Is Anza, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F, with 33 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
43/100
waterverge.com Anza, CA — Water Quality Report
Anza's drinking water received a grade of F (43 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 961 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 10.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 388 violations on record, including 53 health-based violations. 33 remain unresolved.
What to know about Anza's water
Anza ranks #660 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Anza 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Anza may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 19 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Anza, CA water safe to drink?
Anza's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (43/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 961 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Anza
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Anza's water quality assessment. Grade: F (43/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4750). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3591). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Anza's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Anza's water system has 388 total violations on record, including 53 health-based violations. 33 remain unresolved. 19 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Riverside County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1980. 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 Cahuilla C Trib A Anza.
Where does Anza's water come from?
Anza's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 961 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cahuilla C Trib A Anza (river).
What Anza residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Anza's water.
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.
Anza'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 droughtRiverside 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
Riverside County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1980. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Anza's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 10.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Anza compares by contaminant
Explore where Anza ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Anza's water comes from
Anza'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 private ownership and serves approximately 961 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Anza
Anza is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Anza
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAMONA WATER COMPANY | CA3301529 | 250 | GW |
| ANZA MUTUAL WATER COMPANY | CA3301180 | 224 | GW |
| OLIVET UNIVERSITY | CA3301863 | 212 | GW |
| Santa Rosa Reservation | 090605019 | 185 | GW |
| ANZA PINES MOBILE HOME PARK | CA3301018 | 90 | GW |
How Anza compares
Full California rankings →Anza's score of 43/100 is below the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →ZIP codes served by Anza
The water systems serving Anza cover 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Anza, CA
Wikipedia →Anza is a census-designated place in Riverside County, California, in the Anza Valley, a semi-arid region at a mean elevation of 3,921 feet (1,195 m) above sea level. It is located 13 miles (21 km) south of Idyllwild, 32 miles (51 km) east-northeast of Temecula, 40 miles (64 km) southwest of Palm Springs, and 90 miles (140 km) northeast of San Diego, being traversed by State Route 371. Anza is on the Pacific Crest Trail and the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. The population was 3,075 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Anza's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Riverside
Frequently asked questions
Is Anza, CA tap water safe to drink?
Anza's water quality earned a grade of F (43/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #660 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Anza's water?
Lead was measured at 10.0 ppb (90th percentile). 388 violations are on record.
How is Anza'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 Anza?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Anza's water come from?
Anza's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 961 residents.
What health violations has Anza's water system had?
Anza has 53 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 33 violations remain unresolved.
Is Anza's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Anza 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 388 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 Anza's water compare to other cities?
Anza ranks #660 out of 694 cities in California (better than 5% of state cities) and #14703 out of 15744 cities nationally (7th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.