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Water

OEHHA performs major risk assessment and hazard evaluation activities relating to chemical contaminants in drinking water. These activities include developing health advisories, Public Health Goals for chemical substances in drinking water, Notification Levels, and providing toxicological assistance for chemical monitoring activities for the drinking water supply. The program also provides education to the public and other governmental agencies on drinking water contamination and drinking water regulatory standards development.

Public Health Goals

Level of a chemical contaminant in drinking water that does not pose a significant risk to health

Notices

Legal notices for Public Health Goals and Notification Levels

Notification Levels

Health-based advisory levels for chemicals in drinking water

Reports

Reports focusing on water

Human Right to Water

OEHHA’s assessment framework and data tool related to drinking water quality, accessibility, and affordability

Upcoming Events

N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in Drinking Water

The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) is announcing a proposed updated Public Health Goal (PHG) for N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in drinking water, the availability of a draft technical support document, a 45-day public comment period, and a hybrid public workshop on January 24, 2025.

Fri, 12/06/2024 to Mon, 01/20/2025

Reports, Notices, Documents

Dec 13, 2024: N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in Drinking Water
The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) is announcing a proposed updated Public Health Goal (PHG) for N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in drinking water, the availability of a draft technical support document, a 45-day public comment period, and a hybrid public workshop on January 24, 2025.
Sep 18, 2024: Notification Level Recommendation for Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA) in Drinking Water
The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) is recommending that the State Water Resources Control Board (Water Board) establish the notification level (NL) for perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) at 1 part per billion (equivalent to 1 microgram per liter). This recommendation is based on OEHHA’s development of a health-protective concentration intended to prevent noncancer effects, including thyroid, nasal cavity, liver, and developmental toxicity.
Apr 5, 2024: California adopts health-protective goals for forever chemicals in drinking water
The California Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment adopted public health goals for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in drinking water, providing important guidance to the State Water Resources Control Board to inform future drinking water standards.
Jan 10, 2024: Hexavalent Chromium in Drinking Water
The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) is announcing the availability of a draft document describing a proposed health-protective concentration (HPC) for noncancer effects of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in drinking water, as part of the update to the Cr(VI) Public Health Goal (PHG). OEHHA will hold a hybrid workshop on January 8, 2024, the public workshop agenda is now available. 

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