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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 92261 Water Quality Report

Palm Desert, CA · Riverside County County

Safety Score
C

Water Safety Grade

Fair — Some compliance concerns

Health Violations

1

Total Violations

3

Lead Risk

N/A

Contaminants

1

⚠

Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 3 unresolved violations. Contact Coachella Vwd: Cove Community for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 92261

Tap water in ZIP code 92261 (Palm Desert, CA) receives a C grade (score: 65/100) based on EPA monitoring data. While the water from Coachella Vwd: Cove Community is treated and regulated, this area has a moderate violation history that residents should be aware of.

Water System

Coachella Vwd: Cove Community

EPA ID: CA3310001

Water Source

Ground Water

Population Served

270,000 residents

County

Riverside County County, California

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Lead Levels in ZIP 92261

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 8.5 ppb — Below Action Level

The 90th percentile lead level in 92261 is 8.5 ppb, below the EPA action level of 15 ppb but above what many health experts consider ideal. The CDC and EPA both affirm there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Families with young children or pregnant women should consider a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter, and request lead testing of their home's tap water.
Lead Level (90th percentile)
8.50 ppb (0.0085 mg/L)
Copper (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

0.1 ppb
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Unknown
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Coachella Vwd: Cove Community has recorded 1 health-based violation in the past 5 years. A single health violation means the water exceeded an EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) at some point. Most water systems resolve these quickly, but residents should review the Consumer Confidence Report for details. 3 violations are currently unresolved — meaning the issue has not yet been formally corrected in EPA records. This is a serious concern that residents should follow up on with their water utility.

Total Violations (5 yr)
3
Health-Based Violations
1
Unresolved Violations
3
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
High

Regulatory compliance risk is rated High. Coachella Vwd: Cove Community has a pattern of compliance issues that goes beyond isolated incidents. Residents should stay informed via their utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 1 contaminant associated with health-based violations in ZIP code 92261: Stage 2 DBP Rule. These contaminants exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) established by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act at some point in the 5-year monitoring period. The presence of these violations does not necessarily mean water is currently unsafe — water systems are often required to increase monitoring and treatment when violations occur. Review the annual Consumer Confidence Report for the most current status.

Stage 2 DBP Rule

From Consumer Confidence Report:

Arsenic (5.4 μg/L); Chlorine (as Cl2) (3 mg/L); Nitrate (as Nitrogen) (9 mg/L); Perchlorate (4.7 μg/L); Specific Conductance (1100 μS/cm)

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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Ground Water

This system draws water from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through soil and rock, but can still contain naturally occurring minerals like arsenic, radium, or nitrates.

Water Source Type
Ground Water
CCR Source Classification
Groundwater wells from Coachella Valley groundwater basin
EPA Radon Zone

Moderate potential

Zone 2

EPA Radon Zone 2 — moderate radon potential. The EPA recommends testing your home regardless of zone designation.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 92261 Recommendations

  • ⚠ Use a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter for drinking and cooking water if you have young children
  • ⚠ Never give unfiltered tap water to infants in formula — use certified bottled or filtered water
  • ⚠ Request a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report to see what was detected and when
  • ⚠ Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 92261 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 92261?+
Tap water in 92261 (Palm Desert, CA) is treated and regulated, but has a grade of C due to past violations. For most healthy adults, treated tap water is generally safe. Families with infants, young children, or immunocompromised individuals may want to use a certified water filter as a precaution.
What is the lead level in 92261 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 92261 is 8.5 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the action level, but some health experts recommend a lead filter for families with young children.
Who provides tap water to 92261?+
Tap water in ZIP code 92261 is provided by Coachella Vwd: Cove Community (EPA ID: CA3310001). This system serves approximately 270,000 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 92261?+
ZIP code 92261 is served by ground water. Groundwater systems draw from underground aquifers. While naturally filtered, groundwater can still contain naturally occurring contaminants such as arsenic, radium, or nitrates at elevated levels in some regions.
Does 92261 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 3 unresolved violations on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact Coachella Vwd: Cove Community for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 92261?+
Your water utility — Coachella Vwd: Cove Community — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "Coachella Vwd: Cove Community Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 92261?+
The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 92261, with detected contaminants including Stage 2 DBP Rule, a multi-stage filter or reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Is 92261 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Given the detected lead level of 8.5 ppb in 92261, we recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter or certified bottled water for preparing infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 92261 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Coachella Vwd: Cove Community. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →