PFAS in South Lake Tahoe, CA Drinking Water
PFAS data for South Lake Tahoe, California · 107,415 residents · 8 ZIP codes
PFAS exposure in drinking water is tracked by EPA across the country; households in South Lake Tahoe, California are among those with confirmed detections in the public water record.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14
PFAS in South Lake Tahoe Tap Water
PFAS has been detected in South Lake Tahoe, California drinking water at a maximum level of 4 ppt — below the EPA MCL of 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually).
This analysis covers 107,415 residents across 8 ZIP codes in South Lake Tahoe.
South Lake Tahoe's overall water quality grade is B (79/100).
Is PFAS in South Lake Tahoe Water Safe?
If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or granular activated carbon filter certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 and testing your water independently.
PFAS Levels by ZIP Code
| ZIP Code | PFAS Level | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96150 | 23 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 96158 | 23 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 96150 | 4 ppt | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | OK |
| 96151 | 4 ppt | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | OK |
| 96152 | 4 ppt | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | OK |
| 96154 | 4 ppt | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | OK |
| 96155 | 4 ppt | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | OK |
| 96156 | 4 ppt | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | OK |
| 96157 | 4 ppt | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | OK |
| 96158 | 4 ppt | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | OK |
Average pfas level across South Lake Tahoe: 7.8 ppt
Health Effects of PFAS
- Increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer
- Thyroid disease and immune system suppression
- Reproductive problems and reduced fertility
- Elevated cholesterol and liver effects
- Developmental effects in infants and children
Health risk severity: High. Governed by the PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (2024).
How PFAS Gets Into Drinking Water
- Firefighting foam (AFFF) used at military bases and airports
- Industrial manufacturing (non-stick coatings, stain-resistant fabrics)
- Wastewater treatment plants that receive industrial discharge
- Landfill leachate from PFAS-containing consumer products
What to Do About PFAS in South Lake Tahoe Water
- Install a reverse osmosis system (most effective — removes 90%+ of PFAS)
- Granular activated carbon (GAC) filters remove some PFAS compounds
- Look for NSF 53 or NSF 58 certification specifically tested for PFAS
- Pitcher filters with activated carbon provide partial reduction
Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 for pfas removal.