Is Elizabeth Lake, 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 ↓
91.9/100
Elizabeth Lake, CA — Water Quality Report
Elizabeth Lake's drinking water received a grade of A (91.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,790 residents using purchased 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 7 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Elizabeth Lake's water
Elizabeth Lake ranks #98 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, Elizabeth Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Elizabeth Lake, CA water safe to drink?
Elizabeth Lake's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,790 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Elizabeth Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Elizabeth Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.9/100).
Contaminants: Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Elizabeth Lake's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Elizabeth Lake's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Elizabeth Lake's water come from?
Elizabeth Lake's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,790 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Elizabeth Lake 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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
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 Elizabeth Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Elizabeth Lake ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Elizabeth Lake's water comes from
Elizabeth Lake'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 1,790 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Elizabeth Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAKE ELIZABETH MUTUAL WATER CO. | CA1910056 | 1,790 | SWP |
How Elizabeth Lake compares
Full California rankings →Elizabeth Lake's score of 91.9/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Elizabeth Lake, CA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Elizabeth Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Los Angeles
Frequently asked questions
Is Elizabeth Lake, CA tap water safe to drink?
Elizabeth Lake's water quality earned a grade of A (91.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #98 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Elizabeth Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Elizabeth Lake'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 Elizabeth Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Elizabeth Lake's water come from?
Elizabeth Lake's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,790 residents.
What health violations has Elizabeth Lake's water system had?
Elizabeth Lake has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Elizabeth Lake's water compare to other cities?
Elizabeth Lake ranks #98 out of 694 cities in California (better than 86% of state cities) and #1453 out of 15744 cities nationally (91th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Elizabeth Lake's small water system affect quality?
Elizabeth Lake's system serves approximately 1,790 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 7 violations on record.