Los Angeles drinking water quality

tl:dr version: How good is LA tap water for drinking? What's the best way for me to test the tap water where I live--are those home kits worthwhile?





Just moved to LA and wondering about the quality of the tap water for drinking. Not worried about fluoride or taste, just want to make sure there are no unhealthy contaminants present. (Here's an old thread about tap water quality, specifically in Chicago.)



According to these 2009 and 2011 articles, LA water is not so good:

http://ift.tt/OuyJUd

http://ift.tt/OuyKYw



I'm sure I could find sources saying it's fine, and others saying it's vile poison. I'd like to test the water at my apartment if that's practical--anyone know if those home water testing kits are any good? (ie, http://ift.tt/OuyKYy and http://ift.tt/OuyJUm and http://ift.tt/OuyLeU)?



The apartment I moved into has a fridge with water dispenser and built-in PUR filter. I'm curious to test the water filtered and unfiltered. Wondering if those home tests are worthwhile or not, or if there's a better way to test the water.



This EPA site has some good info, but I can't find specific recommendations regarding testing kits. Also, their page on CA water reports doesn't look too informative, unless I'm missing something.



ETA: I found a list of water reports for Los Angeles county, but I'm not sure if my area is covered there...I'm in Highland Park, in the city and county of Los Angeles.

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