WaterQ
California State Report All States
Official Status: March 2026

Is Downey tap water safe to drink?

✓ Generally Safe
A

Mostly yes — Downey scores 97/100.

Safety Score
97
out of 100

Still not sure if you need a filter in Downey?

Read Decision Guide →

Downey

California

View California state report Data updated: Mar 2026

Is Downey tap water safe to drink?

Mostly yes — Downey scores 97/100. This report aggregates EPA drinking water data across 7 local systems in Downey. We found 31 total violations (9 unresolved).

🛡️ Home Water Treatment Needs

Should you invest in filtration or softening for your home in Downey?

Requirement Status
Optional
🟢
💡

Expert Advice

Your water quality is excellent. Standard filtration is optional but can further enhance taste.

Buying a Filter?

Filter or no filter for Downey water? Here's what the data says.

Baby Formula Safety

What new parents in Downey should know about tap water safety.

Homebuyer's Perspective

Water quality is easy to overlook when evaluating a move to Downey, but it can affect plumbing longevity and appliance lifespan. The high safety score (97/100) suggests lower risk for plumbing corrosion and appliance scaling.

Property Impact: Positive / Stable

Health & Family Safety

Residents should monitor Lead (90th percentile) levels. Pregnant women and families with young children should consult the specific EPA health goals listed below.

View Health Risk Glossary →

Compliance Record for Downey

31
Violations (5yr)
9
Unresolved
1
Contaminants Tracked
0
Exceeding EPA Limit

Based on EPA SDWIS violation records and contaminant test results for all water systems serving Downey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Downey tap water safe to drink?

Mostly yes — Downey scores 97/100.

How many water systems serve Downey?

Downey is served by 7 public water systems in our latest EPA-backed dataset.

How can I check water quality for my exact address in Downey?

Use the WaterQ search tool to look up your ZIP code and view nearby systems, contaminant levels, and recent violations for Downey.

What is the water quality score for Downey?

The water quality score for Downey is 97 out of 100, based on EPA contaminant data, violation history, and testing results across the 7 systems serving the city.

What are the top contaminants in Downey?

The top contaminants detected in Downey include Lead (90th percentile). View detailed information on our contaminants page.

Water Quality Score
97/100
Grade
A
Water Systems
7
Population
311,777

Downey Water Quality Summary

Downey, CA receives a water quality score of 97/100 (Grade A) based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) compliance data for 7 public water systems serving the area.

Downey's water quality is above the national average, with strong compliance records and low contaminant levels. Residents generally receive clean, safe tap water that meets EPA standards.

Downey's score of 97 is 8 points above the California state average of 89, and above the nationwide average of roughly 78/100 across all U.S. states.

Prospective homebuyers looking at this large California city can find reassurance in the local tap water's exemplary performance, which stands out despite the complex geological and agricultural influences characteristic of the West Coast region. A network of multiple water systems serves Downey, collaborating to manage the demands of a major urban center while maintaining a remarkably clean track record. For current residents, this consistent reliability means daily peace of mind and reflects strong local oversight in navigating regional environmental challenges.

Water quality data is sourced from the U.S. EPA SDWIS database and updated quarterly. Learn about our scoring methodology → Read our California water quality rankings report →

Key Contaminants

Lead (90th percentile)
0.0019 / 0.015 mg/L
0 mg/L MCL: 0.015 mg/L

Get notified if Downey's water quality changes

Free email alert when the EPA reports a new violation or boil-water advisory for your water system. No spam — just the alerts you asked for.

By subscribing you agree to receive occasional water-quality alert emails. Unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

Water Systems Serving Downey (7)

Related

Compare Downey water quality: View all states · Contaminant library · How we score water quality