Is Forest Falls, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
71/100
waterverge.com Forest Falls, CA — Water Quality Report
Forest Falls's drinking water received a grade of B- (71 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,452 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 23 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Forest Falls's water
Forest Falls ranks #504 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Forest Falls 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, Forest Falls may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Forest Falls, CA water safe to drink?
Forest Falls's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (71/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,452 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Forest Falls
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Forest Falls's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (71/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3592). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3591). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Nitrate, TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Forest Falls's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Forest Falls's water system has 23 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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 Burnt Canyon C, Whitewater R Div Flume In Up Burnt Cyn Nr Banning.
Where does Forest Falls's water come from?
Forest Falls's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,452 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Burnt Canyon C (river), Whitewater R Div Flume In Up Burnt Cyn Nr Banning (river).
What Forest Falls residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Forest Falls's water.
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.
Forest Falls'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
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtSan 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
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.
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 Forest Falls compares by contaminant
Explore where Forest Falls ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Forest Falls's water comes from
Forest Falls'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 1,452 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Forest Falls
Forest Falls is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Forest Falls
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FALLSVALE SERVICE COMPANY | CA3610021 | 1,046 | GW |
| FOREST PARK MWC | CA3600107 | 406 | GW |
How Forest Falls compares
Full California rankings →Forest Falls's score of 71/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Forest Falls, CA
Wikipedia →Forest Falls is an unincorporated community in San Bernardino County, California, 75 miles (121 km) due east of Los Angeles. The community has a population of 1,102 and contains 712 houses. Forest Falls is best known for the waterfalls on Vivian and Falls creeks and as a point of access for recreation in the San Bernardino National Forest, particularly the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area, which lies directly north of the community.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Forest Falls's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across San Bernardino
Frequently asked questions
Is Forest Falls, CA tap water safe to drink?
Forest Falls's water quality earned a grade of B- (71/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #504 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Forest Falls's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 23 violations are on record.
How is Forest Falls'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 Forest Falls?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Forest Falls's water come from?
Forest Falls's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,452 residents.
What health violations has Forest Falls's water system had?
Forest Falls has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Forest Falls's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Forest Falls 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 23 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 Forest Falls's water compare to other cities?
Forest Falls ranks #504 out of 694 cities in California (better than 27% of state cities) and #10648 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.