Arsenic is regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act because of its potential health effects at elevated concentrations; for residents of Big Bear Lake, California, the relevant fact is that it has shown up in recent EPA compliance samples — point-of-use filtration is one option residents research, alongside reviewing the utility's published treatment data.

Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14

Arsenic in Big Bear Lake Tap Water

Arsenic has been detected in Big Bear Lake, California drinking water at a maximum level of 500 ppb — 50x the EPA MCL.

This analysis covers 27,642 residents across 1 ZIP code in Big Bear Lake.

Big Bear Lake's overall water quality grade is B (76/100).

Is Arsenic in Big Bear Lake Water Safe?

If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis filter certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 and testing your water independently.

Arsenic Levels by ZIP Code

Average arsenic level across Big Bear Lake: 500 ppb

Health Effects of Arsenic

• Increased risk of skin, bladder, lung, and kidney cancer
• Cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes
• Skin changes (darkening, thickening, lesions)
• Developmental effects in children exposed in utero

Health risk severity: High. Governed by the Arsenic Rule (2006).

How Arsenic Gets Into Drinking Water

• Natural deposits in rock and soil (especially in western U.S.)
• Runoff from orchards and glass/electronics production
• Historical use of arsenic-based pesticides
• Well water in areas with arsenic-rich geology

What to Do About Arsenic in Big Bear Lake Water

1. Install a reverse osmosis (RO) system certified under NSF 58
2. Adsorptive media filters (iron-based) can also reduce arsenic
3. Have well water tested if on a private supply
4. Boiling water does NOT remove arsenic — it concentrates it

Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 for arsenic removal.

Related

• Arsenic — National Overview
• Arsenic in California
• California Water Quality
• Big Bear Lake Water Quality
• Check Your ZIP Code