Is Monterey, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
72.6/100
waterverge.com Monterey, CA — Water Quality Report
Monterey's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 803 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 28 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Monterey's water
Monterey ranks #483 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Monterey 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, Monterey may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 13 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Monterey, CA water safe to drink?
Monterey's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 803 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Monterey
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Monterey's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.6/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3592). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4683). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Monterey's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Monterey's water system has 28 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 13 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Monterey County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1967. 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 Carmel R Nr Carmel.
Where does Monterey's water come from?
Monterey's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 803 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Carmel R Nr Carmel (river).
What Monterey residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Monterey'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.
Monterey'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 Monterey
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Monterey, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GRANITE ROCK CO MONTEREY BRANCH BR341 SEASIDE, CA93955 | — | — | 2.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Monterey
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- FORT ORD7.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Monterey County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1967. 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 Monterey compares by contaminant
Explore where Monterey ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Monterey's water comes from
Monterey'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 state ownership and serves approximately 803 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Monterey
Monterey is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Monterey
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSP-PFEIFFER BIG SUR | CA2710300 | 585 | GW |
| MERRILL GARDENS IRIS CANYON WS | CA2702816 | 161 | GW |
| THE WILLOWS RESORT | CA4400850 | 57 | GW |
How Monterey compares
Full California rankings →Monterey's score of 72.6/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Monterey, CA
Wikipedia →Monterey is a city on the southern edge of Monterey Bay, on the Central Coast of California. Located in Monterey County, the city occupies a land area of 8.645 sq mi (22.39 km2) and recorded a population of 30,218 in the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Monterey's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Monterey
Frequently asked questions
Is Monterey, CA tap water safe to drink?
Monterey's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #483 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Monterey's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 28 violations are on record.
How is Monterey'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 Monterey?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Monterey's water come from?
Monterey's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 803 residents.
What health violations has Monterey's water system had?
Monterey has 3 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. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Monterey's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Monterey 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 28 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 Monterey's water compare to other cities?
Monterey ranks #483 out of 694 cities in California (better than 30% of state cities) and #10280 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.