Is Avila Beach, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
89/100
waterverge.com Avila Beach, CA — Water Quality Report
Avila Beach's drinking water received a grade of A- (89 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,230 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 3 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Avila Beach's water
Avila Beach ranks #170 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Avila Beach may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Avila Beach, CA water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Avila Beach's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A- (89/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,230 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Avila Beach
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Avila Beach's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Avila Beach's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Avila Beach's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
San Luis Obispo County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Avila Beach's water come from?
Avila Beach's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,230 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Avila Beach 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.
Avila Beach'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Avila Beach
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Avila Beach, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PROMEGA CORP SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA93401 | — | — | 4.7 mi |
RANTEC POWER SYSTEMS INC LOS OSOS, CA93402 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
U.S. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD CAMP SAN LUIS OBISPO RANGES SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA93405 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
CALPORTLAND CO SAN LUIS OBISPO SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA93401 | — | — | 4.5 mi |
ENTEGRIS - SAN LUIS OBISPO SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA93401 | — | — | 5.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
San Luis Obispo County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Avila Beach'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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.52 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Avila Beach compares by contaminant
Explore where Avila Beach ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Avila Beach's water comes from
Avila Beach's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,230 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Avila Beach
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVILA BEACH COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT | CA4000222 | 1,630 | SWP |
| SAN MIGUELITO MWC | CA4010003 | 1,600 | SWP |
How Avila Beach compares
Full California rankings →Avila Beach's score of 89/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Avila Beach's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across San Luis Obispo
Frequently asked questions
Is Avila Beach, CA tap water safe to drink?
Avila Beach's water quality earned a grade of A- (89/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #170 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Avila Beach's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Avila Beach'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 Avila Beach?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Avila Beach's water come from?
Avila Beach's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,230 residents.
What health violations has Avila Beach's water system had?
Avila Beach has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
How does Avila Beach's water compare to other cities?
Avila Beach ranks #170 out of 694 cities in California (better than 76% of state cities) and #3111 out of 15744 cities nationally (80th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.