Drinking water quality · 2023
· Verified
What's in Riverside, City of, CA tap water
129 contaminants were measured in the Riverside, City of, CA water system's 2023 annual report. Each is shown below against its federal limit — 2 sit at or above that limit.
- Reporting year
- 2023
- Contaminants measured
- 129
- Over federal limit
- 2
- Approaching the limit
- 1
- Worst contaminant
- 1,2,3-TCP
- Service area
- CA
1.8× the limit
state-level CCR
At or above the federal limit
Approaching the limit (≥ 80%)
PFAS — EPA UCMR5 (2023–2025)
1 PFAS compound above EPA limits in Riverside, City of, CA
The EPA finalized the first-ever federal drinking-water limits for six PFAS compounds in April 2024. These numbers come straight from EPA's UCMR5 lab dataset — every U.S. system serving more than 3,300 people tested every PFAS sample at an entry point to its distribution system. PFAS not listed below were either tested and not detected, or not yet sampled.
PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid)
● Over EPA limit (1.0×)Measured 4 ng/LEPA limit 4 ng/LSample year 2023Samples 1 detect / 4
below national p90 (19.900000000000006 ng/L across detecting U.S. systems)
PFHxA
● Detected (no federal limit)Measured 4.1 ng/LSample year 2023Samples 2 detect / 4
below national p90 (12.190000000000003 ng/L across detecting U.S. systems)
PFPeA
● Detected (no federal limit)Measured 6.7 ng/LSample year 2023Samples 4 detect / 4
below national p90 (15.95999999999999 ng/L across detecting U.S. systems)
Lithium
● Detected (no federal limit)Measured 9.1 mg/LSample year 2023Samples 2 detect / 4
below national p90 (76.59999999999991 mg/L across detecting U.S. systems)
PWSID CA3310031 · Source: EPA UCMR5. Limits per EPA's April 2024 PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation. PFAS values reported in nanograms per liter (ng/L) — note that 1 ng/L = 1 part per trillion.
Where your water comes from · EPA SDWIS
Riverside, City of, CA's drinking water comes from ground water, drawn from 45 sources.
Source
45ground water
- RAUB · 5
- FLUME · 4
- GARNER · 3
- WARREN · 2
- + 30 more
Treatment
12treatment plants
- GAGE DELIVERY - TREATED
- 7TH & CHICAGO - DISTRIBUTION
- JW NORTH WTP - FINAL EFFLUENT
- + 9 more
Distribution
0storage units
Also buys water from WESTERN MWD.
Source: EPA SDWIS facilities inventory. Methodology.
Historical readings · EPA Six-Year Review (2012–2019)
6 contaminants historically over EPA limits in Riverside, City of, CA
Every U.S. public water system reports compliance-monitoring data to EPA. The Six-Year Review releases the 2012–2019 window as a single dataset — here's what your system reported, year by year. Values shown are the highest detection per analyte per year, compared to the federal MCL.
| Contaminant | Worst detection | EPA limit | Years (2012–2019) |
|---|---|---|---|
TCE worst: 2012 | 0.027 mg/L 5.4× | 0.005 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
GROSS BETA worst: 2015 | 15 mrem/yr 3.8× | 4 mrem/yr | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
DBCP worst: 2012 | 0.00057 mg/L 2.8× above national p90 | 0.0002 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
ARSENIC worst: 2014 | 0.02 mg/L 2.0× above national p90 | 0.01 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
NITRATE worst: 2016 | 17 mg/L 1.7× | 10 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
NITRATE NITRITE worst: 2016 | 17 mg/L 1.7× | 10 mg/L | '16'17'18 |
RADIUM 226 228 worst: 2019 | 4.5 pCi/L 90% near national p90 | 5 pCi/L | '19 |
DICHLOROMETHANE worst: 2014 | 0.0024 mg/L within | 0.005 mg/L | '14'16'17'19 |
TTHM worst: 2012 | 0.036 mg/L within | 0.08 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
DICHLOROETHYLENE 11 worst: 2016 | 0.0027 mg/L within below national p90 | 0.007 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
FLUORIDE worst: 2014 | 1.3 mg/L within | 4 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
PCE worst: 2012 | 0.0012 mg/L within | 0.005 mg/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'19 |
CHROMIUM worst: 2017 | 0.014 mg/L within above national p90 | 0.1 mg/L | '16'17'18'19 |
BARIUM worst: 2018 | 0.07 mg/L within below national p90 | 2 mg/L | '18'19 |
PICLORAM worst: 2012 | 0.0051 mg/L within | 0.5 mg/L | '12 |
URANIUM worst: 2016 | 0.0775 ug/L within 3.6× the national p90 | 30 ug/L | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
COPPER worst: 2017 | 0.14 mg/L below national p90 | — | '17'19 |
LEAD worst: 2012 | 0.0056 mg/L | — | '12'17 |
DBAA worst: 2013 | 0.0012 mg/L | — | '13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
BROMODICHLOROMETHANE worst: 2012 | 0.016 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
BROMOFORM worst: 2012 | 0.0034 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
CHLOROFORM worst: 2012 | 0.012 mg/L | — | '12'18'19 |
DIBROMOCHLOROMETHANE worst: 2012 | 0.0069 mg/L | — | '12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19 |
PWSID CA3310031 · Source: EPA Six-Year Review 4 (2012–2019). Values are the highest detection in each calendar year; non-detect years are omitted. Year tags above show every year with a detection.
VOCs & pesticides
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,2,3-TCP | 0.008833333333333334 UG/LAverageSource water | 0.005 UG/LMCL | At or above the limit |
| Simazine | 0.4813695652173913 UG/LAverageSource water | 4 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| AtrazineA widely used agricultural herbicide that reaches water through runoff. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | 1 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Benzene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | 1 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Benzo(a)pyrene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | 0.2 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| ChloroethaneA volatile organic compound used in some industrial processes. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | None set | None detected |
| Chloromethane | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
| Dalapon | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | 200 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Ethylbenzene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | 300 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Toluene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 150 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| XylenesA group of industrial solvents found in gasoline and paint. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 1750 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Dichlorodifluoromethane | 0.2538834951456311 UG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
Disinfection byproducts
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| PerchlorateA chemical used in rocket fuel and fireworks that can also form during disinfection. | 5.42716049382716 UG/LAverageSource water | 6 UG/LMCL | Approaching the limit |
| HAA5Haloacetic acids — a group of five disinfection byproducts formed when disinfectants react with organic matter. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | 60 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| N-Nitrosodi-n-butylamine | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | None set | None detected |
| NDMA | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | None set | None detected |
| ChlorateA byproduct that can form during disinfection, especially when hypochlorite solutions degrade. | 42.6 UG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
Radionuclides
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross AlphaGross alpha particle activity — a combined measure of alpha-emitting radioactive substances. | 8.905454545454546 PCI/LAverageSource water | 15 PCI/LMCL | Within the limit |
| Combined RadiumCombined radium-226 and radium-228 — naturally occurring radioactive elements. | 0.2511904761904762 PCI/LAverageEntry point | 5 PCI/LMCL | Within the limit |
Physical & aggregate
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specific ConductanceA measure of how well water conducts electricity, which tracks dissolved mineral content. | 567.2 UMHO/CMAverageSource water | 1600 UMHO/CMMCL | Within the limit |
| Total Dissolved SolidsTotal dissolved solids — the combined content of all dissolved minerals and salts. | 340.9917355371901 MG/LAverageEntry point | 1000 MG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| ColorA measure of visible tint in the water. | 1.5095541401273886 UNITSAverageEntry point | 15 UNITSMCL | Within the limit |
| TurbidityA measure of cloudiness from suspended particles in the water. | 0.07445859872611464 NTUAverageEntry point | 5 NTUMCL | Within the limit |
| OdorA measure of detectable smell in the water. | Not detected TONHighest single sampleSource water | 3 TONMCL | None detected |
| AlkalinityA measure of the water's capacity to neutralize acids. | 127.23333333333333 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| HardnessA measure of dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals. | 204.05405405405406 MG/LAverageEntry point | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| pHA measure of how acidic or basic the water is. | 7.9222222222222225 PHAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
Metals
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| ManganeseA naturally occurring metal from soil and rock. | 7.224489795918367 UG/LAverageOther | 50 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| AluminumA common element sometimes used as a treatment coagulant. | 136.36 UG/LAverageSource water | 1000 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| NickelA metal from natural deposits and industrial discharge. | 11.76 UG/LAverageSource water | 100 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| IronA naturally occurring metal common in groundwater. | 34.795918367346935 UG/LAverageOther | 300 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| ZincA naturally occurring metal that can also enter water from corroding pipes. | 12.12 UG/LAverageSource water | 5000 UG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| Antimony | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | 6 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Beryllium | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 4 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Cadmium | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | 5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| MercuryA toxic metal from erosion of natural deposits and industrial runoff. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 2 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| SeleniumA trace element from natural deposits and industrial discharge. | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 50 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Thallium | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 2 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| BoronA naturally occurring element from rock and soil. | 120 UG/LAverageEntry point | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| CalciumA naturally occurring mineral that contributes to water hardness. | 34.07432432432432 MG/LAverageEntry point | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| Chromium, HexavalentHexavalent chromium ('chromium-6') — the more toxic form of chromium. | 2.6375 UG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| MagnesiumA naturally occurring mineral that contributes to water hardness. | 9.992 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| PotassiumA naturally occurring mineral from rock and soil. | 3.1545454545454548 MG/LAverageDistribution | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| SilicaA naturally occurring compound from sand and rock. | 23.666666666666668 MG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| SodiumA naturally occurring salt component. | 42.95454545454545 MG/LAverageDistribution | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| Vanadium | 6.116666666666667 UG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
Inorganic chemicals
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| SulfateA naturally occurring mineral from rock and soil. | 66.04545454545455 MG/LAverageDistribution | 500 MG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| ChlorideA naturally occurring salt compound. | 32.567567567567565 MG/LAverageEntry point | 500 MG/LMCL | Within the limit |
| Asbestos | Not detected MFLHighest single sampleSource water | 7 MFLMCL | None detected |
| Cyanide | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 150 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| NitriteA compound from fertilizer runoff, sewage, and erosion of natural deposits. | Not detected MG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | 1 MG/LMCL | None detected |
Other
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbofuran | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | 18 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Carbon Tetrachloride | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 0.5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Chlordane | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | 0.1 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Chlorobenzene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 70 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Cis Dichloroethylene 12 | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 6 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Dcaa | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | None set | None detected |
| Deha | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 400 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Dehp | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 4 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Dichloroethane 12 | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 0.5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Dichloropropane 12 | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Dinoseb | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 7 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Diquat | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 20 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Edb | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 0.05 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Endothall | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 100 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Endrin | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 2 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Glyphosate | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 700 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Heptachlor | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | 0.01 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Heptachlor Epoxide | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | 0.01 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Hexachlorobenzene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 1 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Hexachlorocyclopentadiene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 50 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Mbaa | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | None set | None detected |
| Mcaa | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | None set | None detected |
| Methoxychlor | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 30 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| O Dichlorobenzene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 600 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Oxamyl | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 50 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| P Dichlorobenzene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Pcb Total | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 0.5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Pentachlorophenol | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 1 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Styrene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 100 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Tcaa | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | None set | None detected |
| Toxaphene | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 3 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Trans Dichloroethylene 12 | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 10 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Trichlorobenzene 124 | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Trichloroethane 111 | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 200 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Trichloroethane 112 | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | 5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Twofourd | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleDistribution | 70 UG/LMCL | None detected |
| Vinyl Chloride | Not detected UG/LHighest single sampleSource water | 0.5 UG/LMCL | None detected |
PFAS ("forever chemicals")
| Contaminant | Measured | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11-Chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid (11Cl-PF3OUdS)11-chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid, a chlorinated PFAS compound. | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | None set | None detected |
| 4,8-Dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA)ADONA, a newer-generation PFAS replacement compound. | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
| 4:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (4:2 FTS)4:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid, a PFAS-related compound. | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
| 6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2 FTS)6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid, a PFAS-related compound. | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
| 8:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (8:2 FTS)8:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid, a PFAS-related compound. | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
| 9-Chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanonane-1-sulfonic acid (9Cl-PF3ONS)9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanonane-1-sulfonic acid, a chlorinated PFAS compound. | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
| Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acidHFPO-DA ('GenX chemicals'), a newer-generation PFAS replacement compound. | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
| Perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid (PFMPA)Perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid, a PFAS-related compound. | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | None set | None detected |
| Perfluoro-4-methoxybutanoic acid (PFMBA)Perfluoro-4-methoxybutanoic acid, a PFAS-related compound. | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
| Perfluoro(2-ethoxyethane)sulfonic acid (PFEESA)Perfluoro(2-ethoxyethane)sulfonic acid, a PFAS-related compound. | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | None set | None detected |
| Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)Perfluorododecanoic acid, a longer-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | None set | None detected |
| Perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid (PFHpS)Perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid, a PFAS 'forever chemical.' | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleSource water | None set | None detected |
| Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)Perfluoroundecanoic acid, a longer-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' | Not detected NG/LHighest single sampleEntry point | None set | None detected |
| Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)Perfluorodecanoic acid, a longer-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' | 1.1362416107382551 NG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| Perfluoroheptanoic acidPerfluoroheptanoic acid, a PFAS 'forever chemical.' | 2.1419463087248323 NG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| Perfluorononanoic acidPerfluorononanoic acid, a PFAS 'forever chemical.' | 0.9963087248322147 NG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid (PFPeS)Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid, a PFAS 'forever chemical.' | 1.0778523489932885 NG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
| PFBAPerfluorobutanoic acid, a shorter-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' | 4.133557046979866 NG/LAverageSource water | None set | Detected — no federal limit |
Source: Riverside, City of, CA's 2023 Consumer Confidence Report — the annual drinking-water report every U.S. utility is required to publish. The numbers on this page are the utility's own. A water-quality report covers an entire service area, not a single address.
People also ask about Riverside, City of, CA's water
+Is Riverside, City of, CA tap water safe to drink in 2023?
The 2023 Consumer Confidence Report for the Riverside, City of, CA water utility lists 2 contaminants at or above the federal limit: 1,2,3-TCP and PFOS. Whether that means the water is "unsafe" depends on which contaminant, how long the exposure, and individual health factors. The table on this page shows the measured value, the federal threshold, and the regulated statistic used for compliance.
+What contaminants are in Riverside, City of, CA tap water?
129 contaminants were measured in Riverside, City of, CA's 2023 Consumer Confidence Report, spanning other, metals, and pfas ("forever chemicals"). 81 have an enforceable federal limit; the rest are detected but unregulated. Every measured value, in the utility's own units, is on this page.
+Which contaminants exceed federal limits in Riverside, City of, CA tap water?
2 contaminants in Riverside, City of, CA's 2023 report sit at or above the federal limit: 1,2,3-TCP (1.8× the limit); PFOS (1.0× the limit). The EPA enforces these limits against the regulated reporting statistic — typically a running annual average or 90th percentile — not a one-off sample spike.
+What is the worst contaminant in Riverside, City of, CA tap water?
The contaminant with the highest measured value relative to its federal limit in the 2023 report is 1,2,3-TCP, at 1.8× the federal threshold. It belongs to the vocs & pesticides family of contaminants.
+Are any contaminants in Riverside, City of, CA tap water approaching the federal limit?
One contaminant is between 80% and 100% of the federal limit in this report: Perchlorate. Approaching means measured but not in violation — a margin that can close quickly if conditions change.
+Where does the data on this page come from?
Every value is transcribed from Riverside, City of, CA's 2023 Consumer Confidence Report — the annual drinking-water report every U.S. public water utility is required by federal law to publish. The original source document is archived and viewable on this site. A water-quality report covers an entire service area, not a single address.
+How often is Riverside, City of, CA's water quality data updated?
Each U.S. public water utility publishes one Consumer Confidence Report per year, covering the prior calendar year's measurements. This page reflects the 2023 report; a new report will replace it once the utility publishes its next annual update.
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