Is Olympic Valley, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
82.9/100
waterverge.com Olympic Valley, CA — Water Quality Report
Olympic Valley's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,165 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 14.4 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 1 violation on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Olympic Valley's water
Olympic Valley ranks #315 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Olympic 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.
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, Olympic Valley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Olympic Valley, CA water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Olympic Valley's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of B+ (82.9/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,165 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Olympic Valley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Olympic Valley's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.9/100).
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Olympic Valley'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.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Olympic Valley's water system has 1 total violation on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Placer County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1964. 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 General C Nr Meeks Bay, Blackwood C Nr Tahoe City, Ward C Bl Confluence Nr Tahoe City, Ward C, Lake Tahoe A Tahoe City.
Where does Olympic Valley's water come from?
Olympic Valley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,165 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include General C Nr Meeks Bay (river), Blackwood C Nr Tahoe City (river), Ward C Bl Confluence Nr Tahoe City (river), Ward C (river), Lake Tahoe A Tahoe City (lake).
What Olympic 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Olympic 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
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtPlacer 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
Placer County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1964. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Olympic Valley'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. | 14.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Olympic Valley compares by contaminant
Explore where Olympic Valley ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Olympic Valley's water comes from
Olympic 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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,165 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Olympic Valley
Olympic Valley is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Olympic Valley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OLYMPIC VALLEY PSD | CA3110020 | 1,165 | GW |
How Olympic Valley compares
Full California rankings →Olympic Valley's score of 82.9/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Olympic Valley, CA
Wikipedia →Olympic Valley is an unincorporated community located in Placer County, California, United States. It lies northwest of Tahoe City along California State Highway 89 on the banks of the Truckee River near Lake Tahoe. It is home to Palisades Tahoe, the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics. Olympic Valley is the smallest resort area to host the Olympic Winter Games.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Olympic Valley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Placer
Frequently asked questions
Is Olympic Valley, CA tap water safe to drink?
Olympic Valley's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #315 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Olympic Valley's water?
Lead was measured at 14.4 ppb (90th percentile). 1 violation is on record.
How is Olympic 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 Olympic Valley?
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 Olympic Valley's water come from?
Olympic Valley's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,165 residents.
What health violations has Olympic Valley's water system had?
Olympic Valley has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2008. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is Olympic Valley's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Olympic 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 1 violation 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 Olympic Valley's water compare to other cities?
Olympic Valley ranks #315 out of 694 cities in California (better than 55% of state cities) and #6703 out of 15744 cities nationally (57th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Olympic Valley's small water system affect quality?
Olympic Valley's system serves approximately 1,165 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 1 violation on record.