C58/100
Pico Rivera Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 62,651 residents · California
What's In Pico Rivera's Tap Water?
66
Contaminants Tested
2
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
3 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOS | 0.030 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
PFOA | 0.016 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
1,4-dioxane | 0.960 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
3
Violations (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: November 1, 2022 – November 30, 2022Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 1, 2021 – December 1, 2021Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved
Failed to conduct Level 1 Assessment
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: August 17, 2021 – November 3, 2021Rule: Consumer Confidence 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
PICO RIVERA - CITY, WATER DEPT.
Population Served
40,600
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA1910042
PICO WD
Population Served
22,051
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA1910125
Frequently Asked Questions About Pico Rivera Water
Is Pico Rivera tap water safe to drink?
Pico Rivera, California tap water receives a grade of C (58/100), which is considered fair. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 30 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Pico Rivera's water?
Of the 66 contaminants tested in Pico Rivera's water supply, the most notable include PFOS, PFOA, 1,4-dioxane. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Pico Rivera have any water quality violations?
Yes, Pico Rivera has 30 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2022. Violation types include MON, MR, MCL. 4 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Pico Rivera?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Pico Rivera is recommended. 2 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 Pico Rivera's tap water come from?
Pico Rivera's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by PICO RIVERA - CITY, WATER DEPT. and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 62,651 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Pico Rivera'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. Pico Rivera'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 Pico Rivera's water compare to other cities in California?
Pico Rivera's water quality score of 58/100 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 Pico Rivera's water quality?
If you have concerns about Pico Rivera'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 (PICO RIVERA - 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.