:

Contaminant	Typical Long Beach Level*	Legal Standard	Health‑Based Goal**
Arsenic	Up to 2.5 ppb	EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): 10 ppb	Many experts suggest <1 ppb to reduce cancer risk
Lead	Varies by home	EPA Action Level: 15 ppb at 90th percentile	No safe level; aim as close to 0 as possible
Chromium‑6	~63 ppt	No separate federal MCL; part of total chromium 100 ppb	CA Public Health Goal: 20 ppt (not an enforceable limit)
Total Trihalomethanes (a type of DBP)	Below EPA limit	EPA MCL: 80 ppb	Some studies suggest risk at lower levels

*Levels may vary by neighborhood and over time; check your own city water quality report.

**Health‑based goals are levels where scientists expect minimal added cancer risk over a lifetime.

The key point is that meeting EPA standards does not always mean zero risk, especially for children, pregnant people, and those with weaker immune systems. That is why many public health experts suggest extra filtration at home if you want to reduce long‑term exposure as much as possible.

Recreational & ocean water pollution in Long Beach

While tap water is closely monitored, Long Beach’s ocean water faces different challenges. Coastal water quality can fluctuate due to stormwater runoff, wildfires, sewage spills, and other urban impacts. This section explores the main sources of pollution, how they affect recreational activities like swimming and surfing, and what residents should know to stay safe in Long Beach waters.

Runoff, wildfires, and storm impacts on coastal water quality

When you stand on the sand and look out, the ocean may look clean. But what you cannot see is the mix of chemicals and germs that arrive after storms, fires, and daily urban life.

In 2025, the Palisades wildfires burned large areas of hillside. When winter storms arrived, ash and burned debris washed into creeks and storm drains that feed into the Santa Monica Bay and nearby coastal waters, including areas that influence Long Beach water quality along the coastline. This runoff carried:

Heavy metals such as aluminum, iron, manganese, and selenium
PAHs, toxic compounds formed when material burns
Nutrients like phosphorus, which can fuel algal blooms and brown foam
Large amounts of sediment and organic matter

These pollutants can stay in the near‑shore zone, especially near river mouths, marinas, and storm drain outfalls. The result is murkier water, higher bacteria, and spikes in chemical levels after heavy rain or strong wind events.

Heavy metals, PAHs, and bacteria in Long Beach ocean water

Sampling in 2025 around Southern California’s coast, including areas affecting Long Beach beaches, found:

Metals at up to 10 times typical drinking water limits in some runoff plumes right after storms.
PAHs at levels that may pose a health concern with frequent contact, especially for surfers and lifeguards who spend many hours in the water.
High levels of fecal indicator bacteria (like E. coli and Enterococcus) after rain, which signal that human or animal waste may be present.

These bacteria do not always cause illness, but they increase the chance of ear infections, stomach bugs, rashes, and respiratory infections when people swallow water or have open cuts. Kids tend to be more sensitive, especially when they play at the edge of the water where runoff collects.

Is it safe to swim in Long Beach after rain or sewage spills?

Health agencies and groups like Heal the Bay repeat the same clear advice:

Avoid swimming within 72 hours after a significant rainstorm, especially near storm drains, river mouths, and marinas.
Stay out of the water during any active sewage spill advisory or closure. In 2025, for example, a 10,500+ gallon sewage spill led to coastal closure in areas near Long Beach while testing and cleanup took place.
Even without a spill, pay extra attention to beach grades and county warnings in wet winter months.

If you or your children do swim when water quality is uncertain, shower with soap soon after and avoid swallowing water. If you have a cut, recent surgery, or a weaker immune system, it is safer to wait until tests show the water is clean again.

Major sources and recent events driving water quality problems

Long Beach water quality is influenced by a mix of environmental and human factors. Major sources include wildfire ash and debris, stormwater runoff carrying urban pollutants, and occasional sewage spills. Recent events, such as the January 2025 Palisades fires and heavy winter storms, have highlighted how these sources can rapidly change both tap and coastal water conditions, affecting safety for residents and recreational users alike.

Wildfire ash and debris flows: Palisades January 2025 fires

Large fires can change water quality for many months. The January 2025 Palisades fires burned homes, vegetation, and infrastructure. When rain fell on these burned slopes, charred soil, metals from burned materials, and construction chemicals washed downstream and out to the ocean.

For Long Beach residents, this matters because coastal currents and regional weather patterns can move polluted plumes along the shoreline, not just at the fire site. This is one reason Long Beach water contamination in the ocean can spike even when the fire was miles away.

Stormwater runoff, urban pollution, and algal bloom risks

Every time it rains in a big city, water flows across streets, parking lots, roofs, and industrial yards, picking up:

Oil and grease from cars
Metals from brakes and tires
Pesticides and fertilizers from yards and parks
Trash and microplastics
Pet waste and bird droppings

This stormwater runoff is usually not treated before it reaches the ocean. In Long Beach and across Southern California, this runoff is a main source of coastal pollution. Nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen can also support harmful algal blooms, which may lead to brown foam, odors, or even toxins that affect fish, birds, and people.

Sewage spills and infrastructure failures

Even in a modern city with a large water and sewer system, things can go wrong. Old pipes, heavy rain, power failures, and equipment problems can cause sewage spills or overflows. When untreated sewage reaches rivers, storm drains, or the ocean, it brings:

Pathogens (germs that cause disease)
Organic matter that lowers oxygen in the water
Nutrients and chemicals that stress marine life

In 2025, a sewage spill of more than 10,500 gallons led to beach closures near Long Beach while testing and cleanup were completed. Events like this are a major reason why beach water quality can drop suddenly, even if drinking water in your home remains safe.

Health risks from Long Beach water exposure

Exposure to Long Beach water can carry different health risks depending on the contaminants involved. Arsenic, lead, chromium‑6, and disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in tap water may affect long-term health, while bacteria, metals, and PAHs in ocean water can cause short-term illnesses. This section explains these risks, who is most vulnerable, and how residents can reduce their exposure.

How arsenic, lead, chromium‑6, and DBPs affect the body

Different contaminants in Long Beach drinking water affect the body in different ways.

Arsenic: Long‑term exposure can cause cancer (especially skin, bladder, and lung) and may contribute to heart disease, nerve damage, and diabetes. Arsenic can also affect the liver and kidneys, organs that filter and process toxins.
Lead: Lead targets the central nervous system. In children, it can lower IQ, attention, and school performance, and can affect behavior. In adults, lead may raise blood pressure and increase the risk of kidney problems.
Chromium‑6: Studies link chromium‑6 in drinking water with increased cancer risk, especially stomach and digestive system cancers, when exposure is long term.
Disinfection byproducts (DBPs): Research suggests that long‑term exposure to certain DBPs is associated with increased risk of bladder cancer and may stress the liver and other organs. People on dialysis or with serious kidney or liver disease may be more sensitive.

The risk depends on dose, time, and your own health. A few glasses now and then carry less risk than drinking unfiltered water for decades, but many residents prefer to limit exposure where they can.

Short‑term vs long‑term risks from swimming and surfing

When we talk about Long Beach water contamination in the ocean, we mostly think about:

Short‑term risks:

Stomach illness (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
Ear, nose, and throat infections
Skin rashes and eye irritation

These usually come from bacteria and viruses in the water, especially after rain or sewage spills.

Long‑term risks:

Regular exposure to PAHs and metals might increase cancer risk or affect organs over time, especially for people who are in the water daily, such as surfers, lifeguards, and open‑water swimmers.

Most healthy adults recover quickly from minor infections, but if you notice serious or lasting symptoms after ocean exposure, talk with a medical professional and mention where and when you were in the water.

Vulnerable groups in Long Beach

Some people are more sensitive to water quality issues than others:

Babies and children (higher risk from lead, arsenic, bacteria)
Pregnant people, because contaminants can affect both parent and baby
Older adults
People with weakened immune systems (from illness or some medicines)
People with kidney, liver, or heart disease

These groups may want to be extra careful by:

Using high‑quality home water filtration for drinking and cooking
Avoiding ocean swimming after rain or during advisories
Paying attention to boil water notices and city updates

What symptoms and warning signs should residents watch for?

Most people in Long Beach can drink the water and swim without obvious problems. But it helps to watch for signs that may point to water‑related issues, such as:

After drinking tap water over time:

Unexplained fatigue, stomach pain, or skin changes
In children, behavior or learning changes that might be tied to lead

After swimming in the ocean:

Stomach upset within a day or two of swimming
Ear pain, sore throat, or red eyes
Skin rash, especially in areas covered by a swimsuit

These symptoms are not proof of water contamination, since many common illnesses look similar. But if several people in your home or surf group get sick after the same water exposure, it is worth speaking with a doctor and checking public health alerts.

How Long Beach water quality is monitored and regulated

Ensuring safe water in Long Beach requires constant monitoring and regulation by multiple agencies. From city utilities testing tap water to county health departments assessing beach conditions, a combination of state, federal, and independent organizations tracks contaminants, issues advisories, and enforces standards.

Who tests the water?

Several agencies and organizations watch Long Beach water quality:

Long Beach Utilities tests drinking water in the system and publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report and other updates.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets national drinking water standards and oversees state programs.
The California State Water Resources Control Board and Division of Drinking Water enforce state regulations and review local tests.
LA County Department of Public Health tests beach and ocean water, issues advisories and closures, and posts updates online.
Heal the Bay and other environmental groups collect extra samples, create beach report cards, and share independent assessments.

Drinking water standards, beach grades, and advisory thresholds

Drinking water rules focus on Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), which are legal limits for many chemicals and germs. For example, the arsenic standard is 10 ppb, and the total trihalomethanes (a DBP group) limit is 80 ppb. These standards try to balance health protection with what treatment plants can usually achieve.

Beach water guidelines often use bacteria indicators like Enterococcus. If levels rise above set limits, the county may:

Post a warning sign (advisory)
Temporarily close a beach to swimming
Re‑open only after multiple tests come back within safe ranges

Heal the Bay uses these data to give each beach a letter grade (A–F), which helps the public see patterns through the year.

Data transparency and how to access reports

If you want to know exactly what’s in Long Beach water today, you can:

Read the latest Consumer Confidence Report and water quality updates from Long Beach Utilities.
Check LA County Public Health and State Water Board websites for beach advisories and daily or weekly bacteria test results.
Review Heal the Bay’s Beach Report Card for an easy‑to‑read grade for major beaches.

These tools let you make more informed choices about when to drink from the tap, when to use a filter, and when it is safe to swim or surf.

Protecting yourself at home: filters, testing, and daily habits

Even when city tap water meets legal standards, residents can take practical steps at home to reduce exposure to contaminants. Using certified water filters, testing water quality, and adopting simple daily habits can help minimize risks from arsenic, lead, chromium‑6, and disinfection byproducts.

Choosing home water filters for Long Beach tap water

If you are wondering whether to add water filtration at home, you’re not alone. Many Long Beach residents ask how to remove contaminants like arsenic, lead, chromium‑6, and DBPs from their tap.

Common options include:

Activated carbon filters (pitchers, faucet mounts, under‑sink units):
- Good for many DBPs, some organic chemicals, and improving taste and smell.
Reverse osmosis (RO systems):
- Uses a membrane and usually carbon stages to remove a wide range of contaminants, including arsenic, chromium‑6, many metals, and some DBPs.
Whole‑house systems:
- Treat all water entering the home, useful if you are concerned about showering or bathing in certain chemicals.

When choosing a filter or RO system, look for units certified by independent labs for the specific contaminants you care about. Not all filters reduce arsenic or chromium‑6, and most are not approved to make unsafe water safe during a boil water notice, unless they are certified for microbiological treatment.

During a boil water advisory, the safest approach is:

Use bottled water from a sealed container for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth, or
Boil tap water as directed by public health agencies.
If you use an RO or other filter, apply it after boiling if you still want better taste or added chemical reduction.

How to read Long Beach water quality reports and beach alerts

When you open a water quality report, focus on:

The “Detected Level” column for each contaminant.
The MCL (legal limit) and any Public Health Goal listed.
Notes about any violations, main breaks, or boil water notices from the past year.

For beaches, check:

Beach name and letter grade.
Notes on recent spills, rain, or runoff events.
Date of the last test.

If a recent report or dashboard shows a sudden change (for example, from grade A to grade C or F), that’s a sign to be more careful.

Simple household practices to reduce exposure

Even without expensive equipment, you can lower exposure to Long Beach water contamination in daily life:

Use cold tap water for drinking and cooking; hot water can pull more lead from pipes.
If your home has old plumbing, run the tap for 30–60 seconds in the morning before filling a glass or pot.
Wipe up kitchen and bathroom surfaces where mineral dust or residue may settle.
Teach kids not to swallow bathwater.
During high‑alert times for ocean water, shower off soon after swimming and clean any cuts with soap and clean water.

When to consider bottled water or point‑of‑use treatment

You might think about using bottled water or a point‑of‑use filter (like an RO system at your sink) if:

You are pregnant or have infants in the home.
A doctor has told you that you have kidney, liver, or immune system issues.
You live in an older building with original plumbing and cannot replace the pipes right now.
You are especially concerned about arsenic, chromium‑6, or DBPs even at levels under legal limits.

If cost is a concern, start by treating the tap you use most for drinking and cooking, rather than trying to filter the whole house.

Community action, infrastructure upgrades, and long‑term solutions

Improving Long Beach water quality goes beyond individual action. This section highlights ways residents can participate, support city initiatives, and contribute to lasting solutions for safer drinking and coastal waters.

City and county projects

Improving Long Beach water quality is not only a home issue; it is also a public infrastructure task. Current and planned actions around Long Beach and LA County include:

Stormwater capture projects, such as basins and green streets, which let runoff soak into the ground instead of rushing straight to the ocean.
Sewer upgrades and maintenance to reduce the risk of spills and overflows.
Wildfire and runoff management, including better land use planning, slope stabilization, and more careful control of construction sites after fires.
Monitoring programs to better track metals, PAHs, and nutrients after major events.

These projects take time and funding, but they can reduce both drinking water problems and recreational water contamination over the long run.

How residents can report contamination and join science efforts

As a Long Beach resident, you can help improve water quality by:

Reporting sewage smells, illegal dumping, or unusual water color to the city or county hotlines.
Taking part in beach cleanups and local water sampling projects.
Supporting local policies and funding measures that improve pipes, treatment plants, and stormwater systems.
Learning basic home plumbing facts, so you know if you have older fixtures that might leach lead.

Some groups offer citizen science programs where volunteers collect water samples under a scientist’s guidance. These extra data help fill gaps, especially after fires and storms.

Policy, funding, and advocacy opportunities

Fixing Long Beach water contamination issues at their source often requires:

Stronger state and federal standards, such as a separate MCL for chromium‑6.
Better funding for water and sewer infrastructure, especially in older parts of the city.
Programs to replace lead plumbing in private homes, not just in main lines.
Rules that reduce industrial discharges and urban runoff pollution before they reach waterways.

Residents can support these changes by attending public meetings, commenting on proposed rules, and staying informed about bond measures that fund clean water projects.

Case studies: cleanup and restoration in Southern California

Parts of the Southern California coast have already shown that careful cleanup and investment can improve conditions. Some beaches that once had frequent F grades now see much better water quality thanks to sewer repairs, storm drain upgrades, and better runoff control.

This kind of progress is a hopeful sign for Long Beach. While problems remain, especially with non‑stop urban runoff and climate‑driven events like fires, long‑term work can lead to safer drinking water and cleaner beaches.

Most important actions Long Beach residents should take

If you remember only a few things from this guide, let them be these:

Drinking water in Long Beach meets EPA and California standards, but contains arsenic, chromium‑6, DBPs, and possible lead from home pipes at levels that many health experts still consider concerning over a lifetime.
During a boil water notice, you really do need to boil tap water or use bottled water for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth. Typical RO systems and filters are not enough by themselves unless they are certified to remove germs.
Ocean water quality changes fast. Avoid swimming for 72 hours after rain, and always follow sewage spill advisories and beach closures.
Consider using a certified water filter or RO system at home, especially if you have children, are pregnant, or have chronic health issues.
Stay informed through official water quality reports and beach alerts, and speak up in your community about funding and policies that protect clean water.

FAQs

1. Why is there a boil water notice in Long Beach, CA?

Boil water notices in Long Beach, CA are issued whenever there’s a risk that harmful bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms may have entered the tap water. Common triggers include water main breaks, sudden drops in system pressure, or unusual lab test results indicating possible contamination. During a boil water advisory, residents are advised to boil water for at least one minute or use bottled water for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth. These notices remain in effect until tests confirm that the water meets health standards again. Even if the water looks, smells, and tastes normal, it could still harbor germs that pose a short-term health risk, especially for infants, elderly people, or those with weakened immune systems. Essentially, a boil water notice is a temporary alert to protect public health and ensure that tap water is safe to use.

2. Is Long Beach water safe to drink now?

By law, Long Beach tap water meets all federal and state standards, so technically it’s considered safe to drink. That said, it still contains small amounts of arsenic, chromium‑6, disinfection byproducts (DBPs), and sometimes lead that can leach from older plumbing. While these levels don’t trigger violations, health experts note that long-term exposure could pose risks, especially for kids, pregnant people, or those with certain health conditions. Because of this, many residents choose to add an extra layer of protection with home water filters or reverse osmosis (RO) systems. These devices can remove a significant portion of contaminants, improving taste and odor while lowering long-term exposure. Even simple activated carbon pitchers or faucet-mounted filters can help reduce DBPs and chlorine taste. So, while tap water is legally safe, taking precautions at home can give extra peace of mind and protect vulnerable family members over the long haul.

3. Is it safe to swim at Long Bay beach?

Swimming in Long Beach is usually safe on dry days when beach water tests show good grades. However, conditions can change quickly. Heavy rain, sewage spills, or stormwater runoff can raise levels of bacteria, metals, or chemicals, creating short-term health risks. Health officials recommend avoiding swimming within 72 hours after significant rainfall or during any posted beach closure or sewage advisory. Kids, surfers, and people with cuts or weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to ear infections, stomach bugs, rashes, or respiratory problems if they enter polluted water. Checking sources like LA County Public Health or Heal the Bay’s Beach Report Card can help you pick the safest time and location to swim. Even when conditions are generally good, simple precautions—like showering afterward, avoiding swallowing water, and staying out of the water if sick—can reduce the risk of short-term illness.

4. Does Long Beach really have to boil water?

Yes—when a boil water notice is issued, it’s not just a suggestion. The notice means there’s a potential risk of harmful bacteria or other pathogens in the water due to main breaks, pressure loss, or lab-flagged contamination. During this time, residents must boil tap water for at least one minute (longer at higher altitudes) or use sealed bottled water for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth. Even if your water looks clear, it may carry microorganisms that could cause stomach or intestinal illnesses. Once lab tests confirm the water is safe, the city and health department officially cancel the advisory. Until then, boiling or using bottled water is the safest approach.

5. Is Long Beach tap water contaminated?

Yes, Long Beach tap water contains trace contaminants such as arsenic, chromium‑6, disinfection byproducts (DBPs), and occasionally lead from home plumbing. While these levels generally meet federal and California legal standards, they may exceed stricter health-based goals. Experts say long-term exposure to these substances can increase certain health risks, so many residents use certified water filters or reverse osmosis systems to reduce these contaminants, especially for drinking and cooking. The water is not immediately unsafe, but some caution is recommended for vulnerable groups like children, pregnant people, and those with chronic health conditions.

6. Is reverse osmosis water safe to drink during boil water advisory?

Most typical home RO systems are designed to remove chemicals, metals, and some contaminants, but they aren’t certified to kill all bacteria and viruses. During a boil water advisory, that means your RO system alone isn’t enough to make tap water safe. The safest approach is to boil your water first or use sealed bottled water for drinking, cooking, and making ice. After boiling, you can run the water through your RO system if you want better taste, reduced chlorine, or lower levels of metals and chemicals. RO units do an excellent job with arsenic, chromium‑6, DBPs, and lead, but microbiological safety is different. So, think of RO as a chemical and taste filter, not a germ killer in emergency situations. For families with infants, elderly members, or immune-compromised individuals, sticking to boiled or bottled water during an advisory is the safest bet.

Authoritative resources

https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/chromium-drinking-water?