Ken Mar Gardens
What EPA’s and California’s records show in this utility’s water: nitrate, arsenic and other regulated chemicals; lead and copper; and violations since 2016, with the certification that handles each result.
- Serves
- 84 people
- Connections
- 49
- Water source
- Groundwater
- Based in
- Arroyo Grande, CA
- County
- San Luis Obispo
- Owner
- Private
- Hardness
- Very hard
The ZIP code it serves
The short answer
1 result is above EPA’s legal limit, and 2 more are above the health goal. The worst: Nitrate, above the legal limit. 23 health-based violations since 2016.
What handles itWhat was found
Nitrate, arsenic, fluoride, chromium (total), haloacetic acids (HAA5) and total trihalomethanes (TTHM): California’s own results, samples taken from June 2, 2020 to April 8, 2026, with EPA’s 2012 to 2019 file for earlier years.
Uranium: EPA’s compliance monitoring file, samples taken from Dec. 26, 2019 to Dec. 26, 2019. Newer results are in the utility’s annual water quality report.
Above the legal limit1
Nitrate
Comes from the source
16ppm
Highest sample; found in 20 of 20
2026 average: 4.0 ppm
In 2024, three samples were above EPA’s legal limit of 10 ppm, the highest 16 ppm. The next sample at the same point, within 30 days, kept the average above the limit for two; one has no follow-up sample on file within 30 days. In 2026, the latest year on file, its three samples averaged 4.0 ppm. EPA recorded a violation for nitrate at this utility in 2024. Earlier, from 2012 to 2019, EPA’s file shows a highest sample of 4.4 ppm, in 2016.
What handles it
- NSF/ANSI 58 look for “Nitrate/Nitrite Reduction”
- NSF/ANSI 53 look for “Nitrate/Nitrite (30 ppm challenge)”
Above the health goal2
Arsenic
Comes from the source
4.0ppb
Highest yearly average, 2020 to 2024
2024, one sample: 3.3 ppb
Averaged by year, the highest was 4.0 ppb, in 2020: below EPA’s legal limit of 10 ppb, but above its health goal of zero. In 2024, the latest year on file, its one sample was 3.3 ppb.
What handles it
- NSF/ANSI 58 look for “Arsenic (Pentavalent)<=50 ppb Reduction”
- NSF/ANSI 53 look for “Arsenic (Pentavalent)<=50 ppb Reduction”
Uranium
Comes from the source
5.1ppb
Highest yearly average, 2019
Averaged by year, the highest was 5.1 ppb, in 2019: below EPA’s legal limit of 30 ppb, but above its health goal of zero. That is the only year on file.
What handles it
- NSF/ANSI 58 look for “Uranium”
Below EPA’s limits1
Fluoride
Forms or is added in treatment
0.4ppm
Highest yearly average, 2020 to 2024
2024, one sample: 0.31 ppm
Averaged by year, the highest was 0.4 ppm, in 2020, below EPA’s legal limit of 4.0 ppm. In 2024, the latest year on file, its one sample was 0.31 ppm. Earlier, from 2012 to 2019, EPA’s file shows a highest yearly average of 0.46 ppm, in 2012.
What handles it
- NSF/ANSI 58 look for “Fluoride Reduction”
- NSF/ANSI 53 look for “Fluoride”
4 compounds tested and not foundBelow the reporting level in every sample. Not found is not the same as zero.
- Chromium (total)
- Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
- Lead
- Total trihalomethanes (TTHM)
What handles it
A certification covers specific claims, not a whole standard. Look for these claims on the certifier’s listing, not the box. Wording varies a little: NSF writes “Lead Reduction,” WQA just “Lead.”
- NSF/ANSI 53
Claims: Nitrate/Nitrite (30 ppm challenge), Arsenic (Pentavalent)<=50 ppb Reduction
For: Nitrate, Arsenic
Other certifiers’ wording: Arsenic (III) (50 ppb influent level)
- NSF/ANSI 58
Claims: Nitrate/Nitrite Reduction, Arsenic (Pentavalent)<=50 ppb Reduction, Uranium
For: Nitrate, Arsenic, Uranium
Other certifiers’ wording: Nitrate; Arsenic (Pentavalent)<=300 ppb Reduction; Arsenic (V) (300 ppb influent level)
At the tap, or for the whole house?
These come with the water itself, so a whole-house system certified for the same claims treats every tap and shower. A filter at the tap treats drinking water for much less. How whole-house systems compare.
Filters with those claims on a certifier’s listing
Disclosure: TapBuff earns a commission if you buy through some links on this page. It does not change which standard or filter we name. As an Amazon Associate, TapBuff earns from qualifying purchases. How TapBuff makes money
Countertop reverse osmosis
- IAPMO listing:NSF/ANSI 42NSF/ANSI 53NSF/ANSI 58NSF/ANSI 401checked Oct. 4, 2026
Certified for: Nitrate, Arsenic
Aquasana SmartFlow Reverse Osmosis (AQ-SFRO2)
Under-sink reverse osmosis
- WQA listing:NSF/ANSI 42NSF/ANSI 53NSF/ANSI 58NSF/ANSI 401checked Oct. 9, 2026
Certified for: Nitrate, Arsenic
Culligan 10-Cup Pitcher with ZeroWater Technology (ZEROP10)
Pitcher
- IAPMO listing:NSF/ANSI 42NSF/ANSI 53NSF/ANSI 401checked Oct. 9, 2026
Certified for: Nitrate
Brondell Capella RC250 Reverse Osmosis System
Under-sink reverse osmosis
- WQA listing:NSF/ANSI 42NSF/ANSI 53NSF/ANSI 58NSF/ANSI 401checked Oct. 9, 2026
Certified for: Arsenic
Hardness
Very hard, 569 mg/L (33.2 grains per gallon), at its one sampling point, 2020 to 2024.
Hardness is calcium and magnesium. EPA sets no limit for it: it shows up as scale on fixtures and in water heaters, and as soap that won’t lather. USGS calls water above 60 mg/L moderately hard, above 120 hard and above 180 very hard.
Violations since 2016
| Contaminant or rule | Type | Period | Measured | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selenium | A sample was above the legal limit, for a contaminant judged one sample at a time.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Single Sample | April 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026 | 51 UG/L | Archived |
| Selenium | A sample was above the legal limit, for a contaminant judged one sample at a time.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Single Sample | Jan. 1, 2026 to March 31, 2026 | 51 UG/L | Archived |
| Selenium | A sample was above the legal limit, for a contaminant judged one sample at a time.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Single Sample | Oct. 1, 2025 to Dec. 31, 2025 | 51 UG/L | Archived |
| Selenium | A sample was above the legal limit, for a contaminant judged one sample at a time.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Single Sample | July 1, 2025 to Sept. 30, 2025 | 61 UG/L | Archived |
| Selenium | A sample was above the legal limit, for a contaminant judged one sample at a time.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Single Sample | April 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025 | 61 UG/L | Archived |
| Selenium | A sample was above the legal limit, for a contaminant judged one sample at a time.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Single Sample | Jan. 1, 2025 to March 31, 2025 | 61 UG/L | Archived |
| Selenium | A sample was above the legal limit, for a contaminant judged one sample at a time.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Single Sample | Oct. 1, 2024 to Dec. 31, 2024 | 54 UG/L | Archived |
| Selenium | A sample was above the legal limit, for a contaminant judged one sample at a time.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Single Sample | July 1, 2024 to Sept. 30, 2024 | 54 UG/L | Archived |
| Selenium | A sample was above the legal limit, for a contaminant judged one sample at a time.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Single Sample | April 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024 | 54 UG/L | Archived |
| Selenium | A sample was above the legal limit, for a contaminant judged one sample at a time.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Single Sample | Jan. 1, 2024 to March 31, 2024 | 54 UG/L | Archived |
| Nitrate | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | Jan. 1, 2024 to Dec. 31, 2024 | 16 MG/L | Resolved |
| Selenium | A sample was above the legal limit, for a contaminant judged one sample at a time.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Single Sample | Oct. 1, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2023 | 54 UG/L | Archived |
| Selenium | A sample was above the legal limit, for a contaminant judged one sample at a time.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Single Sample | July 1, 2023 to Sept. 30, 2023 | 54 UG/L | Archived |
| Selenium | A sample was above the legal limit, for a contaminant judged one sample at a time.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Single Sample | April 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023 | 54 UG/L | Archived |
| Selenium | A sample was above the legal limit, for a contaminant judged one sample at a time.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Single Sample | Jan. 1, 2023 to March 31, 2023 | 54 UG/L | Archived |
| Selenium | A sample was above the legal limit, for a contaminant judged one sample at a time.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Single Sample | Oct. 1, 2022 to Dec. 31, 2022 | 54 UG/L | Archived |
| Selenium | A sample was above the legal limit, for a contaminant judged one sample at a time.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Single Sample | July 1, 2022 to Sept. 30, 2022 | 0.054 MG/L | Archived |
| Selenium | A sample was above the legal limit, for a contaminant judged one sample at a time.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Single Sample | April 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022 | 54 UG/L | Archived |
| Selenium | A sample was above the legal limit, for a contaminant judged one sample at a time.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Single Sample | Jan. 1, 2022 to March 31, 2022 | 54 UG/L | Archived |
| Selenium | A sample was above the legal limit, for a contaminant judged one sample at a time.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Single Sample | Oct. 1, 2021 to Dec. 31, 2021 | 54 UG/L | Archived |
| Selenium | A sample was above the legal limit, for a contaminant judged one sample at a time.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Single Sample | July 1, 2021 to Sept. 30, 2021 | 69 UG/L | Archived |
| Selenium | A sample was above the legal limit, for a contaminant judged one sample at a time.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Single Sample | April 5, 2021 to July 4, 2021 | 60 UG/L | Archived |
| Selenium | A sample was above the legal limit, for a contaminant judged one sample at a time.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Single Sample | Oct. 1, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2020 | 60 UG/L | Archived |
| Health-based violations only. Resolved and archived mean the utility returned to compliance or the state closed the record. 2 monitoring or reporting violations not shown. | ||||
What this report can’t tell you
Everything else. Nitrate, arsenic, fluoride, chromium (total), haloacetic acids (HAA5) and total trihalomethanes (TTHM) results here are California’s own from 2020 on, with EPA’s national file for 2012 to 2019. Uranium comes from EPA’s file alone, which ends in 2019. Ken Mar Gardens’s own annual report, which it must send you every year, has newer results for those and the contaminants this page does not show.
Your own plumbing. Lead results are the 90th percentile across homes the utility samples. Your home’s service line, solder and fixtures decide yours. A certified lab test is the only way to know.
What it means for your health. This page reports what the records show and EPA’s limits and goals; it is not medical advice. If you are worried about a health effect, talk to a doctor or your local health department.
Anything after the latest data. SDWIS data is from 2026 Q3; UCMR 5 didn’t sample this utility; California’s results run from June 2, 2020 to April 8, 2026; EPA’s compliance samples are from Dec. 26, 2019 to Dec. 26, 2019.
Testing your own tap
The 3 labs California certifies closest to the area Ken Mar Gardens serves, in a straight line. Call first: certification is test by test, and not every lab takes samples from homeowners.
County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Laboratory
San Luis Obispo, CA · about 12 miles
Certified for bacteria
Fruit Growers Laboratory, Inc.
San Luis Obispo, CA · about 12 miles
Certified for bacteria
Abalone Coast Analytical, Inc.
San Luis Obispo, CA · about 12 miles
Certified for bacteria
Sources
- EPA UCMR 5 occurrence data, file of Oct. 15, 2026
- EPA SDWA bulk download (SDWIS federal data), 2026 Q3
- California State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, results from Jan. 1, 2020 to July 17, 2026, read Oct. 8, 2026
- EPA Six-Year Review 4 compliance monitoring data, 2012 to 2019, file of Feb. 5, 2024
- Certified labs: California State Water Resources Control Board, ELAP accredited laboratories and their fields of accreditation, read Oct. 17, 2026; distances from the Census 2020 ZIP code tabulation area gazetteer
- Hardness: California State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, results from June 2, 2020 to March 5, 2024, read Oct. 10, 2026
- Limits and goals: each contaminant’s page, with its EPA source.
- How this page is built: methodology.
PWSID CA4000648. Rebuilt from EPA data on Oct. 18, 2026.
What to do next
- Read up on the 3 results above a lineWhat each one does to health, where it comes from, and the certification claim that addresses it.Start with Nitrate
- Get the utility’s own reportKen Mar Gardens must send you a water quality report every year. It covers contaminants this page does not show, and has newer results than EPA’s national file for the ones here that come from it.How to read it
- Test your own tap for leadYour service line, solder and fixtures decide the lead at your faucet, not the utility’s average.Lead in your water: what to do
- Compare certified filtersWhat the filters certified for these results cost over five years, cartridges included.Compare five-year costs