June 14, 2026
Riverside, CA Water Quality Report 2026
Unlock the full breakdown — detected levels vs. legal limits, plus what removes each one.
Full contaminant breakdown
EPA Six-Year Review compliance monitoring, 2012–2019 — the most recent national compliance dataset EPA has published. See the sections above for more recent violation and PFAS records.
| Contaminant | Avg. detected | Highest sample | Federal limit | Avg. vs. limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrate + nitrite | 49600 ppb | 1000000 ppb | 10000 ppb | 496% — above |
| Trichloroethylene (TCE)EPA health goal: zero | 3.66 ppb | 27 ppb | 5 ppb | 73% |
| Nitrate | 5920 ppb | 17000 ppb | 10000 ppb | 59% |
| DBCPEPA health goal: zero | 0.112 ppb | 0.57 ppb | 0.2 ppb | 56% |
| UraniumEPA health goal: zero | 15 ppb | 77.5 ppb | 30 ppb | 50% |
| LeadEPA health goal: zero | 7.05 ppb | 8.5 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | 47% |
| ArsenicEPA health goal: zero | 4.46 ppb | 20 ppb | 10 ppb | 45% |
| Radium (combined)EPA health goal: zero | 2.09 pCi/L | 4.5 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L | 42% |
| DichloromethaneEPA health goal: zero | 1.07 ppb | 2.4 ppb | 5 ppb | 22% |
| 1,1-Dichloroethylene | 1.09 ppb | 2.7 ppb | 7 ppb | 16% |
| Fluoride | 517 ppb | 1300 ppb | 4000 ppb | 13% |
| Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)EPA health goal: zero | 0.655 ppb | 1.2 ppb | 5 ppb | 13% |
| Copper | 97.5 ppb | 140 ppb | 1300 ppb (action level) | 8% |
| Chromium (total) | 3.77 ppb | 14 ppb | 100 ppb | 4% |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 2.21 ppb | 36 ppb | 80 ppb | 3% |
| Barium | 42.6 ppb | 70 ppb | 2000 ppb | 2% |
| Picloram | 3.6 ppb | 5.1 ppb | 500 ppb | 1% |
Also tested, no detections: 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,2-Dichloropropane, 2,4,5-TP (Silvex), 2,4-D, Alachlor, Antimony, Asbestos, Atrazine, Benzene, Benzo(a)pyrene, Beryllium, Bromate, Cadmium, Carbofuran, Carbon tetrachloride, Chlordane, Chlorite, Chlorobenzene, Cyanide, DEHA (adipate), DEHP (phthalate), Dalapon, Dinoseb, Dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD), Diquat, Endothall, Endrin, Ethylbenzene, Ethylene dibromide (EDB), Glyphosate, Haloacetic acids (HAA5), Heptachlor, Heptachlor epoxide, Hexachlorobenzene, Hexachlorocyclopentadiene, Lindane, Mercury (inorganic), Methoxychlor, Nitrite, Oxamyl, PCBs, Pentachlorophenol, Selenium, Simazine, Styrene, Thallium, Toluene, Toxaphene, Vinyl chloride, Xylenes (total), cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, o-Dichlorobenzene, p-Dichlorobenzene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene.
Reverse osmosis (drinking water)
The treatment category most often matched to dissolved contaminants like lead, arsenic, nitrate, fluoride, and radiological contaminants detected in this system.
Shop reverse osmosis →Whole-house carbon filtration
The treatment category most often matched to disinfection byproducts (TTHMs, haloacetic acids), chlorine taste and odor, and organic compounds detected in this system.
Shop whole-house systems →Source: U.S. EPA Six-Year Review 4 compliance monitoring data (2012–2019), the most recent nationwide compliance dataset EPA has released, reported at the water-system level. A detection is not a violation. “Avg. vs. limit” compares the average of laboratory detections to the federal MCL or action level; individual faucets can differ — household plumbing affects lead and copper, and a state-certified laboratory test of your own tap is the only way to confirm levels in your home. Treatment categories are general matches, not a certification claim for a specific product and contaminant.
Water Utility: City of Riverside,
Population Served: 298,398 residents
Data Sources: EPA SDWIS + EPA UCMR5
Report Year: 2026
Riverside, California drinking water is supplied by City of Riverside,. All US public water systems must test drinking water and report results to the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This report summarizes health-based violations and PFAS detections recorded in federal databases to help you make informed decisions about home water filtration.
EPA Violation History
No health-based EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) violations on record since 2010 for this utility.
PFAS "Forever Chemical" Detections
PFAS compounds were detected in this water system during EPA's Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5) testing program (2023-2025). EPA has set maximum contaminant levels of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS individually.
| PFAS Compound | Level Detected | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| PFHxA | 0.0041 ug/L | PFAS Filters |
| PFPeA | 0.0067 ug/L | PFAS Filters |
| PFOS | 0.0040 ug/L | PFAS Filters |
Source: EPA UCMR5 occurrence data. Levels in micrograms per liter (ug/L = parts per billion). 1 ug/L = 1,000 ppt.
Should You Filter Your Riverside Water?
Even utilities with no EPA violations may have contaminants present below legal limits but above health guidelines. The EPA sets maximum contaminant levels based on what is feasible and affordable to treat at scale -- not necessarily what carries zero health risk. Many independent health organizations recommend filtration for households with children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals regardless of utility compliance status.
Protect Your Riverside Home Water
PureWaterGuys.com carries filtration systems engineered to address the most common contaminants in US tap water. We ship to all California addresses with free expert guidance on the right system.
Shop Water Filtration Systems →Take the Water QuizFrequently Asked Questions
Is Riverside tap water safe to drink?
City of Riverside, is required to meet EPA federal drinking water standards. However, meeting legal standards is not the same as being contaminant-free. Trace levels of disinfection byproducts, PFAS compounds, and other regulated contaminants are common in US municipal water systems.
Does Riverside water have PFAS?
PFAS compounds were detected in this utility's water during EPA UCMR5 monitoring. A certified PFAS filter -- such as reverse osmosis or activated carbon block -- can significantly reduce these compounds at your tap.
What water filter works best for Riverside?
A whole-house carbon block filter removes chlorine, chloramines, and many VOCs. For PFAS, arsenic, and nitrates, a reverse osmosis under-sink system provides the highest reduction rates. Take our free 2-minute quiz to find the right system for your home and budget.
Data sourced from EPA SDWIS and UCMR5 federal databases. PureWaterGuys.com is not affiliated with any municipal water utility. Contact your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for complete local data.