D26/100
Pauma Valley Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 6,776 residents · California
What's In Pauma Valley's Tap Water?
51
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.005 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: June 1, 2022 – June 30, 2022Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
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
La Jolla Eastern
Population Served
1,076
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
090605007
Pauma
Population Served
5,700
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
090605012
Frequently Asked Questions About Pauma Valley Water
Is Pauma Valley tap water safe to drink?
Pauma Valley, California tap water receives a grade of D (26/100), which is considered poor. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 147 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Pauma Valley's water?
Of the 51 contaminants tested in Pauma Valley'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 Pauma Valley have any water quality violations?
Yes, Pauma Valley has 147 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2022. Violation types include MON, MR, MCL. 6 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Pauma Valley?
Pauma Valley 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 Pauma Valley's tap water come from?
Pauma Valley's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by La Jolla Eastern and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 6,776 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Pauma Valley'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. Pauma Valley'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 Pauma Valley's water compare to other cities in California?
Pauma Valley's water quality score of 26/100 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 Pauma Valley's water quality?
If you have concerns about Pauma Valley'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 (La Jolla Eastern) 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.