Is Mountain Center, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84/100
waterverge.com Mountain Center, CA — Water Quality Report
Mountain Center's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 551 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.6 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 102 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mountain Center's water
Mountain Center ranks #291 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Mountain Center 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, Mountain Center may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mountain Center, CA water safe to drink?
Mountain Center's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 551 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mountain Center
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mountain Center's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84/100).
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: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mountain Center's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mountain Center's water system has 102 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 15 remain unresolved. 2 violations were 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 Chino Cyn C Bl Tramway Nr Palm Springs, Cahuilla C Trib A Anza, San Jacinto R Nr San Jacinto.
Where does Mountain Center's water come from?
Mountain Center's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 551 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Chino Cyn C Bl Tramway Nr Palm Springs (river), Cahuilla C Trib A Anza (river), San Jacinto R Nr San Jacinto (river).
What Mountain Center residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mountain Center'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.
Mountain Center'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
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. | 3.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mountain Center compares by contaminant
Explore where Mountain Center ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mountain Center's water comes from
Mountain Center'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 551 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Mountain Center
Mountain Center is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Mountain Center
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PINYON PINES COUNTY WATER DIST | CA3301512 | 232 | GW |
| THOMAS MOUNTAIN WATER COMPANY | CA3301676 | 157 | GW |
| BALDY MOUNTAIN RANCH | CA3301028 | 80 | GW |
| TRAILS END MUTUAL WATER COMPANY | CA3301682 | 52 | GW |
| PARADISE VALLEY MWC | CA3301502 | 30 | GW |
How Mountain Center compares
Full California rankings →Mountain Center's score of 84/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Mountain Center, CA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mountain Center's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Riverside
Frequently asked questions
Is Mountain Center, CA tap water safe to drink?
Mountain Center's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #291 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Mountain Center's water?
Lead was measured at 3.6 ppb (90th percentile). 102 violations are on record.
How is Mountain Center'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 Mountain Center?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mountain Center's water come from?
Mountain Center's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 551 residents.
What health violations has Mountain Center's water system had?
Mountain Center has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
Is Mountain Center's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mountain Center 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 102 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 Mountain Center's water compare to other cities?
Mountain Center ranks #291 out of 694 cities in California (better than 58% of state cities) and #6169 out of 15744 cities nationally (61th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.