Inorganics, or inorganic chemicals, are naturally-occurring minerals or salts. We refer to them as inorganic because they do not contain elements found in living organisms (carbon and hydrogen). We tested participants' tap water for 32 inorganic chemicals, including metals and minerals that can be found in drinking water naturally or as a result of human activity. Of these, 14 are regulated in drinking water set by federal and state agencies. California standards are either the same or stricter (more health protective) than the federal standards. Not all standards are enforceable.
Below is the list of inorganics that we tested for, plus some select resources for inorganics that were found in some samples. We will continue to add to this page as the project progresses.
Aluminum
Antimony
Arsenic
- Arsenic in your drinking water
- Arsenic ToxFAQs
- Arsenic in Drinking Water: MCL status
- Public Health Goals for Chemicals for Drinking Water: Arsenic
Barium
Beryllium
Boron
Bromine
Cadmium
Calcium
Chlorine
Chromium
Cobalt
Copper
Fluoride
Iron
Lead
- Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water
- Lead ToxFAQs (Spanish)
- Public Health Goals for Chemicals in Drinking Water: Lead
Lithium
Magnesium
Manganese
Molybdenum
Nickel
Nitrate
Phosphorus
Potassium
Selenium
Silica (silicon dioxide)
Sodium
Strontium
Sulfate
Uranium
Vanadium
Zinc