WaterVerge

Is Devore, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: CA3610117
Overall Score
89.1 / 100
Violations
3 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#167 of 694 in California Top 19% nationally
Private
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
89.1/100
waterverge.com
A- 89.1/100

Devore, CA — Water Quality Report

Devore's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,574 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. 3 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Devore's water

Devore ranks #167 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

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

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
89.1 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
42.1/45
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
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Devore, CA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Devore's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,574 residents using groundwater (wells).

3
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Devore

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Devore's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.1/100).

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, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3591). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Nitrate.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.

Key contaminant findings

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

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

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Devore's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MRMONMCL
Most recent violations:
Jan 2022 Nitrate Resolved
Jul 2021 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jul 2017 Nitrate Resolved
Apr 2017 Nitrate Resolved
Oct 2016 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

San Bernardino 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 Wf Mojave R Ab Mojave R Forks Res Nr Hesperia, E Twin C Nr Arrowhead Springs, Waterman Canyon Creek Nr Arrowhead Springs, Warm C Nr San Bernardino, Lytle C Nr Fontana.

SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-3592
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-3591
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND DEBRIS AND MUD FLOWS
Flood FEMA DR-1952

Where does Devore's water come from?

Devore's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,574 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wf Mojave R Ab Mojave R Forks Res Nr Hesperia (river), E Twin C Nr Arrowhead Springs (river), Waterman Canyon Creek Nr Arrowhead Springs (river), Warm C Nr San Bernardino (river), Lytle C Nr Fontana (river).

What Devore residents can do

Install a water filter

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

Devore'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
3
Active / unresolved
Jan 2022
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

10 Total
3 Active
2 Health-based
7 Resolved
Violations by category
Nitrate Rule
3
Revised Total Coliform Rule
3
Ground Water Rule
2
Lead and Copper Rule
1
Sep 2016 Active
COLIPHAGE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
May 2016 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2022 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Jul 2021 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Jul 2021
Jul 2017 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2017
Apr 2017 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2017
Oct 2016 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Oct 2016
May 2016 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved May 2016
Jul 1993 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2003
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

San Bernardino 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.

50.7%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Mar 2023
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

San Bernardino 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, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #3591
Jan 2011
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND DEBRIS AND MUD FLOWS
Flood FEMA #1952
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3248
Feb 1993
SEVERE WINTER STORM, MUD & LAND SLIDES, & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #979
Feb 1992
RAIN/SNOW/WIND STORMS, FLOODING, MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #935

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 11.0 ppb from 1994 (11.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Private
Population Served
1,574
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Devore's water comes from

Groundwater

Devore'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,574 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Devore

Devore is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Wf Mojave R Ab Mojave R Forks Res Nr Hesperia
river
E Twin C Nr Arrowhead Springs
river
Waterman Canyon Creek Nr Arrowhead Springs
river
Warm C Nr San Bernardino
river
Lytle C Nr Fontana
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Devore

System Name PWSID Population Source
DEVORE WC CA3610117 1,574 GW
Regional Comparison

How Devore compares

Full California rankings →

Devore's score of 89.1/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Devore (this city)
89.1
Oakland
77.9
San Diego
39.7
Sacramento
31.2
California avg
57
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Frequently asked questions

Is Devore, CA tap water safe to drink?

Devore's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #167 out of 694 cities tested in California.

What contaminants are in Devore's water?

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

How is Devore'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 Devore?

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

Where does Devore's water come from?

Devore's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,574 residents.

What health violations has Devore's water system had?

Devore has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.

Is Devore's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Devore 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 Devore's water compare to other cities?

Devore ranks #167 out of 694 cities in California (better than 76% of state cities) and #3034 out of 15744 cities nationally (81th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Devore's small water system affect quality?

Devore's system serves approximately 1,574 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.