Is Bethel Island, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
66/100
waterverge.com Bethel Island, CA — Water Quality Report
Bethel Island's drinking water received a grade of C+ (66 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 1,366 residents using groundwater.
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 60 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bethel Island's water
Bethel Island ranks #540 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Bethel Island 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, Bethel Island may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bethel Island, CA water safe to drink?
Bethel Island's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (66/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 1,366 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bethel Island
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bethel Island's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (66/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4683). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3591). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bethel Island'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
Bethel Island's water system has 60 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Contra Costa 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 Victoria Canal Nr Byron, Middle R, Middle R Nr Holt, Old River, Old R A Bacon Island.
Where does Bethel Island's water come from?
Bethel Island's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 7 water systems serving approximately 1,366 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Victoria Canal Nr Byron (stream), Middle R (river), Middle R Nr Holt (river), Old River (river), Old R A Bacon Island (river).
What Bethel Island residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bethel Island'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.
Bethel Island'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 Bethel Island
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bethel Island, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GEORGIA-PACIFIC GYPSUM LLC ANTIOCH, CA94509 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
ANTIOCH ANTIOCH, CA94509 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
SILGAN CONTAINERS MFG CORP ANTIOCH, CA94509 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Contra Costa 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 Bethel Island'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. | 1.50 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.500 mg/L (2024)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Bethel Island compares by contaminant
Explore where Bethel Island ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bethel Island's water comes from
Bethel Island'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 1,366 people through 7 water systems.
Water bodies near Bethel Island
Bethel Island is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bethel Island
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLEASANTIMES MUTUAL WATER CO | CA0707576 | 644 | GW |
| RIVERVIEW WATER ASSOCIATION | CA0707577 | 230 | GW |
| BETHEL ISLAND MUTUAL WATER CO | CA0707572 | 123 | GW |
| RUSSOS MOBILE PARK | CA0707601 | 110 | GW |
| SANDMOUND MUTUAL | CA0707556 | 100 | GW |
| ANGLERS SUBDIVISION 4 | CA0707569 | 99 | GW |
| ANGLER S RANCH #3 | CA0707501 | 60 | GW |
How Bethel Island compares
Full California rankings →Bethel Island's score of 66/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Bethel Island, CA
Wikipedia →Bethel Island is an island in the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta of Contra Costa County, California, approximately 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) east of Antioch. The island describes itself as "the heart of the California Delta."
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bethel Island's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Contra Costa
Frequently asked questions
Is Bethel Island, CA tap water safe to drink?
Bethel Island's water quality earned a grade of C+ (66/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #540 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Bethel Island's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 60 violations are on record.
How is Bethel Island'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 Bethel Island?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bethel Island's water come from?
Bethel Island's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 7 water systems serving approximately 1,366 residents.
What health violations has Bethel Island's water system had?
Bethel Island has 12 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. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bethel Island's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bethel Island 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 60 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 Bethel Island's water compare to other cities?
Bethel Island ranks #540 out of 694 cities in California (better than 22% of state cities) and #11442 out of 15744 cities nationally (27th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.