Is Cold Springs, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.9/100
waterverge.com Cold Springs, CA — Water Quality Report
Cold Springs's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,771 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 3 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Cold Springs's water
Cold Springs ranks #143 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, Cold Springs may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cold Springs, CA water safe to drink?
Cold Springs's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,771 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Cold Springs
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cold Springs's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.9/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cold Springs's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cold Springs's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
El Dorado County has experienced 9 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 Sf American R Nr Pilot Hill.
Where does Cold Springs's water come from?
Cold Springs's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,771 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Sf American R Nr Pilot Hill (river).
What Cold Springs 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.
Cold Springs'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
El Dorado County has experienced 9 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 Cold Springs compares by contaminant
Explore where Cold Springs ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cold Springs's water comes from
Cold Springs'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 1,771 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Cold Springs
Cold Springs is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Cold Springs
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COLD SPRINGS WATER CO | CA5510011 | 1,771 | SW |
How Cold Springs compares
Full California rankings →Cold Springs's score of 89.9/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Cold Springs, CA
Wikipedia →Desert Hot Springs is a city in Riverside County, California, United States. The city is located within the Coachella Valley geographic region. The population was 32,512 as of the 2020 census, up from 25,938 at the 2010 census. The city has experienced rapid growth since the 1970s when there were 2,700 residents. The city is commonly referred to by its initials, DHS.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cold Springs's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tuolumne
Frequently asked questions
Is Cold Springs, CA tap water safe to drink?
Cold Springs's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #143 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Cold Springs's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Cold Springs'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 Cold Springs?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cold Springs's water come from?
Cold Springs's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,771 residents.
How does Cold Springs's water compare to other cities?
Cold Springs ranks #143 out of 694 cities in California (better than 79% of state cities) and #2509 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cold Springs's small water system affect quality?
Cold Springs's system serves approximately 1,771 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 3 violations on record.