Is Carnelian Bay, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79/100
waterverge.com Carnelian Bay, CA — Water Quality Report
Carnelian Bay's drinking water received a grade of B (79 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 5,093 residents using 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 73 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Carnelian Bay's water
Carnelian Bay ranks #386 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it below 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Carnelian Bay, CA water safe to drink?
Carnelian Bay's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 5,093 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Carnelian Bay
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Carnelian Bay's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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 Carnelian Bay's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Carnelian Bay's water system has 73 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Placer County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1964. 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 Blackwood C Nr Tahoe City, Ward C Bl Confluence Nr Tahoe City, Ward C, Third Ck Nr Crystal Bay, Incline Ck Nr Crystal Bay.
Where does Carnelian Bay's water come from?
Carnelian Bay's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 5,093 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Blackwood C Nr Tahoe City (river), Ward C Bl Confluence Nr Tahoe City (river), Ward C (river), Third Ck Nr Crystal Bay (river), Incline Ck Nr Crystal Bay (river).
What Carnelian Bay residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Carnelian Bay'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.
Carnelian Bay'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 Carnelian Bay
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Carnelian Bay, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MARTIS VALLEY PLANT TRUCKEE, CA96161 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
TRUCKEE NORTH TAHOE MATERIALS READY MIX PLANT TRUCKEE, CA96161 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtPlacer 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
Placer County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1964. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Carnelian Bay compares by contaminant
Explore where Carnelian Bay ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Carnelian Bay's water comes from
Carnelian Bay'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 5,093 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Carnelian Bay
Carnelian Bay is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Carnelian Bay
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FULTON WATER COMPANY | CA3110015 | 2,593 | SW |
| AGATE BAY WATER COMPANY | CA3110012 | 2,500 | SW |
How Carnelian Bay compares
Full California rankings →Carnelian Bay's score of 79/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Carnelian Bay, CA
Wikipedia →Carnelian Bay is an unincorporated community on the shore of Lake Tahoe in Placer County, California, United States. The Cornelian Bay post office operated from 1883 to 1887 and from 1891 to 1893. The Carnelian Bay post office opened in 1908.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Carnelian Bay's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Placer
Frequently asked questions
Is Carnelian Bay, CA tap water safe to drink?
Carnelian Bay's water quality earned a grade of B (79/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #386 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Carnelian Bay's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 73 violations are on record.
How is Carnelian Bay'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 Carnelian Bay?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Carnelian Bay's water come from?
Carnelian Bay's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 5,093 residents.
What health violations has Carnelian Bay's water system had?
Carnelian Bay has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
How does Carnelian Bay's water compare to other cities?
Carnelian Bay ranks #386 out of 694 cities in California (better than 44% of state cities) and #8421 out of 15744 cities nationally (47th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.