WaterVerge

Is Del Rey, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Del Rey ranks. What to do next ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: CA1010035
Overall Score
96.3 / 100
Violations
None active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#27 of 694 in California Top 1% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
96.3/100
waterverge.com
A+ 96.3/100

Del Rey, CA — Water Quality Report

Del Rey's drinking water received a grade of A+ (96.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,491 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 10 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.

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

What to know about Del Rey's water

Del Rey ranks #27 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

Del Rey 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, Del Rey may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
96.3 out of 100 Grade A+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.3/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Del Rey, CA water safe to drink?

Generally Safe

Based on EPA testing data, Del Rey's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (96.3/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,491 residents using groundwater (wells).

None
Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Del Rey

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Del Rey's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (96.3/100).

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: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Del Rey's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.

MRMCLOther
Most recent violations:
Jul 2015 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jan 2010 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Feb 2008 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
May 2005 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jul 2002 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.

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 Del Rey's water come from?

Del Rey's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,491 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Del Rey residents can do

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

Del Rey'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
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

10
Total violations
2
Health-based
0
Active / unresolved
Jul 2015
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

10 Total
0 Active
2 Health-based
10 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
9
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
1
Jul 2015 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 2015
Jan 2010 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 2010
Feb 2008 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Feb 2008
May 2005 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 2005
Jul 2002 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 2002
Jun 2002 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2002
Aug 2001 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 2001
Aug 2001 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2001
Aug 2001 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Other Violation Resolved Sep 2001
Jan 1991 Resolved
1,2-DIBROMO-3-CHLOROPROPANE
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jan 1993
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Del Rey

Industrial polluters nearby

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

Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
BASALITE CONCRETE PRODUCTS
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · PACIFIC COAST BUILDING PRODUCTS INC
SELMA, CA93662
Lead06.6 mi
POM WONDERFUL
Beverages · NA
DEL REY, CA93616
0.4 mi
GUARDIAN INDUSTRIES LLC
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · KOCH INC
KINGSBURG, CA93631
7.6 mi
FRESNO VALVES & CASTINGS INC.
Primary Metals · FRESNO VALVES & CASTINGS INC
SELMA, CA93662
4.9 mi
CEMEX FRESNO PLANT
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · CEMEX INC
FRESNO, CA93725
7.9 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Del Rey

Superfund sites nearby

Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

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) 0.0 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 0.0 ppb from 1992 (0.0 ppb) to 2024 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,491
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Del Rey's water comes from

Groundwater

Del Rey'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,491 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Del Rey

System Name PWSID Population Source
DEL REY COMMUNITY SERV DIST CA1010035 1,491 GW
Regional Comparison

How Del Rey compares

Full California rankings →

Del Rey's score of 96.3/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Del Rey (this city)
96.3
Oakland
77.9
San Diego
39.7
Sacramento
31.2
California avg
57
City Profile

About Del Rey, CA

Economic Profile
$48,897
Median Income
$189,886
Median Home Value
$700/mo
Median Rent
12.1%
Unemployment
Community
30.9
Median Age
431
People / sq mi
4.6%
College Educated
51.9%
Homeownership
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is Del Rey, CA tap water safe to drink?

Del Rey's water quality earned a grade of A+ (96.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #27 out of 694 cities tested in California.

What contaminants are in Del Rey's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.

How is Del Rey'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 Del Rey?

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

Where does Del Rey's water come from?

Del Rey's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,491 residents.

What health violations has Del Rey's water system had?

Del Rey has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.

Is Del Rey's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Del Rey 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 10 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 Del Rey's water compare to other cities?

Del Rey ranks #27 out of 694 cities in California (better than 96% of state cities) and #197 out of 15744 cities nationally (99th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Del Rey's small water system affect quality?

Del Rey's system serves approximately 1,491 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 10 violations on record.