Is Jacumba, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Jacumba ranks. What to do next ↓
96.4/100
waterverge.com Jacumba, CA — Water Quality Report
Jacumba's drinking water received a grade of A+ (96.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 561 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 8 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Jacumba's water
Jacumba ranks #24 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Jacumba 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, Jacumba may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Jacumba, CA water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Jacumba's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (96.4/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 561 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Jacumba
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Jacumba's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (96.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4758). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4683). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Jacumba's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Jacumba's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
San Diego 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 Jacumba's water come from?
Jacumba's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 561 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Jacumba 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.
Jacumba'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Jacumba
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Jacumba, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
US CBP BOULEVARD BORDER PATROL STATION #CA11560 BOULEVARD, CA91905 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
San Diego 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 Jacumba compares by contaminant
Explore where Jacumba ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Jacumba's water comes from
Jacumba'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 561 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Jacumba
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| JACUMBA COMMUNITY SD | CA3710011 | 561 | GW |
How Jacumba compares
Full California rankings →Jacumba's score of 96.4/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Jacumba, CA
Wikipedia →Jacumba Hot Springs is an unincorporated community in the Mountain Empire area of southeastern San Diego County, California, United States. For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau defined Jacumba as a census-designated place (CDP) for the first time in the 2010 census, with a population of 561. At the 2020 census, the population decreased to 540. The census definition of the area may not precisely correspond to local understanding of the area with the same name. The ZIP Code is 91934 and the town lies within area code 619. Its elevation is 2,829 feet (862 m) above mean sea level (AMSL). On February 26, 2013, the United States Board on Geographic Names approved a petition by a citizen committee to change the town's name from Jacumba to Jacumba Hot Springs.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Jacumba's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across San Diego
Frequently asked questions
Is Jacumba, CA tap water safe to drink?
Jacumba's water quality earned a grade of A+ (96.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #24 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Jacumba's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Jacumba'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 Jacumba?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Jacumba's water come from?
Jacumba's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 561 residents.
Is Jacumba's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Jacumba 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 8 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 Jacumba's water compare to other cities?
Jacumba ranks #24 out of 694 cities in California (better than 97% of state cities) and #191 out of 15744 cities nationally (99th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Jacumba's small water system affect quality?
Jacumba's system serves approximately 561 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 8 violations on record.