Is Moreno Valley, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.3/100
waterverge.com Moreno Valley, CA — Water Quality Report
Moreno Valley's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,382 residents using purchased surface water.
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 9 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Moreno Valley's water
Moreno Valley ranks #193 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Moreno Valley, CA water safe to drink?
Moreno Valley's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,382 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Moreno Valley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Moreno Valley's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.3/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4750). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3591). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Moreno Valley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Moreno Valley's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Riverside 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 San Timoteo C Nr Loma Linda, Santa Ana R A E St Nr San Bernardino, Warm C Nr San Bernardino, Lytle C A Colton, Rix Outflow A Santa Ana R Nr Grand Terrace.
Where does Moreno Valley's water come from?
Moreno Valley's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,382 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include San Timoteo C Nr Loma Linda (river), Santa Ana R A E St Nr San Bernardino (river), Warm C Nr San Bernardino (river), Lytle C A Colton (river), Rix Outflow A Santa Ana R Nr Grand Terrace (river).
What Moreno Valley 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.
Moreno 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 Moreno Valley
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Moreno Valley, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 4 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TELEDYNE BATTERY PRODUCTS REDLANDS, CA92374 | Lead compounds | 4 | 9.9 mi |
AOC L.L.C. PERRIS, CA92570 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
SORENSON ENGINEERING INC. YUCAIPA, CA92399 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
RALPHS GROCERY CO-RIVERSIDE DISTRIBUTION RIVERSIDE, CA92507 | — | — | 5.7 mi |
PLZ CORP. RIVERSIDE, CA92507 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Moreno Valley
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.
- MARCH AIR FORCE BASE3.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtRiverside 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
Riverside 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 Moreno Valley compares by contaminant
Explore where Moreno Valley ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Moreno Valley's water comes from
Moreno Valley's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 3,382 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Moreno Valley
Moreno Valley is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Moreno Valley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOX SPRINGS MUTUAL WC | CA3310004 | 3,382 | SWP |
How Moreno Valley compares
Full California rankings →Moreno Valley's score of 88.3/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Moreno Valley, CA
Wikipedia →Moreno Valley is a city in Riverside County, California, United States, and is part of the Riverside–San Bernardino–Ontario metropolitan area. It is the second-largest city in Riverside County by population and one of the Inland Empire's population centers. The city's population was 208,634 at the 2020 census. Moreno Valley is also part of the greater Los Angeles area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Moreno Valley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Riverside
Frequently asked questions
Is Moreno Valley, CA tap water safe to drink?
Moreno Valley's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #193 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Moreno Valley's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Moreno 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 Moreno Valley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Moreno Valley's water come from?
Moreno Valley's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,382 residents.
What health violations has Moreno Valley's water system had?
Moreno Valley has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Moreno Valley's water compare to other cities?
Moreno Valley ranks #193 out of 694 cities in California (better than 72% of state cities) and #3516 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.