Is Carmel Valley, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper and Strontium were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
68/100
waterverge.com Carmel Valley, CA — Water Quality Report
Carmel Valley's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 504 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.7 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 139 violations on record, including 45 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Carmel Valley's water
Carmel Valley ranks #527 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.03 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a small community water system, Carmel Valley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Carmel Valley, CA water safe to drink?
Carmel Valley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 504 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Carmel Valley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Carmel Valley's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Carmel Valley'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
Carmel Valley's water system has 139 total violations on record, including 45 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Monterey County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1967. 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 Carmel R A Robles Del Rio, Carmel R Nr Carmel.
Where does Carmel Valley's water come from?
Carmel Valley's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 504 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Carmel R A Robles Del Rio (river), Carmel R Nr Carmel (river).
What Carmel Valley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Carmel Valley'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.
Carmel Valley'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
Flood & disaster history
Monterey County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1967. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Carmel Valley'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. | 3.7 | 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. | 6.32 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Carmel Valley compares by contaminant
Explore where Carmel Valley ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Carmel Valley's water comes from
Carmel Valley'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 private ownership and serves approximately 504 people through 6 water systems.
Water bodies near Carmel Valley
Carmel Valley is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Carmel Valley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TASSAJARA SPRINGS WS | CA2701705 | 150 | SW |
| ASOLEADO MWC | CA2702148 | 101 | GW |
| TULARCITOS MWC | CA2701800 | 90 | GW |
| WOODSIDE WA | CA2702140 | 73 | GW |
| CACHAGUA MUTUAL WS (#4) | CA2701888 | 55 | GW |
| OUTLOOK WA | CA2700622 | 35 | GW |
How Carmel Valley compares
Full California rankings →Carmel Valley's score of 68/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Carmel Valley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Monterey
Frequently asked questions
Is Carmel Valley, CA tap water safe to drink?
Carmel Valley's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #527 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Carmel Valley's water?
Lead was measured at 3.7 ppb (90th percentile). 139 violations are on record.
How is Carmel Valley'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 Carmel Valley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Carmel Valley's water come from?
Carmel Valley's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 504 residents.
What health violations has Carmel Valley's water system had?
Carmel Valley has 45 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
How does Carmel Valley's water compare to other cities?
Carmel Valley ranks #527 out of 694 cities in California (better than 24% of state cities) and #11148 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.