D34/100
Paicines Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 1,017 residents · California
What's In Paicines'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) | 0.011 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
4
Violations (last 5yr)
1
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Monitoring Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: April 1, 2025 – April 30, 2025Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: June 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: May 1, 2023 – May 31, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Maximum contaminant level violation
When: April 1, 2023 – October 30, 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
THOUSAND TRAILS SAN BENITO PRESERVE
Population Served
1,017
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA3500505
Frequently Asked Questions About Paicines Water
Is Paicines tap water safe to drink?
Paicines, California tap water receives a grade of D (34/100), which is considered poor. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 27 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Paicines's water?
Of the 31 contaminants tested in Paicines'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 Paicines have any water quality violations?
Yes, Paicines has 27 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MON, TT, MCL. 9 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Paicines?
Paicines 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 Paicines's tap water come from?
Paicines's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by THOUSAND TRAILS SAN BENITO PRESERVE. The system serves approximately 1,017 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Paicines'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. Paicines'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 Paicines's water compare to other cities in California?
Paicines's water quality score of 34/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our California state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Paicines's water quality?
If you have concerns about Paicines'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 (THOUSAND TRAILS SAN BENITO PRESERVE) 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.