Golden State Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Golden State tap water has some quality concerns you should be aware of. With 143 ppm hardness (8.4 gpg), expect some mineral deposits over time. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. There have been 6 violations recorded over the past 3 years.
Some Concerns
Monitor recommended
8.4 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Hard water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Golden State Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Golden State tap water has some quality concerns but remains within acceptable limits.
EPA Violations — 4 health-based EPA violations in the past 3 years across 23 water systems. Plus 2 monitoring/reporting violations.
Health-based violations mean the water exceeded a legal safety limit for a specific contaminant. This is more serious than administrative violations.
→ Consider testing your water at home and using a certified water filter until violations are resolved.
Lead — Lead (0.44 ppb) is at 3% of the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
The data below shows test results from 23 water utilities serving 225K people in the Golden State area.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
With hard water (143 ppm), a water softener can reduce scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and water heaters.
How Hard is Golden State Water?
143 ppm
8.4 grains per gallon
Hard water can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances. A water softener may be beneficial.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
May dry out skin & hair
Kitchen
Spots on dishes
Laundry
Clothes may feel stiff
Appliances
Scale buildup
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Do I Need a Water Softener?
At 143 ppm, Golden State has hard water. You may notice white spots on dishes, dry skin after showering, and mineral buildup on fixtures. A water softener can help reduce these effects, though it's not strictly necessary for health — hard water is safe to drink.
Based on 202 water samples from San Bernardino County
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Golden State tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Golden State
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
0.44 ppb
Golden State lead levels are well within safe limits.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2025-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
Lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb, though they emphasize there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
Developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
High blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
EPA Compliance History
Action Recommended
Active health-based violations detectedConsider using a certified water filter until violations are resolved. Contact your utility for updates on corrective actions.
3-Year Violation Summary
6
Total Violations
4
Health-Related
2
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA safety limits. May require filter or alternative water source.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Golden State's Water?
Utility Name
GOLDEN STATE WATER CO. - CORDOVA
EPA System ID (PWSID)
CA3410015
Primary Water Source
Groundwater
Population Served
225K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Golden State tap water quality
Nearby Cities in California
Los Angeles
Hard water
East Bay
Very Hard water
San Diego
Very Hard water
San Jose
Very Hard water
California
Hard water
Eastern Municipal Wd
Very Hard water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology
Data source: EPA Water Quality Portal (environmental samples, not verified tap water)