Is Alpine Meadows, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Alpine Meadows ranks. What to do next ↓
94.8/100
waterverge.com Alpine Meadows, CA — Water Quality Report
Alpine Meadows's drinking water received a grade of A (94.8 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,200 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 2 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Alpine Meadows's water
Alpine Meadows ranks #40 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Alpine Meadows relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Alpine Meadows may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Alpine Meadows, CA water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Alpine Meadows's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (94.8/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,200 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Alpine Meadows
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Alpine Meadows's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3592). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4683). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Alpine Meadows's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Alpine Meadows's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Placer County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1964. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include General C Nr Meeks Bay, Blackwood C Nr Tahoe City, Ward C Bl Confluence Nr Tahoe City, Ward C, Lake Tahoe A Tahoe City.
Where does Alpine Meadows's water come from?
Alpine Meadows's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,200 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include General C Nr Meeks Bay (river), Blackwood C Nr Tahoe City (river), Ward C Bl Confluence Nr Tahoe City (river), Ward C (river), Lake Tahoe A Tahoe City (lake).
What Alpine Meadows residents can do
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Alpine Meadows's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtPlacer County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Placer County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1964. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Alpine Meadows compares by contaminant
Explore where Alpine Meadows ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Alpine Meadows's water comes from
Alpine Meadows's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,200 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Alpine Meadows
Alpine Meadows is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Alpine Meadows
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALPINE SPRINGS COUNTY WATER DISTRICT | CA3110029 | 2,200 | GW |
How Alpine Meadows compares
Full California rankings →Alpine Meadows's score of 94.8/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Alpine Meadows's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Placer
Frequently asked questions
Is Alpine Meadows, CA tap water safe to drink?
Alpine Meadows's water quality earned a grade of A (94.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #40 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Alpine Meadows's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Alpine Meadows's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Alpine Meadows?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Alpine Meadows's water come from?
Alpine Meadows's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,200 residents.
What health violations has Alpine Meadows's water system had?
Alpine Meadows has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 1993. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is Alpine Meadows's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Alpine Meadows uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 2 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Alpine Meadows's water compare to other cities?
Alpine Meadows ranks #40 out of 694 cities in California (better than 94% of state cities) and #424 out of 15744 cities nationally (97th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Alpine Meadows's small water system affect quality?
Alpine Meadows's system serves approximately 2,200 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 2 violations on record.