A100/100
Spring Valley Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 238,008 residents · California
What's In Spring Valley's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 420.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
This system has a clean compliance history.
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
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
Population Served
238,008
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
CA3710034
Frequently Asked Questions About Spring Valley Water
Is Spring Valley tap water safe to drink?
Spring Valley, California tap water receives a grade of A (100/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 76 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 Spring Valley's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in Spring Valley's water supply, the most notable include chlorate. 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 Spring Valley have any water quality violations?
No, Spring Valley has zero EPA violations on record. This means the water utility has consistently met all federal drinking water standards during the compliance periods tracked by the EPA.
Do I need a water filter in Spring Valley?
Spring 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 Spring Valley's tap water come from?
Spring Valley's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by OTAY WATER DISTRICT. The system serves approximately 238,008 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Spring 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. Spring 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 Spring Valley's water compare to other cities in California?
Spring Valley's water quality score of 100/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Spring Valley 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 Spring Valley's water quality?
If you have concerns about Spring 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 (OTAY WATER DISTRICT) 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.