C52/100
China Lake Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 6,600 residents · California
What's In China Lake's Tap Water?
31
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2020.
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
CHINA LAKE NAVAL AIR WEAPONS STATION
Population Served
6,600
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA1510703
Frequently Asked Questions About China Lake Water
Is China Lake tap water safe to drink?
China Lake, California tap water receives a grade of C (52/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 16 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in China Lake's water?
31 contaminants were tested in China Lake's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.
Does China Lake have any water quality violations?
Yes, China Lake has 16 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2020. Violation types include MR, MCL. 8 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in China Lake?
China Lake 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. All contaminants are within health goals.
Where does China Lake's tap water come from?
China Lake's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by CHINA LAKE NAVAL AIR WEAPONS STATION. The system serves approximately 6,600 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is China Lake'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. China Lake'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 China Lake's water compare to other cities in California?
China Lake's water quality score of 52/100 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 China Lake's water quality?
If you have concerns about China Lake'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 (CHINA LAKE NAVAL AIR WEAPONS STATION) 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.