Is Riverside, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Riverside tap water meets federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards but 9 of 9 ZIP codes show detections above EPA health guidelines, primarily for PFPeA. A certified filter is recommended for households that want an additional layer of protection.
Where Does Riverside Get Its Water?
Water in Riverside, CA is provided by 4 public water systems: RIVERSIDE HIGHLAND WATER COMPANY, RIVERSIDE, CITY OF, ELSINORE VALLEY MWD and WESTERN MWD.
How Is Riverside Tap Water Treated?
Treated water is disinfected using calcium hypochlorite and free chlorine and ozone. Treatment includes conventional treatment (coagulation, flocculation, and filtration), granular activated carbon filtration, groundwater disinfection, ion exchange, in-line filtration, membrane filtration and post-ozone biofiltration.
What's in Riverside Tap Water?
The following contaminants were detected most frequently in Riverside public water systems. 9 of 9 ZIP codes showed detections above EPA health guidelines.
| Contaminant | Peak detected | EPA guideline | ZIPs detected | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFPeA | 0.0047 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | 6 ZIPs | Above guideline |
| lithium | 28 µg/L | 10 µg/L | 2 ZIPs | Above guideline |
| PFOS | 0.019 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | 1 ZIP | Above guideline |
| PFTrDA | 0.007 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| PFHxA | 0.0059 µg/L | — | 1 ZIP | Within guideline |
Health Risk Profile for Riverside
Based on EPA monitoring data, 9 of 9 ZIP codes in Riverside have recorded detections above EPA health guidelines. Sensitive populations such as infants, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems may benefit from an additional layer of protection such as a certified point-of-use filter.
Best Broad-Spectrum Filters for This Water Profile
This city profile includes PFAS detections, chlorine disinfection, and other dissolved contaminants. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems certified under NSF/ANSI 58 provide broad reduction coverage; for PFAS specifically, confirm NSF/ANSI P473 or equivalent PFAS reduction certification.
8-stage tankless RO system certified to NSF/ANSI 58, reduces 1,000+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates.
See recommendations matched to your exact address: choose your ZIP code below.
Frequently Asked Questions about Riverside Tap Water
Is Riverside tap water safe to drink?
Riverside tap water meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements but 9 of 9 ZIP codes show contaminant levels above EPA health-based guidelines. A certified point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
What contaminants are in Riverside tap water?
The most commonly detected contaminants in Riverside water systems include: PFPeA, lithium, PFOS. See the ZIP-level reports for exact measurements and EPA guideline comparisons.
Where does Riverside get its drinking water?
Riverside receives water from 4 public water systems, including RIVERSIDE HIGHLAND WATER COMPANY.
Do I need a water filter in Riverside?
If your ZIP code is among those with detections above EPA health guidelines, choose a filter certified for the specific contaminants shown in your ZIP report. Reverse osmosis is generally the broadest option for PFAS, lithium, and many other dissolved contaminants.
How often is Riverside tap water tested?
Public water systems in Riverside are required by the EPA to test for regulated contaminants on schedules ranging from daily (for microbials and disinfectants) to annual or triennial (for many chemical contaminants). Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs). The data on this page reflects the most recent available EPA monitoring results, with the latest sample date of 2025-12-08.
Tap water reports by ZIP in Riverside
- 92501 - Riverside Junction, Riverside tap water report Higher concern
- 92503 - Arlington Station, Riverside tap water report Higher concern
- 92504 - Magnolia Avenue, Riverside tap water report Higher concern
- 92505 - May, Riverside tap water report Higher concern
- 92506 - Pachappa, Riverside tap water report Higher concern
- 92507 - Lemona, Riverside tap water report Higher concern
- 92508 - Lake Mathews CCD, Riverside tap water report Higher concern
- 92513 - Riverside tap water report Higher concern
- 92517 - Riverside tap water report Higher concern
Water utilities serving Riverside, CA
Service area boundaries are approximate and based on state filings or modeled estimates. Contact your utility to confirm exact service at a specific address.
- RIVERSIDE, CITY OFAction advised
- WESTERN MWDAction advised
Also covers / overlaps with
- Riverside CCD, CA · Township
- Woodcrest, CA · CDP
- Lake Mathews CCD, CA · Township
- Corona, CA
- Corona CCD, CA · Township
- El Sobrante, CA · CDP
- Highgrove, CA · CDP
- Lake Mathews, CA · CDP