Public Health Goals Report

The Public Health Goals (PHG) Report provides information about detected levels of substances in drinking water that are below enforceable drinking water standards, known as Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). It also includes information about the cost to eliminate these substances, regardless of how minimal the health risk may be.

About the report

The Public Health Goals Report is:

  • Required by the State of California
  • Based on non-enforceable public health goals established by the California Environmental Protection Agency’s (Cal-EPA) Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)

What are MCLs and PHGs?

  • Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) are enforceable regulatory standards that define what is considered safe for drinking water. 
  • Adopted MCLs are the criteria utilized to ensure that a public water system is in compliance with drinking water standards.
  • Public Health Goals (PHGs) are non-enforceable levels set by the OEHHA that are based solely on potential health risks. 

  • In developing MCLs, regulatory agencies consider additional factors such as cost, feasibility and available technology. These factors are not considered when establishing PHGs.

Reports

You can review both current and past Public Health Goal Reports below.

Public Health Goals Reports

Documents are being updated to improve accessibility and will be replaced as accessible versions become available.

Staff can provide information from these reports upon request. For help interpreting this information, please contact the Water Resources Department at 562-866-9771, extension 2700. 

For disability-related help accessing these or prior documents, or if you would like to request an accessible format, submit a request on the City's Accessibility page or call 562-866-9771.

 

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