Is Pine Valley, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Pine Valley ranks. What to do next ↓
73.1/100
waterverge.com Pine Valley, CA — Water Quality Report
Pine Valley's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,900 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 34 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Pine Valley's water
Pine Valley ranks #481 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Pine 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.
As a small community water system, Pine Valley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pine Valley, CA water safe to drink?
Pine Valley's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B- (73.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,900 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pine Valley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pine Valley's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.1/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Uranium.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Uranium.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Uranium.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4758). 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 Pine Valley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pine Valley's water system has 34 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved. 12 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
San Diego 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 Sweetwater R Nr Descanso.
Where does Pine Valley's water come from?
Pine Valley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,900 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sweetwater R Nr Descanso (river).
What Pine 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.
Pine 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
Flood & disaster history
San Diego 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 Pine Valley compares by contaminant
Explore where Pine Valley ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pine Valley's water comes from
Pine 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 private ownership and serves approximately 2,900 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Pine Valley
Pine Valley is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Pine Valley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PINE VALLEY MUTUAL WC | CA3710039 | 2,645 | GW |
| PINE VALLEY BIBLE CONFERENCE CENTER | CA3701934 | 255 | GW |
How Pine Valley compares
Full California rankings →Pine Valley's score of 73.1/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Pine Valley, CA
Wikipedia →Pine Valley is a community and census-designated place (CDP) in the Cuyamaca Mountains of the Mountain Empire area, in southeastern San Diego County, California. The population was 1,645 at the 2020 census, up from 1,510 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pine Valley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across San Diego
Frequently asked questions
Is Pine Valley, CA tap water safe to drink?
Pine Valley's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #481 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Pine Valley's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 34 violations are on record.
How is Pine 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 Pine Valley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pine Valley's water come from?
Pine Valley's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,900 residents.
What health violations has Pine Valley's water system had?
Pine Valley has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is Pine Valley's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pine 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 34 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 Pine Valley's water compare to other cities?
Pine Valley ranks #481 out of 694 cities in California (better than 31% of state cities) and #10158 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.