C50/100
Camp Pendleton Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 54,870 residents · California
What's In Camp Pendleton's Tap Water?
67
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
3 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 2.06 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
chlorate | 320.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | < 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2018.
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
CAMP PENDLETON (NORTH)
Population Served
12,651
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA3710700
CAMP PENDLETON (SOUTH)
Population Served
42,219
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA3710702
Frequently Asked Questions About Camp Pendleton Water
Is Camp Pendleton tap water safe to drink?
Camp Pendleton, California tap water receives a grade of C (50/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 26 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Camp Pendleton's water?
Of the 67 contaminants tested in Camp Pendleton's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Camp Pendleton have any water quality violations?
Yes, Camp Pendleton has 26 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2022. Violation types include Other, MCL, TT. 13 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Camp Pendleton?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Camp Pendleton is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Camp Pendleton's tap water come from?
Camp Pendleton's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by CAMP PENDLETON (NORTH) and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 54,870 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Camp Pendleton'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. Camp Pendleton'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 Camp Pendleton's water compare to other cities in California?
Camp Pendleton's water quality score of 50/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our California state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Camp Pendleton's water quality?
If you have concerns about Camp Pendleton'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 (CAMP PENDLETON (NORTH)) 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.