Water Quality Report · Barstow, CA

Is Barstow, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Based on EPA UCMR5 monitoring data, EPA SDWIS federal violations records, and EWG Tap Water Database published findings.

32
🚨 F — High Risk
Barstow, CA · ZIP 92301
PFAS Detected: 11.2 ppt 14 contaminants above EWG health guidelines 18 total contaminants detected

How Does Barstow Tap Water Score?

EPA UCMR5 monitoring data places this system among the higher PFAS-detected utilities in California's desert region, per publicly available federal records. EPA regional monitoring data identifies PFAS source patterns consistent with those associated with aviation maintenance, firefighting chemical applications, and related operational land uses documented in the region. Naturally occurring arsenic, uranium, and perchlorate from desert geology and historical industrial operations add to the baseline contaminant profile. Reverse osmosis is strongly recommended.

Water source: Groundwater (Mojave River alluvial basin)

Water utility: Mojave Water Agency

By the Numbers

32
HAVEN Score (out of 100)
11.2 ppt
PFAS Level
14
Above EWG Health Guidelines
18
Total Contaminants Detected

PFAS in Barstow Water

Detected at approximately 11.2 ppt per EPA monitoring data — above the EPA's 4 ppt maximum contaminant level (effective 2026). Reverse osmosis or AquaTru filtration removes 99%+ of PFAS compounds.

The EPA's new maximum contaminant level (MCL) for PFAS is 4 ppt, effective 2026. PFAS compounds have been linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immune disruption, and developmental issues at chronic exposure levels per peer-reviewed research.

What's In Barstow Tap Water?

The following contaminants have been detected or are associated with elevated risk in this water system, per available EPA and EWG published data:

PFAS (very high — Marine Corps Logistics Base)ArsenicUraniumNitratePerchlorate

These detections are drawn from EPA SDWIS federal violations database and EWG Tap Water Database records. EWG health guidelines are stricter than EPA legal limits and reflect long-term exposure risk.

Compliance Record

EPA SDWIS records show 4 health-based violation(s) and 0 lead action-level violation(s) in the past 5 years at this utility. Violations reflect the legal threshold; actual health risk at sub-violation levels is addressed by EWG health guidelines used in HAVEN's scoring.

Best Water Filter for Barstow, CA

💧 HAVEN's Filter Recommendation

Reverse osmosis filtration is strongly recommended. AquaTru Carafe ($149) or APEC ROES-50 under-sink RO ($250) remove essentially all documented contaminants in this system. Standard pitcher filters are NOT sufficient for this risk level.

What Else Is In Your Home?

Water is one of six categories HAVEN scores. Take the free 3-minute quiz to get your complete Home Health Score — mold, air quality, EMF, household chemicals, and more.

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Data Disclaimer: HAVEN water quality data is derived from EPA UCMR5 PFAS monitoring, EPA SDWIS federal violations database, and EWG Tap Water Database published records (2021–2025). This data is publicly available and is presented for educational and informational purposes only. HAVEN makes no warranty as to current conditions; water quality can change. Scores and notes reflect published data at time of compilation and should not be treated as a substitute for current laboratory testing. For definitive assessment, independent certified laboratory water testing is recommended.