Is Palo Verde, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
63.8/100
waterverge.com Palo Verde, CA — Water Quality Report
Palo Verde's drinking water received a grade of C (63.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 585 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.1 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 25 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Palo Verde's water
Palo Verde ranks #554 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Palo Verde 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, Palo Verde may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Palo Verde, CA water safe to drink?
Palo Verde's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (63.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 585 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Palo Verde
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Palo Verde's water quality assessment. Grade: C (63.8/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule, LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4750). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3592). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Palo Verde's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Palo Verde's water system has 25 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Imperial County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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 Pvid D23 Spill, Pvid C Canal Spill.
Where does Palo Verde's water come from?
Palo Verde's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 585 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Pvid D23 Spill (river), Pvid C Canal Spill (stream).
What Palo Verde residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Palo Verde'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.
Palo Verde'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
Flood & disaster history
Imperial County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1976. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Palo Verde'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. | 2.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| 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. | 4.05 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 4.050 mg/L (2016)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Palo Verde compares by contaminant
Explore where Palo Verde ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Palo Verde's water comes from
Palo Verde'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 585 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Palo Verde
Palo Verde is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Palo Verde
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PALO VERDE COUNTY WATER DIST. | CA1300616 | 410 | GW |
| MITCHELLS CAMP FAMILY ASSOC. | CA1300555 | 175 | GW |
How Palo Verde compares
Full California rankings →Palo Verde's score of 63.8/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Palo Verde, CA
Wikipedia →Palo Verde is a census-designated place (CDP) in Imperial County, California. Its name comes from the native desert tree, Palo Verde, which in turn takes its name from the Spanish words for stick (palo) and green (verde), and shares its name with the Palo Verde Valley, the valley in which it is located.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Palo Verde's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Imperial
Frequently asked questions
Is Palo Verde, CA tap water safe to drink?
Palo Verde's water quality earned a grade of C (63.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #554 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Palo Verde's water?
Lead was measured at 2.1 ppb (90th percentile). 25 violations are on record.
How is Palo Verde'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 Palo Verde?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Palo Verde's water come from?
Palo Verde's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 585 residents.
What health violations has Palo Verde's water system had?
Palo Verde has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Palo Verde's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Palo Verde 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 25 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 Palo Verde's water compare to other cities?
Palo Verde ranks #554 out of 694 cities in California (better than 20% of state cities) and #11722 out of 15744 cities nationally (26th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.