Is Brownsville, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Chlorate was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
88.8/100
waterverge.com Brownsville, CA — Water Quality Report
Brownsville's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,772 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.4 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 2 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Brownsville's water
Brownsville ranks #180 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.39 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a small community water system, Brownsville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Brownsville, CA water safe to drink?
Brownsville's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,772 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Brownsville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Brownsville's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3592). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3591). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Brownsville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Brownsville's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Yuba County has experienced 9 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 Brownsville's water come from?
Brownsville's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,772 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Brownsville residents can do
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.
Brownsville'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
Flood & disaster history
Yuba County has experienced 9 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. | 2.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Brownsville compares by contaminant
Explore where Brownsville ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Brownsville's water comes from
Brownsville'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 2,772 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Brownsville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORTH YUBA WATER DISTRICT | CA5810006 | 2,772 | SW |
How Brownsville compares
Full California rankings →Brownsville's score of 88.8/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Brownsville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Yuba
Frequently asked questions
Is Brownsville, CA tap water safe to drink?
Brownsville's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #180 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Brownsville's water?
Lead was measured at 2.4 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Brownsville'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 Brownsville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Brownsville's water come from?
Brownsville's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,772 residents.
How does Brownsville's water compare to other cities?
Brownsville ranks #180 out of 694 cities in California (better than 74% of state cities) and #3234 out of 15744 cities nationally (80th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Brownsville's small water system affect quality?
Brownsville's system serves approximately 2,772 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 2 violations on record.