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Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Water quality data for 10 cities serving 2,047,641 residents
Riverside County in California has an average water quality score of 92/100 (Grade A) based on analysis of 10 municipal water systems. The county's water systems serve approximately 2,047,641 residents.
Overall, Riverside County demonstrates good water quality standards. 6 of 10 cities exceed the county average, with Palm Springs leading with a score of 100/100.
10 cities ranked by water quality score
| Rank | City | Score | Grade | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Perris | 100 | A | 666,581 |
| 2 | Palm Springs | 100 | A | 74,807 |
| 3 | Indio Biggest deduction: 1 monitoring/reporting violation in the last 5 years (−1 pts) | 99 | A | 84,757 |
| 4 | Palm Desert Biggest deduction: Arsenic: 21 of 857 finished-water samples (2012–2019) above the 10 ug/l MCL (2.5% of samples); max 29 ug/l (−3 pts) | 97 | A | 270,000 |
| 5 | Jurupa Valley Biggest deduction: Nitrate (as N): 2 of 2121 finished-water samples (2012–2019) above the 10 mg/l MCL (0.1% of samples); max 11.978 mg/l (−3 pts) | 97 | A | 135,093 |
| 6 | Lake Elsinore Biggest deduction: Arsenic: 1 of 128 finished-water samples (2012–2019) above the 10 ug/l MCL (0.8% of samples); max 12 ug/l (−3 pts) | 95 | A | 169,455 |
| 7 | Corona Biggest deduction: Other PFAS detected in UCMR5 sampling: PFHxS 3.3 ppt, PFBA 7.6 ppt, PFPeA 6.1 ppt, PFHxA 3.8 ppt (−6 pts) | 89 | B | 168,575 |
| 8 | Hemet Biggest deduction: Nitrate (as N): 1 of 2 finished-water samples (2012–2019) above the 10 mg/l MCL (50% of samples); max 10.622 mg/l (−10 pts) | 88 | B | 33,828 |
| 9 | Riverside Biggest deduction: PFOS detected at up to 4 ppt in UCMR5 sampling (2023-11-20), at or above EPA's 4 ppt MCL (−10 pts) | 80 | B | 298,398 |
| 10 | Temecula Biggest deduction: PFOA detected at up to 11 ppt in UCMR5 sampling (2024-12-13), at or above EPA's 4 ppt MCL (−10 pts) | 71 | C | 146,147 |
Real EPA readings across county water systems (lead: latest 90th percentile; PFAS: UCMR5 2023–2026; others: 2012–2019 averages)
| Contaminant | Avg Level | Max Level | EPA Limit | % of Limit | Cities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFAS (PFOA/PFOS max, UCMR5) | 2.33 ppt | 16 ppt | 4 ppt | 58.3% | 10 |
| Nitrate (2012–2019 avg) | 2.903 mg/L | 9.944 mg/L | 10 mg/L | 29% | 9 |
| Arsenic (2012–2019 avg) | 1.573 ug/L | 2.892 ug/L | 10 ug/L | 15.7% | 7 |
| TTHM (2012–2019 avg) | 11.515 ug/L | 31.212 ug/L | 80 ug/L | 14.4% | 10 |
| Fluoride (2012–2019 avg) | 0.466 mg/L | 0.947 mg/L | 4 mg/L | 11.6% | 7 |
| Uranium (2012–2019 avg) | 2.607 ug/L | 12.045 ug/L | 30 ug/L | 8.7% | 7 |
| Radium (2012–2019 avg) | 0.35 pCi/L | 0.7 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L | 7% | 2 |
| HAA5 (2012–2019 avg) | 3.788 ug/L | 14.342 ug/L | 60 ug/L | 6.3% | 10 |
Recent violations across county water systems
Monitoring & reporting — Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) - Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
3/31/2022
Monitoring & reporting — Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) - Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
12/31/2021
Showing 10 of 20 recent violations
Water quality in Riverside County, California reflects the region's unique combination of water sources, treatment infrastructure, and environmental factors. Our comprehensive analysis examines 10 municipal water systems serving a combined population of over 2,047,641 residents.
The county shows strong water quality performance, with scores ranging from 71/100 in Temecula to 100/100 in Palm Springs. This 29-point spread indicates significant variation in water quality across the county, suggesting different water sources or treatment approaches.
The most prevalent contaminants detected across Riverside County water systems include PFAS (PFOA/PFOS max, UCMR5), Nitrate (2012–2019 avg), Arsenic (2012–2019 avg). At least one reading averages above 50% of its EPA limit across the county's systems, worth attention from residents and utilities.
Riverside County's water quality is generally good. Residents can feel confident in their tap water quality, though those with specific health concerns or sensitivity to certain contaminants may still benefit from filtration. Regular review of your city's annual Consumer Confidence Report is recommended.
Riverside County has an average water quality score of 92/100 (Grade A) based on analysis of 10 municipal water systems serving 2,047,641 residents.
Palm Springs has the highest water quality score in Riverside County at 100/100. View the detailed report for Palm Springs.
Most cities in Riverside County have water that meets EPA standards. However, a water filter can provide additional protection and improve taste. The need depends on your specific city and any personal health considerations.
Click on any city in the rankings table above to view its detailed water quality report, including contaminant levels, EPA compliance history, and filter recommendations.