Is Lucerne Valley, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 39 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Lucerne Valley, CA — Water Quality Report
Lucerne Valley's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 11 water systems serve approximately 3,277 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 112 violations on record, including 37 health-based violations. 39 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lucerne Valley's water
Lucerne Valley ranks #627 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Lucerne Valley 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, Lucerne Valley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 57 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lucerne Valley, CA water safe to drink?
Lucerne Valley'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 11 water systems serve approximately 3,277 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lucerne Valley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lucerne Valley's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Nitrate, Consumer Confidence 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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lucerne Valley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lucerne Valley's water system has 112 total violations on record, including 37 health-based violations. 39 remain unresolved. 57 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 Cushenbury Canyon C Nr Lucerne Valley.
Where does Lucerne Valley's water come from?
Lucerne Valley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 11 water systems serving approximately 3,277 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cushenbury Canyon C Nr Lucerne Valley (river).
What Lucerne Valley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lucerne Valley'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.
Lucerne Valley'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 Lucerne Valley
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lucerne Valley, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MITSUBISHI CEMENT CORP. LUCERNE VALLEY, CA92356 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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 Lucerne Valley compares by contaminant
Explore where Lucerne Valley ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lucerne Valley's water comes from
Lucerne Valley'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 3,277 people through 11 water systems.
Water bodies near Lucerne Valley
Lucerne Valley is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lucerne Valley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| JUBILEE MWC | CA3600139 | 782 | GW |
| CENTER WATER CO | CA3600070 | 662 | GW |
| DESERT SPRINGS MWC | CA3600089 | 325 | GW |
| MOSS MOBILE MANOR | CA3600397 | 290 | GW |
| BAR H MWC | CA3600027 | 260 | GW |
| LUCERNE VALLEY MWC | CA3600156 | 228 | GW |
| LUCERNE VISTA MWC | CA3600157 | 224 | GW |
| GORDON ACRES WATER CO | CA3600297 | 200 | GW |
| DESERT DAWN MWC | CA3600088 | 150 | GW |
| WEST END MWC | CA3600345 | 90 | GW |
| RANCHO PINO VERDE | CA3601085 | 66 | GW |
How Lucerne Valley compares
Full California rankings →Lucerne Valley'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 →About Lucerne Valley, CA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lucerne Valley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across San Bernardino
Frequently asked questions
Is Lucerne Valley, CA tap water safe to drink?
Lucerne Valley's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #627 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Lucerne Valley's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 112 violations are on record.
How is Lucerne Valley'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 Lucerne Valley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lucerne Valley's water come from?
Lucerne Valley's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 11 water systems serving approximately 3,277 residents.
What health violations has Lucerne Valley's water system had?
Lucerne Valley has 37 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 39 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lucerne Valley's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lucerne Valley 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 112 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 Lucerne Valley's water compare to other cities?
Lucerne Valley ranks #627 out of 694 cities in California (better than 10% of state cities) and #13720 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.