Water Quality in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA: 5 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 63/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Rancho Palos Verdes'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
EPA monitoring has flagged 5 reportable events for water systems in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Rancho Palos Verdes
Water quality varies across Rancho Palos Verdes's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90275 | C | 63 | 5 | 5 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Rancho Palos Verdes.
Water Quality Overview
Rancho Palos Verdes, 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 1 water system serving Rancho Palos Verdes have accumulated 5 EPA violations, including 5 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 65 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Rancho Palos Verdes'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 Rancho Palos Verdes water systems is 0.0050 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 90% of homes built before 1986, Rancho Palos Verdes 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
Rancho Palos Verdes is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Rancho Palos Verdes
Rancho Palos Verdes is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 65 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 Rancho Palos Verdes. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Rancho Palos Verdes
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 Rancho Palos Verdes Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Rancho Palos Verdes's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barium | Inorganic | 2 mg/L | 5 | 1 | Yes |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Rancho Palos Verdes:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 2 |
| 2024 | 2 | 2 |
Violation counts have remained stable over the observed period.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 1 enforcement action against water systems serving Rancho Palos Verdes. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2021-03-23 | State Filed Suit |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2021-03-23.
Rancho Palos Verdes vs. Nearby California Cities
How Rancho Palos Verdes's water quality compares to similar cities in California:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rancho Palos Verdes | C | 5 | 1 | 65 |
| Mather | A | 5 | 1 | 65 |
| Palos Verdes Peninsula | C | 0 | 1 | 65 |
| Suisun City | B | 0 | 1 | 65 |
Common Questions About Rancho Palos Verdes Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Rancho Palos Verdes, California:
Is Rancho Palos Verdes water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Rancho Palos Verdes's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Rancho Palos Verdes tap water? Rancho Palos Verdes's water receives a grade of C (63/100). There are 5 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Rancho Palos Verdes? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Rancho Palos Verdes vs. California Average
Understanding how Rancho Palos Verdes 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 Rancho Palos Verdes.
ZIP Codes in Rancho Palos Verdes
Rancho Palos Verdes spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 90275. 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.