Is Blairsden, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
76.6/100
waterverge.com Blairsden, CA — Water Quality Report
Blairsden's drinking water received a grade of B (76.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,734 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 77 violations on record, including 44 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Blairsden's water
Blairsden ranks #437 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Blairsden relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Blairsden may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Blairsden, CA water safe to drink?
Blairsden's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,734 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Blairsden
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Blairsden's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.6/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3592). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4308). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Blairsden's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Blairsden's water system has 77 total violations on record, including 44 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Plumas County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1964. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Blairsden's water come from?
Blairsden's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,734 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Blairsden residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Blairsden's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Blairsden's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtPlumas County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Plumas County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1964. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Blairsden compares by contaminant
Explore where Blairsden ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Blairsden's water comes from
Blairsden's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 1,734 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Blairsden
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLUMAS EUREKA CSD | CA3210011 | 1,534 | GW |
| BLAIRSDEN WATER USERS ASSN | CA3200134 | 200 | GW |
How Blairsden compares
Full California rankings →Blairsden's score of 76.6/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Blairsden's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Plumas
Frequently asked questions
Is Blairsden, CA tap water safe to drink?
Blairsden's water quality earned a grade of B (76.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #437 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Blairsden's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 77 violations are on record.
How is Blairsden's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Blairsden?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Blairsden's water come from?
Blairsden's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,734 residents.
What health violations has Blairsden's water system had?
Blairsden has 44 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Blairsden's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Blairsden uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 77 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Blairsden's water compare to other cities?
Blairsden ranks #437 out of 694 cities in California (better than 37% of state cities) and #9251 out of 15744 cities nationally (41th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.