WaterVerge

Is Claremont, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 4 water systems PWSID: CA5510024
Overall Score
89 / 100
Violations
5 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#171 of 694 in California Top 20% nationally
Private
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
89/100
waterverge.com
A- 89/100

Claremont, CA — Water Quality Report

Claremont's drinking water received a grade of A- (89 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,789 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 1.7 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 73 violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Claremont's water

Claremont ranks #171 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, Claremont may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
89 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
38.6/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
18.4/20
A
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Claremont, CA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Claremont's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,789 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

5
Active Violations
1.7 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Claremont

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Claremont's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89/100).

Disaster
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3592). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4683). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Claremont's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.7 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Claremont's water system has 73 total violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.

MONOtherMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Aug 2017 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Feb 2016 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jan 2016 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Los Angeles 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 San Antonio C A Riverside Drive Nr Chino, Chino C A Schaefer Avenue Nr Chino, Cucamonga C Nr Upland, Cucamonga C Nr Mira Loma.

SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-3592
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4683
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-3591

Where does Claremont's water come from?

Claremont's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 1,789 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include San Antonio C A Riverside Drive Nr Chino (river), Chino C A Schaefer Avenue Nr Chino (river), Cucamonga C Nr Upland (river), Cucamonga C Nr Mira Loma (river).

What Claremont residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Claremont's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Claremont'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.7 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 11% of limit
Safe Level
NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine)
Disinfection Byproduct
Detected
4.4 ng/L
CA Public Health Goal: 10 ng/L · 44% of limit
DetectedProbable CarcinogenUCMR 2 Data (2008–2010)
Compliance Record

Violation summary

73
Total violations
19
Health-based
5
Active / unresolved
Aug 2017
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

73 Total
5 Active
19 Health-based
68 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
38
Miscellaneous Other Rules
24
Lead and Copper Rule
5
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
4
Revised Total Coliform Rule
1
Jan 2006 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 1996 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 1993 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 1993 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Aug 2017 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Aug 2017
Jun 2016 Resolved
Miscellaneous Other Rules
Other Violation Resolved Sep 2016
Feb 2016 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Feb 2016
Jan 2016 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 2016
Nov 2015 Resolved
Miscellaneous Other Rules
Other Violation Resolved Jan 2016
Oct 2015 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 2015
Sep 2015 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2015
Aug 2015 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2015
Apr 2015 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Apr 2015
Feb 2015 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Feb 2015
Jan 2015 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 2015
Aug 2014 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 2014
Mar 2014 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2014
Feb 2013 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Feb 2013
Sep 2011 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2011
Showing 20 of 73 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Claremont

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Claremont, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 1 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
SCHLOSSER FORGE CO
Fabricated Metals · HOWMET AEROSPACE INC
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA91730
Nickel19.6 mi
HOLLIDAY ROCK - CHINO
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · HOLLIDAY ROCK CO INC
CHINO, CA91710
8.4 mi
GENLABS
Chemicals · GENLABS
CHINO, CA91710
8.5 mi
HUSSMANN CORP
Machinery · PANASONIC CORP OF NORTH AMERICA
CHINO, CA91710
8.4 mi
BLUESCOPE COATED PRODUCTS LLC
Fabricated Metals · BLUESCOPE STEEL NORTH AMERICA INC
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA91730
8.1 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Mar 2023
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Los Angeles 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.

Mar 2023
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #3592
Jan 2023
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4683
Jan 2023
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #3591
Mar 2017
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4305
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3248
Feb 1993
SEVERE WINTER STORM, MUD & LAND SLIDES, & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #979

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.7 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 14.0 ppb from 1993 (14.0 ppb) to 2024 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Private
Population Served
1,789
Water Systems
4
Source breakdown
Groundwater
2
Purchased Surface Water
1
Surface Water
1
Water Source

Where Claremont's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Claremont'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 1,789 people through 4 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Claremont

Claremont is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

San Antonio C A Riverside Drive Nr Chino
river
Chino C A Schaefer Avenue Nr Chino
river
Cucamonga C Nr Upland
river
Cucamonga C Nr Mira Loma
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Claremont

System Name PWSID Population Source
SONORA WATER RESOURCES, INC CA5510024 1,154 SWP
SIERRA WATER RESOURCES - SIERRA CITY CA4600017 324 GW
OWENS VALLEY WATER RESOURCES, INC. CA1400005 311 GW
THREE VALLEYS MWD CA1910041 SW
Regional Comparison

How Claremont compares

Full California rankings →

Claremont's score of 89/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Claremont (this city)
89
Oakland
77.9
San Diego
39.7
Sacramento
31.2
California avg
57
City Profile

About Claremont, CA

Wikipedia →

Claremont is a suburban city in eastern Los Angeles County, California, United States, 30 miles (48 km) east of Los Angeles. It lies in the Pomona Valley at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 34,926, and in 2020 the population was 37,266.

Economic Profile
$115,091
Median Income
$835,610
Median Home Value
$1,970/mo
Median Rent
5.6%
Unemployment
Community
41.5
Median Age
1,068
People / sq mi
57.5%
College Educated
65.1%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Claremont, CA tap water safe to drink?

Claremont'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 #171 out of 694 cities tested in California.

What contaminants are in Claremont's water?

Lead was measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile). 73 violations are on record.

How is Claremont'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 Claremont?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Claremont's water come from?

Claremont's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 1,789 residents.

What health violations has Claremont's water system had?

Claremont has 19 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.

How does Claremont's water compare to other cities?

Claremont ranks #171 out of 694 cities in California (better than 75% of state cities) and #3117 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.