A86/100
Lakewood Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 66,135 residents · California
What's In Lakewood's Tap Water?
66
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOS | 0.017 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2002.
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
LAKEWOOD - CITY, WATER DEPT.
Population Served
66,135
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA1910239
Frequently Asked Questions About Lakewood Water
Is Lakewood tap water safe to drink?
Lakewood, California tap water receives a grade of A (86/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 66 contaminants tested, 1 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 Lakewood's water?
Of the 66 contaminants tested in Lakewood's water supply, the most notable include PFOS. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Lakewood have any water quality violations?
Yes, Lakewood has 2 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2002. Violation types include MCL, MR. 1 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Lakewood?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Lakewood is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Lakewood's tap water come from?
Lakewood's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by LAKEWOOD - CITY, WATER DEPT.. The system serves approximately 66,135 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Lakewood'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. Lakewood'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 Lakewood's water compare to other cities in California?
Lakewood's water quality score of 86/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Lakewood 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 Lakewood's water quality?
If you have concerns about Lakewood'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 (LAKEWOOD - CITY, WATER DEPT.) 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.