A93/100
Lake Forest Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 51,800 residents · California
What's In Lake Forest's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 470.00 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 1988.
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
EL TORO WATER DISTRICT
Population Served
51,800
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
CA3010079
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Forest Water
Is Lake Forest tap water safe to drink?
Lake Forest, California tap water receives a grade of A (93/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 69 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 2 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 Lake Forest's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Lake Forest's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Lake Forest have any water quality violations?
Yes, Lake Forest has 1 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 1988. Violation types include Other. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in Lake Forest?
Lake Forest 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. 2 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Lake Forest's tap water come from?
Lake Forest's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by EL TORO WATER DISTRICT. The system serves approximately 51,800 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Lake Forest'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 Forest'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 Forest's water compare to other cities in California?
Lake Forest's water quality score of 93/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest's water quality?
If you have concerns about Lake Forest'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 (EL TORO WATER DISTRICT) 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.