C40/100
Needles Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 16,268 residents · California
What's In Needles's Tap Water?
31
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.006 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
3
Violations (last 5yr)
3
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
TIER 3Unresolved
Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
TIER 3Unresolved
Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
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
California Village
Population Served
1,290
Water Source
Purchased Groundwater
System ID
090600237
Arizona Village
Population Served
3,211
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
090400300
Avi Casino
Population Served
3,001
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
090400302
NEEDLES, CITY OF
Population Served
8,766
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA3610032
Frequently Asked Questions About Needles Water
Is Needles tap water safe to drink?
Needles, California tap water receives a grade of C (40/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 735 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Needles's water?
Of the 32 contaminants tested in Needles's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Needles have any water quality violations?
Yes, Needles has 735 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include TT, MR, MON. 29 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Needles?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Needles 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 Needles's tap water come from?
Needles's drinking water is sourced from purchased groundwater and supplied by California Village and 3 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 16,268 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Needles'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. Needles'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 Needles's water compare to other cities in California?
Needles's water quality score of 40/100 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 Needles's water quality?
If you have concerns about Needles'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 (California Village) 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.