San Diego Water Quality
California
The tap water in San Diego, California is served by 13 EPA-regulated water systems covering approximately 1,423,886 people. 32 health-based violations are on record, most recently for 2806 in 2025. Data source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System.
Drinking water in San Diego, California is delivered through 13 EPA-regulated community water systems serving an estimated 1,423,886 people. Each system is tracked in the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) under the Safe Drinking Water Act, which requires testing for regulated contaminants, consumer notification of violations, and publication of an annual Consumer Confidence Report.
The SDWIS record for San Diego shows 32 total violations across all 13 systems, of which 32 are health-based, meaning either a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) was exceeded or a required treatment technique was not followed. Contaminants cited in health-based violations include 2806, 5200, 8000, 5000, 0200 and 1 others. 50 TRI-reporting industrial facilities are also located within the city limits.
A past EPA violation does not mean the water is currently unsafe, utilities are required to notify customers and remediate under state primacy oversight. For current water-quality status and treatment practices, review your local utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report or contact the California drinking water program. All records above reflect federal EPA SDWIS data and are not independently verified against state databases.
Community Water Systems
| System Name | Pop. Served | Violations | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAN DIEGO, CITY OF | 1,385,379 | 0 | Clean |
| NAS NORTH ISLAND & NAB CORONADO | 36,990 | 0 | Clean |
| BUTTERFIELD RANCH | 353 | 13 | Health |
| STONEYBROOKE VILLAGE MHP | 332 | 0 | Clean |
| COTTONWOOD RIDGE MANUFACTURED HOUSING CO | 205 | 2 | Health |
| HIDDEN VALLEY OWNER LLC | 200 | 2 | Health |
| PORT OF CALL - WEST | 105 | 2 | Health |
| TALL TIMBER TRAVEL TRAILER PARK | 95 | 0 | Clean |
| SUNCREST MHP | 65 | 0 | Clean |
| CHALET MOBILE HOME PARK | 60 | 0 | Clean |
| SUNTREE HOLLOW MOBILE HOME COURT | 60 | 12 | Health |
| HARDYVILLE ON THE RIVER | 42 | 0 | Clean |
| SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY | 0 | 1 | Health |
Does this city have health-based water violations?
Health-based violations indicate contaminant levels that exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). This does not necessarily mean water is currently unsafe.
| Contaminant | Begin Date |
|---|---|
| 2806 | 2025-04-01 |
| 5200 | 2024-10-17 |
| 8000 | 2023-01-01 |
| 8000 | 2023-01-01 |
| 8000 | 2022-07-01 |
| 8000 | 2022-07-01 |
| 8000 | 2022-07-01 |
| 8000 | 2022-07-01 |
| 8000 | 2022-06-01 |
| 8000 | 2022-06-01 |
| 8000 | 2022-06-01 |
| 8000 | 2022-06-01 |
| 8000 | 2022-05-01 |
| 8000 | 2022-05-01 |
| 8000 | 2022-05-01 |
| 8000 | 2022-05-01 |
| 5000 | 2020-04-01 |
| 0200 | 2019-04-01 |
| 0700 | 2016-12-01 |
| 0700 | 2016-12-01 |
| 0700 | 2016-12-01 |
| 0700 | 2016-12-01 |
| 0700 | 2016-12-01 |
| 0700 | 2016-12-01 |
| 0700 | 2016-12-01 |
| 0700 | 2016-12-01 |
| 0700 | 2016-12-01 |
| 0700 | 2016-12-01 |
| 0700 | 2016-12-01 |
| 0700 | 2016-12-01 |
| 5000 | 2006-03-04 |
| 5000 | 2005-11-04 |
TRI Facilities in San Diego
| Facility | Total Releases |
|---|---|
| General Dynamics (nassco) | 812.7K lbs |
| Bae Systems San Diego Ship Repair | 397.8K lbs |
| U.S. Naval Air Station North Island | 206.9K lbs |
| US Marine Corps Air Station Miramar | 151.3K lbs |
| US Cbp Border Patrol Firearms Range Be # CA0180 | 64.8K lbs |
| Solar Turbines Inc Harbor Drive | 35.5K lbs |
| Integrated Dna Technologies | 32.6K lbs |
| Polypeptide Laboratories San Diego | 31.8K lbs |
| San Diego Galvanizing Inc | 16.0K lbs |
| US Naval Submarine Base San Diego | 15.0K lbs |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego, California water safe to drink? ▼
How many water violations does San Diego have? ▼
What contaminants were found in San Diego water? ▼
How many water systems serve San Diego? ▼
Where does San Diego get its drinking water? ▼
Are there pollution sources near San Diego? ▼
About This Data
Water system data comes from the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Violations are reported by state agencies to EPA and include both health-based (MCL exceedances) and monitoring/reporting violations.
A reported violation does not necessarily mean water is currently unsafe to drink. Many violations are resolved quickly, and public water systems are required to notify customers of significant issues. For current water quality, contact your local water utility.
TRI facility data comes from the EPA Toxic Release Inventory. Facilities shown are those that self-report to the TRI program. PlainEnviro presents this data without advocacy framing.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.