A97/100
Palm Desert Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 274,600 residents · California
What's In Palm Desert's Tap Water?
73
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
vanadium | 32.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 1989.
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
COACHELLA VWD: COVE COMMUNITY
Population Served
270,000
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA3310001
COACHELLA VWD: I.D. NO. 8
Population Served
4,600
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA3310048
Frequently Asked Questions About Palm Desert Water
Is Palm Desert tap water safe to drink?
Palm Desert, California tap water receives a grade of A (97/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 73 contaminants tested, none 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 Palm Desert's water?
Of the 73 contaminants tested in Palm Desert's water supply, the most notable include vanadium. 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 Palm Desert have any water quality violations?
Yes, Palm Desert has 2 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 1989. Violation types include Other. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in Palm Desert?
Palm Desert 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 Palm Desert's tap water come from?
Palm Desert's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by COACHELLA VWD: COVE COMMUNITY and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 274,600 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Palm Desert'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. Palm Desert'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 Palm Desert's water compare to other cities in California?
Palm Desert's water quality score of 97/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Palm Desert 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 Palm Desert's water quality?
If you have concerns about Palm Desert'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 (COACHELLA VWD: COVE COMMUNITY) 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.