Is Dorris, 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 ↓
83.6/100
waterverge.com Dorris, CA — Water Quality Report
Dorris's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 887 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 7 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Dorris's water
Dorris ranks #299 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Dorris 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, Dorris may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Dorris, CA water safe to drink?
Dorris's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 887 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Dorris
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dorris's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.6/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4750). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4683). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Dorris's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Dorris's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Siskiyou 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. Local water sources include Ady Canal, Ady Canal Above Lower Klamath Nwr,, Klamath Straits Drain, Klamath Straits Drain Above F-Ff Pumps, Worden.
Where does Dorris's water come from?
Dorris's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 887 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Ady Canal (stream), Ady Canal Above Lower Klamath Nwr, (stream), Klamath Straits Drain (stream), Klamath Straits Drain Above F-Ff Pumps, Worden (stream).
What Dorris residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Dorris'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.
Dorris'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 droughtSiskiyou 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
Siskiyou 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 Dorris compares by contaminant
Explore where Dorris ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Dorris's water comes from
Dorris'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 887 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Dorris
Dorris is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Dorris
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DORRIS, CITY OF | CA4710001 | 887 | GW |
How Dorris compares
Full California rankings →Dorris's score of 83.6/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Dorris, CA
Wikipedia →Dorris is a city in Siskiyou County, California, United States. Its population was 860 as of the 2020 census, down from 939 in the 2010 census. The only attractions are the flagpole and county library. The most notable people who have been residents of Dorris are two athletes who were born here.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Dorris's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Siskiyou
Frequently asked questions
Is Dorris, CA tap water safe to drink?
Dorris's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #299 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Dorris's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Dorris'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 Dorris?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Dorris's water come from?
Dorris's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 887 residents.
What health violations has Dorris's water system had?
Dorris has 4 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 Dorris's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Dorris 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 7 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 Dorris's water compare to other cities?
Dorris ranks #299 out of 694 cities in California (better than 57% of state cities) and #6348 out of 15744 cities nationally (60th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Dorris's small water system affect quality?
Dorris's system serves approximately 887 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 7 violations on record.