Is Green Valley Lake, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Lead and Copper were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
68.6/100
waterverge.com Green Valley Lake, CA — Water Quality Report
Green Valley Lake's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,993 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 24.9 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 9 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Green Valley Lake's water
Green Valley Lake ranks #522 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Green Valley Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Green Valley Lake, CA water safe to drink?
Green Valley Lake's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,993 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Green Valley Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Green Valley Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.6/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Uranium.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3592). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3591). 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 Green Valley Lake's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Green Valley Lake's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 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 Deep C Nr Hesperia, Santa Ana R Nr Mentone (River Only), Sar Supp Gage Nr Mentone, Plunge C Nr East Highlands, City C Nr Highland.
Where does Green Valley Lake's water come from?
Green Valley Lake's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,993 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Deep C Nr Hesperia (river), Santa Ana R Nr Mentone (River Only) (river), Sar Supp Gage Nr Mentone (river), Plunge C Nr East Highlands (river), City C Nr Highland (river).
What Green Valley Lake residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Green Valley Lake'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Green Valley Lake'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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Green Valley Lake's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 24.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.73 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Green Valley Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Green Valley Lake ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Green Valley Lake's water comes from
Green Valley 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 2,993 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Green Valley Lake
Green Valley Lake is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Green Valley Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GREEN VALLEY MWC | CA3610023 | 2,993 | SWP |
How Green Valley Lake compares
Full California rankings →Green Valley Lake's score of 68.6/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Green Valley Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across San Bernardino
Frequently asked questions
Is Green Valley Lake, CA tap water safe to drink?
Green Valley Lake's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #522 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Green Valley Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 24.9 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Green Valley 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 Green Valley Lake?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Green Valley Lake's water come from?
Green Valley Lake's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,993 residents.
What health violations has Green Valley Lake's water system had?
Green Valley Lake has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Green Valley Lake's water compare to other cities?
Green Valley Lake ranks #522 out of 694 cities in California (better than 25% of state cities) and #11046 out of 15744 cities nationally (30th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Green Valley Lake's small water system affect quality?
Green Valley Lake's system serves approximately 2,993 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 9 violations on record.