C53/100
Lake Elsinore Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 169,455 residents · California
What's In Lake Elsinore's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 870.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2014.
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
ELSINORE VALLEY MWD
Population Served
169,455
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
CA3310012
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Elsinore Water
Is Lake Elsinore tap water safe to drink?
Lake Elsinore, California tap water receives a grade of C (53/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 12 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Lake Elsinore's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in Lake Elsinore's water supply, the most notable include chlorate. 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 Lake Elsinore have any water quality violations?
Yes, Lake Elsinore has 12 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2014. Violation types include MR, TT, MCL. 8 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Lake Elsinore?
Lake Elsinore 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 Lake Elsinore's tap water come from?
Lake Elsinore's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by ELSINORE VALLEY MWD. The system serves approximately 169,455 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Lake Elsinore'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. Lake Elsinore'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 Lake Elsinore's water compare to other cities in California?
Lake Elsinore's water quality score of 53/100 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 Lake Elsinore's water quality?
If you have concerns about Lake Elsinore'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 (ELSINORE VALLEY MWD) 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.