Water Quality in San Bernardino, CA: No Violations — Grade B
Grade B · Score 72/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
San Bernardino's water is mostly safe. Minor violations exist but are primarily monitoring-related.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Every water system supplying San Bernardino, CA appears in federal EPA tracking — and all 5 carry a violation-free record with no MCL exceedances, no reportable monitoring failures, and no active enforcement actions on file in any compliance period.
Water Quality Map: San Bernardino, CA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in San Bernardino
Water quality varies across San Bernardino's 18 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92404 | C | 65 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 92407 | B | 70 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 92401 | B | 72 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 92403 | B | 72 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 92406 | B | 72 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 92411 | B | 72 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 92412 | B | 72 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 92413 | B | 72 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 92414 | B | 72 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 92415 | B | 72 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 92418 | B | 72 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 92423 | B | 72 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 92424 | B | 72 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 92427 | B | 72 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 92402 | B | 75 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
San Bernardino, California receives a water quality grade of B with an overall score of 72 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 5 water systems serving San Bernardino. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants — some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.
What Grade B Means
A grade of B indicates good compliance with EPA drinking water standards. While not perfect, San Bernardino's water systems meet the vast majority of federal requirements. Minor violations may exist but typically relate to monitoring or reporting rather than health-based standards.
Lead Levels
Lead testing data for San Bernardino is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 73% of homes built before 1986, San Bernardino 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
San Bernardino is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving San Bernardino
San Bernardino is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 365,027 people across 18 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 72 enforcement actions against water systems serving San Bernardino. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in San Bernardino
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
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 4 enforcement actions against water systems serving San Bernardino. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-06-11 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-05-31 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-05-22 | State Filed Suit |
| 2021-01-22 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-06-11.
San Bernardino vs. Nearby California Cities
How San Bernardino's water quality compares to similar cities in California:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Bernardino | B | 0 | 5 | 365,027 |
| Hawthorne | B | 2 | 5 | 364,431 |
| La Quinta | C | 0 | 2 | 354,757 |
| Alhambra | B | 0 | 5 | 344,330 |
Recommended Water Filters for San Bernardino
Based on contaminants detected in San Bernardino's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Reverse Osmosis (under-sink)
- Removes: Arsenic, Gross Alpha Particle Activity, Lead, Nitrate as Nitrogen
- Effectiveness: 90-99%
- Cost range: $150–$500
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 58
- Recommended products:
- Waterdrop G3P800
- iSpring RCC7AK
- Crystal Quest Arsenic Filter
Water Quality by ZIP Code in San Bernardino
Water quality varies across San Bernardino's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92404 | 65 | C | 0 | 0 |
| 92407 | 70 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 92401 | 72 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 92403 | 72 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 92406 | 72 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 92411 | 72 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 92412 | 72 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 92413 | 72 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 92414 | 72 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 92415 | 72 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 92410 | 75 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 92408 | 75 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 92405 | 75 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 92402 | 75 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 92427 | 72 | B | 0 | 0 |
Common Questions About San Bernardino Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in San Bernardino, California:
Is San Bernardino water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. San Bernardino's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink San Bernardino tap water? San Bernardino's water receives a grade of B (72/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for San Bernardino? Based on detected contaminants, a reverse osmosis (under-sink) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
San Bernardino vs. California Average
Understanding how San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino.
ZIP Codes in San Bernardino
San Bernardino spans 18 ZIP codes. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe — Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade B is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.