The quality of municipal water is a common concern for residents, prompting questions about whether their tap water is safe for consumption. In Riverside, California, the local drinking water supply undergoes extensive testing and treatment. This article examines the safety and quality of Riverside tap water, covering the regulatory framework, water sources, potential contaminants, and consumer resources.
The Verdict: Current Safety Status and Regulatory Oversight
Riverside tap water consistently meets or exceeds the strict quality standards established by federal and state regulations. The local provider, Riverside Public Utilities (RPU), ensures compliance with all mandates set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the California State Water Resources Control Board. These agencies prescribe the maximum allowable levels for hundreds of contaminants to protect public health.
RPU operates under the oversight of the California Division of Drinking Water (DDW), which enforces the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). This regulatory framework requires continuous monitoring of the water supply. RPU performs over 22,000 water quality tests annually across the system, from the source wells to the distribution network.
Compliance with the legal standard signifies that the water is considered safe for the general population. The utility’s successful adherence to these regulations is confirmed in annual reports. The water delivered by RPU is legally certified as safe to drink based on established health and safety criteria.
Water Sources and Treatment Process
Riverside obtains its water supply almost entirely from local groundwater sources, pumped from the Bunker Hill and Riverside groundwater basins. The water is naturally filtered as it percolates through the earth into the underground aquifers. RPU meets all supply demands by utilizing these local groundwater resources.
Once extracted, the raw water is directed to one of RPU’s six treatment plants for processing. These facilities utilize specialized technologies to ensure the water is potable, including ion exchange and granular activated carbon (GAC) vessels. One facility also employs a membrane treatment process for advanced purification.
The process involves blending the water from various sources at a central location before it enters the distribution system. This blending stabilizes the overall water quality and ensures consistent compliance with safety standards. Disinfection, typically using chlorine or chloramine, is applied to protect against microbial pathogens as the water travels through the pipes.
Common Contaminants and Aesthetic Quality Concerns
Despite meeting regulatory standards, residents often notice issues related to the aesthetic quality of their water, particularly its extreme hardness. The region’s geology, rich in alluvial deposits, results in high concentrations of naturally occurring calcium and magnesium minerals. This high mineral content leads to a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level significantly higher than the national average, causing scale buildup on fixtures and appliances.
The use of chlorine-based disinfectants like chloramine is necessary to maintain water safety, but it can contribute to a noticeable taste and odor. Although these disinfectants are not harmful at regulated levels, they are a common reason residents choose to use point-of-use filtration.
Riverside’s water has detected certain substances that are below the legal Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) but exceed stricter, non-enforceable health guidelines. For example, hexavalent chromium, a known carcinogen, has been detected at levels surpassing California’s Public Health Goal (PHG) of 0.02 parts per billion. Arsenic is another naturally occurring element found in the groundwater, which is well within the EPA’s legal standard but remains a concern for some health advocates.
A separate concern is the potential for lead exposure, which occurs after the water leaves the municipal pipes. RPU has replaced all known public lead service lines, but homes built before 1986 may still have private lead service lines or internal plumbing containing lead components. In these cases, lead can leach into the water at the tap, representing a point-of-use health risk not addressed by the municipal treatment process.
Accessing Official Quality Reports and Personal Filtration Options
Riverside Public Utilities makes its comprehensive water quality data available through its annual Water Quality Annual Report, also known as the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). This report summarizes the previous calendar year’s testing data and is distributed to customers every June. It details the results for the more than 200 regulated and unregulated contaminants tested throughout the year.
Residents can access the CCR directly on the RPU website or by contacting the utility’s water quality division. Reviewing this report allows individuals to see the exact levels of detected substances and compare them against federal and state standards. This transparency empowers consumers to make informed decisions about their water usage.
Point-of-use (POU) filtration is a practical option for addressing aesthetic concerns like taste and hardness, and for mitigating specific health risks. A simple carbon filter can effectively remove chlorine and chloramines, significantly improving the water’s flavor. For homes with older plumbing, a filter certified to remove lead, such as a reverse osmosis system, is a recommended precaution to reduce potential exposure at the tap.