Is Fall River Mills, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
93.6/100
waterverge.com Fall River Mills, CA — Water Quality Report
Fall River Mills's drinking water received a grade of A (93.6 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,535 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 10 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fall River Mills's water
Fall River Mills ranks #65 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Fall River Mills 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, Fall River Mills may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fall River Mills, CA water safe to drink?
Fall River Mills's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,535 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fall River Mills
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fall River Mills's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4308). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: E. COLI, Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3248). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fall River Mills's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fall River Mills's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Shasta 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. Local water sources include Pit R Bl Pit No 1 Ph Nr Fall River Mills.
Where does Fall River Mills's water come from?
Fall River Mills's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,535 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Pit R Bl Pit No 1 Ph Nr Fall River Mills (river).
What Fall River Mills 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.
Fall River Mills'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
Shasta 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fall River Mills compares by contaminant
Explore where Fall River Mills ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fall River Mills's water comes from
Fall River Mills'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 1,535 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Fall River Mills
Fall River Mills is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Fall River Mills
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FALL RIVER VALLEY CSD | CA4510008 | 1,535 | GW |
How Fall River Mills compares
Full California rankings →Fall River Mills's score of 93.6/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Fall River Mills, CA
Wikipedia →Fall River Mills, colloquially referred to as Fall River, is an unincorporated town and census-designated place (CDP) in Shasta County, California, United States. Its population is 616 as of the 2020 census, up from 573 from the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fall River Mills's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Shasta
Frequently asked questions
Is Fall River Mills, CA tap water safe to drink?
Fall River Mills's water quality earned a grade of A (93.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #65 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Fall River Mills's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Fall River Mills'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 Fall River Mills?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fall River Mills's water come from?
Fall River Mills's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,535 residents.
What health violations has Fall River Mills's water system had?
Fall River Mills has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2014. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Fall River Mills's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fall River Mills 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 10 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 Fall River Mills's water compare to other cities?
Fall River Mills ranks #65 out of 694 cities in California (better than 91% of state cities) and #789 out of 15744 cities nationally (95th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Fall River Mills's small water system affect quality?
Fall River Mills's system serves approximately 1,535 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 10 violations on record.