Is Valley Springs, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.3/100
waterverge.com Valley Springs, CA — Water Quality Report
Valley Springs's drinking water received a grade of A (90.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,725 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.9 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 28 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Valley Springs's water
Valley Springs ranks #129 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Valley Springs 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, Valley Springs may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Valley Springs, CA water safe to drink?
Valley Springs's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,725 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Valley Springs
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Valley Springs's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.3/100).
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.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR), Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Valley Springs's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Valley Springs's water system has 28 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Calaveras County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1986. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Valley Springs's water come from?
Valley Springs's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 2,725 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Valley Springs residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Valley Springs'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.
Valley Springs'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
Calaveras County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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. | 3.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Valley Springs compares by contaminant
Explore where Valley Springs ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Valley Springs's water comes from
Valley Springs'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 2,725 people through 4 water systems.
Water systems serving Valley Springs
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAMANCHE NORTH SHORE INC. | CA0310008 | 922 | GW |
| VALLEY SPRINGS PUD | CA0510010 | 900 | GW |
| CAMANCHE SOUTH SHORE-EBMUD | CA0510012 | 828 | SW |
| COUNTRY MANOR MHP | CA3900844 | 75 | GW |
How Valley Springs compares
Full California rankings →Valley Springs's score of 90.3/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Valley Springs, CA
Wikipedia →Valley Springs is a census-designated place (CDP) in Calaveras County, California, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Valley Springs is registered as a California Historical Landmark, number 251.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Valley Springs's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Amador
Frequently asked questions
Is Valley Springs, CA tap water safe to drink?
Valley Springs's water quality earned a grade of A (90.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #129 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Valley Springs's water?
Lead was measured at 3.9 ppb (90th percentile). 28 violations are on record.
How is Valley Springs'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 Valley Springs?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Valley Springs's water come from?
Valley Springs's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 2,725 residents.
What health violations has Valley Springs's water system had?
Valley Springs has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2016. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Valley Springs's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Valley Springs 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 28 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 Valley Springs's water compare to other cities?
Valley Springs ranks #129 out of 694 cities in California (better than 81% of state cities) and #2295 out of 15744 cities nationally (85th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.