North America
Los Angeles
United States of America
Quick Answer
Tap water is safe to drink.
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Los Angeles tap water is treated and generally safe to drink, but it can taste chlorinated and is fairly hard; use a small filter or bottled water if you’re sensitive to taste or have a weak stomach.
Tap Water Usage Guide
Brush Teeth
Yes
Ice Cubes
Safe
Wash Fruit
Yes
Shower
Yes
Restaurants
Varies (often available on request)
Locals Drink
Mixed (many filter/boil)
Water Quality Score
Water Quality
Moderate
Water Source
Los Angeles receives water from multiple sources including the Los Angeles Aqueduct (Owens Valley), the Colorado River, the State Water Project (Sierra Nevada runoff), and local groundwater. Water is treated and disinfected at municipal plants (LADWP and regional suppliers) before distribution, though taste and hardness vary by source and neighborhood plumbing.
Travel Safety Information
Pickpocket Risk
Moderate
Night Safety
Mostly safe
Scam Risk
Moderate
English Level
Native
Best Time to Visit
Year-round (best: March–May and September–November)
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View on Amazon→Other Cities in United States of America
New York City
United States of America
New York City tap water is generally safe to drink, so most visitors can drink, brush teeth, and refill bottles from the tap. If you are staying in an older building with old plumbing, consider using a simple lead filter or bottled water as a precaution.
Chicago
United States of America
Chicago tap water is treated and generally safe to drink, but if you’re staying in an older building or are pregnant/immunocompromised consider using a short-term pitcher or NSF-certified filter or bottled water.
San Francisco
United States of America
San Francisco tap water is treated and safe to drink straight from the tap; if you prefer, use a simple carbon filter for taste or to reduce trace chloramine. Bottled water is widely available if you prefer it.
Washington DC
United States of America
Washington, D.C. tap water is treated and generally safe to drink; however, in older buildings with lead service lines (or if pregnant/with infants) use a certified filter or bottled water. Run cold tap for ~30 seconds if water has been sitting.