D33/100
Carnelian Bay Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 5,093 residents · California
What's In Carnelian Bay's Tap Water?
1
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.004 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
1
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Reporting Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
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
AGATE BAY WATER COMPANY
Population Served
2,500
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
CA3110012
FULTON WATER COMPANY
Population Served
2,593
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
CA3110015
Frequently Asked Questions About Carnelian Bay Water
Is Carnelian Bay tap water safe to drink?
Carnelian Bay, California tap water receives a grade of D (33/100), which is considered poor. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 71 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Carnelian Bay's water?
Of the 1 contaminants tested in Carnelian Bay's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). 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 Carnelian Bay have any water quality violations?
Yes, Carnelian Bay has 71 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include RPT, TT, MR. 15 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Carnelian Bay?
Carnelian Bay 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 Carnelian Bay's tap water come from?
Carnelian Bay's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by AGATE BAY WATER COMPANY and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 5,093 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Carnelian Bay'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. Carnelian Bay'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 Carnelian Bay's water compare to other cities in California?
Carnelian Bay's water quality score of 33/100 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 Carnelian Bay's water quality?
If you have concerns about Carnelian Bay'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 (AGATE BAY WATER COMPANY) 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.