Is Lee Vining, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89/100
waterverge.com Lee Vining, CA — Water Quality Report
Lee Vining's drinking water received a grade of A- (89 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 742 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 8.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 26 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lee Vining's water
Lee Vining ranks #172 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Lee Vining 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Lee Vining may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lee Vining, CA water safe to drink?
Lee Vining's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 742 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lee Vining
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lee Vining's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89/100).
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: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lee Vining's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Lee Vining's water system has 26 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Mono County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Lee Vining's water come from?
Lee Vining's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 742 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Lee Vining residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lee Vining'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.
Lee Vining'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
Mono County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Lee Vining'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. | 8.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lee Vining compares by contaminant
Explore where Lee Vining ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lee Vining's water comes from
Lee Vining'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 742 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Lee Vining
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEE VINING PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT | CA2610005 | 672 | GW |
| LUNDY MUTUAL WATER COMPANY | CA2600532 | 70 | GW |
How Lee Vining compares
Full California rankings →Lee Vining's score of 89/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Lee Vining, CA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lee Vining's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mono
Frequently asked questions
Is Lee Vining, CA tap water safe to drink?
Lee Vining's water quality earned a grade of A- (89/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #172 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Lee Vining's water?
Lead was measured at 8.0 ppb (90th percentile). 26 violations are on record.
How is Lee Vining'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 Lee Vining?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lee Vining's water come from?
Lee Vining's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 742 residents.
What health violations has Lee Vining's water system had?
Lee Vining has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in March 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lee Vining's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lee Vining 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 26 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 Lee Vining's water compare to other cities?
Lee Vining ranks #172 out of 694 cities in California (better than 75% of state cities) and #3135 out of 15744 cities nationally (80th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.