Is Bradley, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
52.8/100
waterverge.com Bradley, CA — Water Quality Report
Bradley's drinking water received a grade of D+ (52.8 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,241 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 79 violations on record, including 43 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bradley's water
Bradley ranks #593 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Bradley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bradley, CA water safe to drink?
Bradley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (52.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,241 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Bradley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bradley's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (52.8/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3592). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4683). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bradley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bradley's water system has 79 total violations on record, including 43 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Monterey County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1967. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Nacimiento Res Nr Bradley, Nacimiento R Bl Nacimiento Dam Nr Bradley, San Antonio Res Nr Bradley, Salinas R Nr Bradley.
Where does Bradley's water come from?
Bradley's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,241 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Nacimiento Res Nr Bradley (lake), Nacimiento R Bl Nacimiento Dam Nr Bradley (river), San Antonio Res Nr Bradley (lake), Salinas R Nr Bradley (river).
What Bradley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bradley'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.
Bradley'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Bradley
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bradley, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
U.S. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD CAMP ROBERTS RANGES CAMP ROBERTS, CA93451 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Monterey County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1967. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bradley compares by contaminant
Explore where Bradley ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bradley's water comes from
Bradley's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 2,241 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Bradley
Bradley is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Bradley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NACIMIENTO WATER COMPANY | CA4010027 | 2,181 | SW |
| NORTH SHORE ESTATES WS | CA2702256 | 60 | GW |
How Bradley compares
Full California rankings →Bradley's score of 52.8/100 is on par with the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Bradley, CA
Wikipedia →Bradley is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Monterey County, California, on the Salinas River 14 miles (23 km) south-southeast of San Ardo and 20 miles (32 km) north of Paso Robles. Bradley sits at an elevation of 548 feet (167 m). The population was 69 at the 2020 census, down from 93 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bradley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across San Luis Obispo
Frequently asked questions
Is Bradley, CA tap water safe to drink?
Bradley's water quality earned a grade of D+ (52.8/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #593 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Bradley's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 79 violations are on record.
How is Bradley'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 Bradley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bradley's water come from?
Bradley's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,241 residents.
What health violations has Bradley's water system had?
Bradley has 43 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. 9 violations remain unresolved.
How does Bradley's water compare to other cities?
Bradley ranks #593 out of 694 cities in California (better than 15% of state cities) and #12740 out of 15744 cities nationally (19th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.