Moreno Valley – California – Water Quality Report 2025: PFAS Testing, Infrastructure Concerns & Safety across your city
Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) provides comprehensive water services to approximately 200,000 residents in Moreno Valley, serving as California’s sixth-largest retail water agency within a 682-square mile service area across western Riverside County. Established in 1950, EMWD delivers an average of 52 million gallons of drinking water daily through over 2,500 miles of distribution pipelines, multiple treatment facilities, and advanced water reclamation systems that produce some of the highest quality recycled water in the nation.
Moreno Valley’s water supply comes from multiple sources: approximately 80% from imported water through the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Colorado River Aqueduct and State Water Project), and 20% from local groundwater wells in the San Jacinto Basin and surrounding areas. Water is treated at state-of-the-art facilities including the Robert A. Skinner Filtration Plant, which incorporates advanced treatment technologies including ozonation, UV disinfection, and multi-barrier filtration. EMWD consistently meets all federal and state quality standards while facing ongoing challenges including drought resilience, infrastructure modernization, and emerging contaminants management in California’s dynamic water landscape.
Moreno Valley Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- Regulatory Compliance: EMWD’s water consistently meets all federal and state drinking water standards, maintaining full compliance with EPA and California Department of Public Health regulations as of the most recent testing period (April-June 2024).
- Lead and Copper Monitoring: EMWD completed a comprehensive lead and copper service line study in 2022 in accordance with new federal regulations, with ongoing monitoring showing levels well below EPA action limits.
- Testing Scope: The district conducts thousands of water quality tests annually across multiple treatment facilities and distribution points, including comprehensive monitoring for over 200+ regulated and unregulated contaminants.
Water Sources
- Imported Water (80%): Primary supply from Metropolitan Water District of Southern California through Colorado River Aqueduct and State Water Project connections, providing reliable imported surface water.
- Local Groundwater (20%): Wells operated in San Jacinto Basin, Moreno Valley, Perris Valley, and Murrieta regions, with some production limitations due to the Fruitvale Judgment and Decree.
- Groundwater Desalination: Two advanced desalination facilities in Menifee treat brackish groundwater through reverse osmosis, contributing approximately 5% of total supply portfolio.
Advanced Treatment Technology
- Robert A. Skinner Filtration Plant: State-of-the-art facility serving Moreno Valley with advanced treatment including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, ozonation, and UV disinfection for comprehensive contaminant removal.
- Multi-Barrier Approach: Integrated treatment system incorporating source water protection, conventional treatment, advanced oxidation, and chloramine disinfection to ensure water safety from source to tap.
- Water Reclamation Excellence: Moreno Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility produces tertiary-treated recycled water, with EMWD using 100% of its recycled water for beneficial reuse—leading the nation in recycled water utilization.
Infrastructure Modernization
- Distribution System: Over 2,500 miles of water pipelines throughout the service area with ongoing infrastructure improvements and smart monitoring systems to enhance reliability and reduce water loss.
- Award-Winning Operations: EMWD received AAA credit ratings from major agencies in 2024 and was recognized for best-tasting tap water at the Multi-State Salinity Coalition conference, beating competitors from five states.
- Future Investments: Strategic partnerships including participation in the Doheny Desalination Plant project and continued expansion of groundwater desalination capacity to enhance drought resilience.
Customer Protection Initiatives
EMWD provides comprehensive customer support through various programs, including annual Consumer Confidence Reports available in English and Spanish, water quality information request services, and extensive educational outreach programs. The district’s commitment to transparency includes detailed water quality reporting and proactive communication about any system changes or maintenance activities. EMWD’s investment in advanced treatment technologies, source diversification, and infrastructure modernization demonstrates its dedication to providing safe, reliable drinking water while preparing for California’s evolving water challenges including climate variability, population growth, and emerging contaminants.
Recommendations for Moreno Valley Residents
Test Your Water
Contact EMWD’s Water Quality team at (951) 928-3777 for water quality information or to request testing services. Complete their online Water Quality Information Request Form for specific concerns about taste, odor, or other water quality issues.
Conserve Water
Take advantage of EMWD’s water conservation programs and rebates for drought-tolerant landscaping. Follow current water budget guidelines and permanent conservation measures to help maintain sustainable water supplies for the region.
Consider Home Filtration
While EMWD’s water meets all standards, homes may benefit from NSF-certified filters for taste preference or additional protection against disinfection byproducts. Consider water softening systems due to the region’s moderately hard water.
Join Recycled Water Programs
Explore EMWD’s recycled water services for irrigation and landscape use. The district is a national leader in recycled water utilization, using 100% of treated wastewater for beneficial reuse in the community.
Report Issues
Contact EMWD Customer Service at (951) 928-3777 (available 24/7) for water emergencies, pressure problems, or quality concerns. Report leaks promptly to help conserve water and maintain system integrity throughout Moreno Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moreno Valley’s tap water safe to drink?
Yes, EMWD’s water meets all federal and state drinking water standards. The water comes from multiple protected sources including imported Colorado River and State Water Project supplies, plus local groundwater, all undergoing comprehensive treatment.
EMWD conducts thousands of tests annually to ensure water quality, with advanced treatment at the Robert A. Skinner Filtration Plant incorporating multiple barriers against contaminants. The utility’s commitment to water quality is demonstrated through transparent reporting via annual Consumer Confidence Reports and recognition for producing award-winning tap water that has beaten competitors from multiple states in taste competitions.
Why is my water sometimes hard or has a metallic taste?
Moreno Valley’s water is moderately hard due to natural mineral content (calcium and magnesium) from both imported and groundwater sources. This can cause scaling in appliances but is not harmful to health.
Occasional taste or odor changes may occur due to:
1. Seasonal variations in source water quality, especially during weather changes
2. Natural mineral content from groundwater sources in the San Jacinto Basin
3. Chloramine disinfection, which provides longer-lasting protection than chlorine but may have a slight taste
If taste or odor concerns persist, contact EMWD’s Water Quality team at (951) 928-3777. Running water for a few minutes after periods of non-use can often help improve taste and odor.
Does EMWD test for lead in Moreno Valley’s water?
Yes, EMWD regularly monitors for lead and copper and maintains full compliance with all federal regulations:
• Service Line Study: EMWD completed a comprehensive lead and copper service line study in 2022 following new federal regulations
• Monitoring Results: All testing shows lead and copper levels well below EPA action limits
• Treatment Methods: Advanced corrosion control treatment prevents leaching from plumbing materials
• Source Protection: Neither imported water sources nor local groundwater contain significant lead contamination
Most lead exposure in drinking water comes from older home plumbing rather than the water system itself. Residents with concerns can contact EMWD’s Water Quality team for testing information.
Are there current water restrictions in Moreno Valley?
EMWD operates under ongoing water conservation measures designed to ensure long-term supply reliability:
Water Budget System:
• Customers receive individualized water budgets based on household size and property characteristics
• Excess usage beyond budget is charged at higher tier rates to encourage conservation
• Budgets are adjusted seasonally based on weather and irrigation needs
Current Conservation Guidelines:
• Outdoor irrigation should be efficient and avoid water waste (runoff, evaporation during hot parts of the day)
• Take advantage of rebate programs for drought-tolerant landscaping and high-efficiency appliances
Current water restriction status and conservation programs are available at emwd.org or by calling (951) 928-3777.
Contaminants of Concern
Disinfection Byproducts
Source: Formed when disinfectants such as chloramine react with naturally occurring organic matter from Colorado River and local groundwater sources; levels can vary seasonally with source water quality
Health Effects: Long-term exposure to elevated levels may increase risk of certain cancers and potentially affect liver, kidney, and central nervous system function
Current Levels: EMWD monitors quarterly throughout the distribution system with levels maintained below EPA maximum contaminant levels EPA Limits: 80 ppb for total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and 60 ppb for haloacetic acids (HAA5)
PFAS Compounds
Source: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances that may enter water supplies from industrial activities, military bases, and consumer products throughout the Colorado River watershed and local groundwater basins
Health Effects: Research suggests potential concerns including impacts on immune system, thyroid function, cholesterol levels, and possible links to certain cancers with long-term exposure
Current Status: EMWD monitors for PFAS compounds and is implementing strategies to address these emerging contaminants as EPA finalizes new regulations EPA Limits: New federal PFAS drinking water standards were finalized in 2024 with implementation timelines through 2027
Please read – our information
The information presented on cleanairandwater.net is compiled from official water quality reports, trusted news sources, government websites, and public health resources. While we strive for accuracy and thoroughness in our presentations, we are not scientists, engineers, or qualified water quality professionals.
Our mission is to present water quality information in an accessible, real-world format that helps people understand what’s in their water and make informed decisions about their health and safety. We believe that complex environmental information should be available to everyone in a format that’s easy to understand.
We make every effort to ensure our content is current and accurate, but we cannot guarantee that all information is complete or error-free. This website should not replace official communications from your local water utility or health department. We always recommend consulting official sources for the most up-to-date information regarding your specific water system.
Clean Air and Water is not liable for any unintentional errors, omissions, or outdated information. The content on this site is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.
