A92/100
Imperial Beach Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 106,000 residents · California
What's In Imperial Beach'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 |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved
Maximum Contaminant Level Violation
When: August 1, 2023 – August 31, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: 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
CAL-AM WATER CORONADO
Population Served
106,000
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
CA3710001
Frequently Asked Questions About Imperial Beach Water
Is Imperial Beach tap water safe to drink?
Imperial Beach, California tap water receives a grade of A (92/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 69 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 1 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Imperial Beach's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Imperial Beach'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 Imperial Beach have any water quality violations?
Yes, Imperial Beach has 1 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2023. Violation types include MCL. 1 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Imperial Beach?
Imperial Beach 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 Imperial Beach's tap water come from?
Imperial Beach's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by CAL-AM WATER CORONADO. The system serves approximately 106,000 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Imperial Beach'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. Imperial Beach'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 Imperial Beach's water compare to other cities in California?
Imperial Beach's water quality score of 92/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Imperial Beach among the better-performing water systems in California. Visit our California state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Imperial Beach's water quality?
If you have concerns about Imperial Beach'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 (CAL-AM WATER CORONADO) 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.