Water Quality in Carmel Valley, CA: 1 Violation — Grade C
Grade C · Score 66/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Carmel Valley's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
The compliance record maintained by the EPA for Carmel Valley, CA documents 1 water violation — each tied to a specific public water system and assigned a violation category in the federal Safe Drinking Water dataset.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Carmel Valley
Water quality varies across Carmel Valley's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93924 | C | 66 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Carmel Valley, California receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 66 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Carmel Valley have accumulated 1 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 469 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Carmel Valley's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Carmel Valley water systems is 0.0022 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 82% of homes built before 1986, Carmel Valley has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Carmel Valley is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Carmel Valley
Carmel Valley is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 469 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 1 enforcement action against water systems serving Carmel Valley. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Carmel Valley
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Carmel Valley Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Carmel Valley's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 1 enforcement action against water systems serving Carmel Valley. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-01-30 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-01-30.
Carmel Valley vs. Nearby California Cities
How Carmel Valley's water quality compares to similar cities in California:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carmel Valley | C | 1 | 5 | 469 |
| Bodfish | B | 5 | 1 | 465 |
| Lytle Creek | B | 0 | 1 | 475 |
| Point Arena | A | 1 | 1 | 459 |
Common Questions About Carmel Valley Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Carmel Valley, California:
Is Carmel Valley water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Carmel Valley's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Carmel Valley tap water? Carmel Valley's water receives a grade of C (66/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Carmel Valley? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Carmel Valley vs. California Average
Understanding how Carmel Valley compares to the broader California average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Carmel Valley.
ZIP Codes in Carmel Valley
Carmel Valley spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 93924. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.