Water Quality: Carmel, CA
5 water systems • 2,076 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
Carmel is served by 5 public water systems with a combined service population of 2,076 people, and has 63 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 41 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. Carmel's violation count is 31% above the national average for California. Contaminants associated with violations include Fecal Coliform, Lead, Stage 2 DBP.
Contaminants Found
Indicates direct fecal contamination; associated with diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and potential severe illness.
Common source: Human and animal fecal waste
EPA limit: Zero tolerance (any positive triggers violations)
Causes neurological damage, developmental delays in children, and kidney damage in adults even at low exposure levels.
Common source: Old plumbing pipes, lead solder, brass fixtures
EPA limit: Action Level: 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb)
Trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids that increase cancer risk and may cause adverse reproductive outcomes.
Common source: Chlorine disinfection reacting with natural organic matter in source water
EPA limit: TTHM: 0.080 mg/L; HAA5: 0.060 mg/L
Water Systems Serving Carmel
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SANTA LUCIA PRESERVE WS | CA2702521 | Groundwater | 966 | 12 |
| CARMEL RIVIERA MWC | CA2701254 | Surface Water | 584 | 1 |
| CANADA WOODS WC | CA2702588 | Surface Water | 356 | 0 |
| VALLEY CREEK MHP WS | CA2702405 | Groundwater | 129 | 47 |
| BRANDON CREEK MWS | CA2701731 | Surface Water | 41 | 3 |
Concerned About Your Water?
A home water filter can remove common contaminants. NSF-certified filters are tested against EPA standards.
Consider a reverse osmosis system for comprehensive filtration or a carbon filter for basic improvement.
Other Cities in California
Data Sources
Drinking water violation data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Data includes all recorded violations for active community water systems.