Is Chester, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Chester ranks. What to do next ↓
94.6/100
waterverge.com Chester, CA — Water Quality Report
Chester's drinking water received a grade of A (94.6 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,581 residents using groundwater.
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 9 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Chester's water
Chester ranks #48 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Chester 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chester, CA water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Chester's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (94.6/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,581 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Chester
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chester's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3592). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4308). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Chester's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Chester's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved. 1 violation was 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 Chester's water come from?
Chester's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,581 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Chester 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.
Chester'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 Chester
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Chester, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
COLLINS PINE CO CHESTER SAWMILL CHESTER, CA96020 | — | — | 0.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Chester compares by contaminant
Explore where Chester ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chester's water comes from
Chester'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 3,581 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Chester
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHESTER PUBLIC U.D. | CA3210009 | 2,187 | GW |
| WEST ALMANOR M.W.C. | CA3210007 | 1,394 | GW |
How Chester compares
Full California rankings →Chester's score of 94.6/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Chester, CA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chester's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Plumas
Frequently asked questions
Is Chester, CA tap water safe to drink?
Chester's water quality earned a grade of A (94.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #48 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Chester's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Chester'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 Chester?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chester's water come from?
Chester's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,581 residents.
What health violations has Chester's water system had?
Chester has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is Chester's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Chester 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 9 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 Chester's water compare to other cities?
Chester ranks #48 out of 694 cities in California (better than 93% of state cities) and #458 out of 15744 cities nationally (97th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.