D35/100
California City Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 14,198 residents · California
What's In California City's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
molybdenum | 100.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2022Enforcement: Formal — state order issued
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
CALIFORNIA CITY, CITY OF
Population Served
14,198
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
CA1510032
Frequently Asked Questions About California City Water
Is California City tap water safe to drink?
California City, California tap water receives a grade of D (35/100), which is considered poor. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 14 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in California City's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in California City's water supply, the most notable include molybdenum. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does California City have any water quality violations?
Yes, California City has 14 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2022. Violation types include Other, MCL, MR. 12 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in California City?
California City water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does California City's tap water come from?
California City's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by CALIFORNIA CITY, CITY OF. The system serves approximately 14,198 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is California City's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. California City's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does California City's water compare to other cities in California?
California City's water quality score of 35/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our California state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about California City's water quality?
If you have concerns about California City's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (CALIFORNIA CITY, CITY OF) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.