San Bernardino – California – Water Quality Report 2025: PFAS Testing, Infrastructure Concerns & Safety across your city
San Bernardino Municipal Water Department provides comprehensive water services to approximately 200,000 residents across the City of San Bernardino and unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County. Established as a municipal utility in 1905, the system delivers more than 47,676 acre-feet per year (15.5 billion gallons) of water through its 45-square-mile service area, making it one of the oldest municipal water departments in California.
San Bernardino sources its drinking water primarily from the Bunker Hill Groundwater Basin, located in the northwestern portion of the city, with water naturally replenished by rain and snowmelt filtering through the San Bernardino Mountains. This local groundwater source provides high-quality, low-cost water compared to other communities. The utility also imports water from California’s State Water Project to supplement local supplies and recharge groundwater basins. San Bernardino’s water consistently meets all federal and state quality standards, with comprehensive treatment technologies including Granular Activated Carbon filtration and Air Stripping systems capable of treating over 63 million gallons per day.

San Bernardino Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- Lead and Copper Monitoring: San Bernardino Water consistently meets all EPA regulations for lead and copper in drinking water, with recent testing showing levels well below federal action thresholds and receiving the highest possible grade for contaminant management.
- Testing Scope: The Water Quality Control section conducts thousands of water quality tests annually throughout the distribution system, adhering to stringent monitoring schedules established by state and federal agencies.
- Compliance Status: San Bernardino’s water meets and exceeds all State of California Regional Water Quality Control Board and United States Environmental Protection Agency drinking water standards.
Water Sources
- Bunker Hill Groundwater Basin: Primary source located in the northwestern portion of the city, shared with over 20 other local public and private water suppliers serving more than 600,000 residents in the greater Riverside-San Bernardino area.
- State Water Project: Supplemental imported water from Northern California helps replenish local groundwater basins and provides system reliability during drought conditions.
- Watershed Protection: Natural recharge from rain and snowmelt filtering through the San Bernardino Mountains, with comprehensive long-term watershed protection plans developed with regional partners.
Advanced Treatment Technology
- Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filtration: Advanced treatment system capable of processing over 41 million gallons of water per day, designed to remove volatile organic contaminants to non-detection levels.
- Air Stripping Treatment: Secondary treatment method with capacity for 22 million gallons per day, providing additional contaminant removal capabilities before distribution to customers.
- Disinfection Systems: Comprehensive chlorine disinfection injected at low levels throughout the distribution system, providing protection against potential contamination during emergencies or natural disasters.
Infrastructure Modernization
- Distribution System: Water distributed through 23 separate pressure zones with 38 reservoirs providing over 115 million gallons of total storage capacity throughout the San Bernardino service area.
- Recycled Water Projects: Regional partnerships developing the Tertiary Treatment System and Weaver Basins project to increase local water supply reliability through advanced water recycling and groundwater recharge.
- Innovation Initiatives: Implementation of fuel cell technology at the Water Reclamation Plant to beneficially utilize biogas, producing 1.4 megawatts of electricity while meeting strict environmental regulations.
Customer Protection Initiatives
San Bernardino Municipal Water Department provides extensive customer support through water conservation rebate programs offering up to $3,500 per residential customer for water-efficient upgrades. The utility maintains a robust Cross-Connection Control Program to protect the public water supply from contamination and offers comprehensive customer service available 24/7 at 909-384-5095. Educational outreach helps residents understand water quality, conservation practices, and the value of local water resources. San Bernardino’s commitment to water quality includes transparent communication through annual Consumer Confidence Reports and ongoing investments in treatment technologies, infrastructure modernization, and regional water supply partnerships to ensure reliable, safe drinking water for future generations.
Recommendations for San Bernardino Residents

Test Your Water
Request water quality information from San Bernardino Municipal Water Department by calling 909-384-5095 or visiting their Consumer Confidence Reports online. Testing may be particularly beneficial for older homes or if you have specific water quality concerns.

Maximize Conservation Rebates
Take advantage of San Bernardino’s water conservation rebate program offering up to $3,500 per residential customer for indoor and outdoor water efficiency upgrades. Apply for rebates on high-efficiency appliances, fixtures, and landscaping improvements.

Consider Home Filtration
While San Bernardino’s water meets all standards, some residents may choose NSF-certified filters for taste improvement or additional peace of mind, especially for drinking and cooking water in areas with older plumbing systems.

Follow Water Efficiency Standards
Comply with San Bernardino’s current Stage 3 water use efficiency standards: irrigate only before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m. on permitted days. Help protect local water supplies by avoiding water waste and embracing conservation as a way of life.

Report Issues
Contact San Bernardino Municipal Water Department Customer Service at 909-384-5095 (available 24/7) for water main breaks, pressure problems, or quality concerns. Prompt reporting helps maintain system integrity and water conservation efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Bernardino’s tap water safe to drink?
Yes, San Bernardino’s tap water meets and exceeds all federal and state drinking water standards. The city’s water comes primarily from the Bunker Hill Groundwater Basin, which is naturally replenished by rain and snowmelt from the San Bernardino Mountains.
San Bernardino Municipal Water Department conducts thousands of water quality tests annually using highly trained, California State-Certified Technicians. The water undergoes advanced treatment including Granular Activated Carbon filtration and Air Stripping to remove contaminants to non-detection levels. The utility’s commitment to water quality is demonstrated through comprehensive monitoring and transparent reporting through annual Consumer Confidence Reports available to all customers.
Why might my water taste or smell different sometimes?
Occasional taste and odor changes can occur due to several factors:
1. Seasonal variations: Natural changes in groundwater quality can occur during heavy rainfall or drought periods
2. Treatment processes: The advanced filtration and disinfection systems may occasionally cause slight taste variations, particularly from chlorine disinfection
3. Home plumbing: Internal plumbing issues or infrequently used faucets can sometimes cause taste or odor concerns
If taste or odor issues persist, contact San Bernardino Municipal Water Department at 909-384-5095 for assistance. Running cold water for a few minutes after periods of non-use can often help improve water quality from your tap.
Does San Bernardino have lead in its water system?
San Bernardino Municipal Water Department consistently meets all federal and state regulations for lead and copper in drinking water:
• Compliance record: Recent testing shows lead and copper levels well below federal action limits, receiving the highest possible grade for contaminant management
• Treatment methods: The utility uses advanced treatment technologies and proper pH optimization to prevent leaching of lead and copper from plumbing systems
• Source protection: The Bunker Hill Groundwater Basin provides naturally high-quality water that requires minimal treatment for heavy metals
• Monitoring program: Comprehensive testing is conducted throughout the distribution system with results reported in annual Consumer Confidence Reports
Homes built before 1986 may have lead components in internal plumbing. Contact San Bernardino Municipal Water Department at 909-384-5095 if you have concerns about your home’s plumbing system.
Are there water restrictions in San Bernardino?
San Bernardino currently operates under Stage 3 water use efficiency standards as part of the 2022 Water Shortage Contingency Plan:
Current Water Use Standards:
• Irrigation allowed only before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m. on permitted days
• No watering during peak evaporation hours to maximize water efficiency
• Compliance with California’s “Making Conservation a California Way of Life” restrictions prohibiting wasteful practices
Conservation Requirements:
San Bernardino is subject to new state conservation regulations that took effect January 1, 2025, requiring urban water suppliers to meet individualized water budgets to ensure sustainable water supplies for the future.
Current conservation programs and restrictions are available at sbmwd.org or by calling 909-384-5095.
Contaminants of Concern

Volatile Organic Compounds
Source: Industrial processes, fuel storage, and urban activities that can potentially contaminate groundwater sources in the San Bernardino Basin
Health Effects: Various health concerns depending on specific compounds, including potential impacts on liver, kidney, and nervous system function
Current Status: San Bernardino uses advanced Granular Activated Carbon filtration and Air Stripping treatment to remove volatile organic contaminants to non-detection levels before distribution EPA Limits: Various maximum contaminant levels depending on specific compounds

PFAS Compounds
Source: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from industrial activities, firefighting foams, and consumer products that can enter groundwater systems
Health Effects: Research suggests potential concerns including impacts on immune system, thyroid function, cholesterol levels, and possible links to certain cancers
Current Status: California has expanded PFAS testing in drinking water supplies statewide, with San Bernardino monitoring developments in treatment technologies and regulatory requirements EPA Limits: New federal regulations for specific PFAS compounds were finalized in 2024
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