Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03

The compliance record maintained by the EPA for Palm Desert, CA documents 12 water violations — 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 Palm Desert

Water quality varies across Palm Desert's 4 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.

ZIP Code	Grade	Score	Violations	Health
92260	C	55	3	1	View report →
92211	C	65	3	1	View report →
92261	C	65	3	1	View report →
92255	C	66	3	1	View report →

Water Quality Overview

Palm Desert, California receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 63 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).

The 5 water systems serving Palm Desert have accumulated 12 EPA violations, including 4 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 4 ZIP codes serving approximately 274,881 people.

What Grade C Means

A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Palm Desert'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 Palm Desert water systems is 0.0085 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.

With 46% of homes built before 1986, Palm Desert 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

Palm Desert is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.

Water Systems Serving Palm Desert

Palm Desert is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 274,881 people across 4 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

How to Check Your Water in Palm Desert

1. Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores

2. Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants

3. 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

4. Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics

5. Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts

Contaminants Detected in Palm Desert Water Systems

The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Palm Desert's water systems:

MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.

Palm Desert vs. Nearby California Cities

How Palm Desert's water quality compares to similar cities in California:

Recommended Water Filters for Palm Desert

Based on contaminants detected in Palm Desert's water supply, these filter types are recommended:

Reverse Osmosis (under-sink)

• Removes: Arsenic, Nitrate (as Nitrogen)
• Effectiveness: 90-99%
• Cost range: $150–$500
• Certification: NSF/ANSI 58
• Recommended products:
  • Waterdrop G3P800
  • iSpring RCC7AK
  • Crystal Quest Arsenic Filter

Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house or under-sink)

• Removes: Chlorine (as Cl2)
• Effectiveness: 95-99%
• Cost range: $100–$600
• Certification: NSF/ANSI 42
• Recommended products:
  • Aquasana AQ-5200
  • Waterdrop Chubby Pitcher
  • Berkey Travel

Water Quality by ZIP Code in Palm Desert

Water quality varies across Palm Desert's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:

Common Questions About Palm Desert Water

These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Palm Desert, California:

Is Palm Desert water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Palm Desert's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.

Can I drink Palm Desert tap water? Palm Desert's water receives a grade of C (63/100). There are 4 health-based violations — consider filtration.

What is the best water filter for Palm Desert? Based on detected contaminants, a reverse osmosis (under-sink) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.

Palm Desert vs. California Average

Understanding how Palm Desert 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 Palm Desert.

ZIP Codes in Palm Desert

Palm Desert spans 4 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 92211. 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.