California

EPA data and scope

How to read the records

The enforcement snapshot is federal fiscal 2026Q3. The EPA archive labels its violation file October 13, 2026. EPA says federal reporting can lag by several months. For current advisories, check your utility or local drinking-water authority.

• We matched active community water systems by public water system ID between EPA’s system search and SDWIS inventory. We show violations with a recorded noncompliance, initial reporting or return-to-compliance date from 2021 onward, plus earlier records listed as Addressed or Unaddressed.
• EPA’s health-based flag identifies violations of contaminant or disinfectant limits or treatment requirements. Monitoring and reporting violations describe required tests or reports. Neither category measures household exposure.
• Addressed means EPA records formal enforcement on a violation that remains unresolved in the snapshot. Unaddressed means no formal action is recorded for an unresolved violation. Resolved can mean compliance was restored, the rule ceased to apply, or further action was unnecessary. Archived is a separate status.
• We count a violation once per water system and group its distinct linked actions. Conflicting records are set aside. Places are EPA-listed search locations and can include mailing locations. Use the provider name and system ID to identify your service.

EPA data dictionary and files · EPA reporting and enforcement FAQ · Find an annual water quality report · How to get the report from your utility