Is Arrowbear Lake, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Arrowbear Lake ranks. What to do next ↓
94.7/100
waterverge.com Arrowbear Lake, CA — Water Quality Report
Arrowbear Lake's drinking water received a grade of A (94.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,856 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 4 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Arrowbear Lake's water
Arrowbear Lake ranks #45 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Arrowbear Lake 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, Arrowbear Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Arrowbear Lake, CA water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Arrowbear Lake's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (94.7/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,856 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Arrowbear Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Arrowbear Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3592). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3591). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Arrowbear Lake's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Arrowbear Lake's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
San Bernardino 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 Deep C Nr Hesperia, Santa Ana R Nr Mentone (River Only), Sar Supp Gage Nr Mentone, Plunge C Nr East Highlands, City C Nr Highland.
Where does Arrowbear Lake's water come from?
Arrowbear Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,856 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Deep C Nr Hesperia (river), Santa Ana R Nr Mentone (River Only) (river), Sar Supp Gage Nr Mentone (river), Plunge C Nr East Highlands (river), City C Nr Highland (river).
What Arrowbear Lake 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.
Arrowbear Lake'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 droughtSan Bernardino 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
San Bernardino 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.
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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Arrowbear Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Arrowbear Lake ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Arrowbear Lake's water comes from
Arrowbear Lake'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 1,856 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Arrowbear Lake
Arrowbear Lake is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Arrowbear Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARROWBEAR PARK CWD | CA3610110 | 1,856 | GW |
How Arrowbear Lake compares
Full California rankings →Arrowbear Lake's score of 94.7/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Arrowbear Lake, CA
Wikipedia →Arrowbear Lake is an unincorporated community in San Bernardino County, California, United States. Its altitude is 6,086 feet (1,855 m) in the San Bernardino Mountains. It is located east of Running Springs along Highway 18 in the San Bernardino National Forest, a mountain community with a population of 736 in 2000.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Arrowbear Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across San Bernardino
Frequently asked questions
Is Arrowbear Lake, CA tap water safe to drink?
Arrowbear Lake's water quality earned a grade of A (94.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #45 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Arrowbear Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Arrowbear Lake'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 Arrowbear Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Arrowbear Lake's water come from?
Arrowbear Lake's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,856 residents.
What health violations has Arrowbear Lake's water system had?
Arrowbear Lake has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2009. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is Arrowbear Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Arrowbear Lake 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 4 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 Arrowbear Lake's water compare to other cities?
Arrowbear Lake ranks #45 out of 694 cities in California (better than 94% of state cities) and #442 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 Arrowbear Lake's small water system affect quality?
Arrowbear Lake's system serves approximately 1,856 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 4 violations on record.