Is Havasu Lake, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 49 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Havasu Lake, CA — Water Quality Report
Havasu Lake's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,761 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 197 violations on record, including 37 health-based violations. 49 remain unresolved.
What to know about Havasu Lake's water
Havasu Lake ranks #626 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Havasu Lake 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.
The system has seen 157 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Havasu Lake, CA water safe to drink?
Havasu Lake's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,761 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Havasu Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Havasu Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Public Notice.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, TTHM, Public Notice.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Havasu Lake's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Havasu Lake's water system has 197 total violations on record, including 37 health-based violations. 49 remain unresolved. 157 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.
Where does Havasu Lake's water come from?
Havasu Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,761 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Havasu Lake residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Havasu 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.
Havasu 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
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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Havasu Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Havasu Lake ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Havasu Lake's water comes from
Havasu Lake'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 4,761 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Havasu Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemehuevi Water | 090600125 | 4,400 | GW |
| Havasu Water Company | 090600202 | 361 | SW |
How Havasu Lake compares
Full California rankings →Havasu Lake's score of 47/100 is below the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →ZIP codes served by Havasu Lake
The water systems serving Havasu Lake cover 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Havasu Lake's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Havasu Lake, CA tap water safe to drink?
Havasu Lake's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #626 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Havasu Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 197 violations are on record.
How is Havasu 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 Havasu Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Havasu Lake's water come from?
Havasu Lake's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,761 residents.
What health violations has Havasu Lake's water system had?
Havasu Lake has 37 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 49 violations remain unresolved.
Is Havasu Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Havasu Lake 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 197 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 Havasu Lake's water compare to other cities?
Havasu Lake ranks #626 out of 694 cities in California (better than 10% of state cities) and #13708 out of 15744 cities nationally (13th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.