Is Fort Jones, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.4/100
waterverge.com Fort Jones, CA — Water Quality Report
Fort Jones's drinking water received a grade of A (91.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 775 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.1 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 13 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Fort Jones's water
Fort Jones ranks #108 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Fort Jones 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, Fort Jones may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fort Jones, CA water safe to drink?
Fort Jones's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 775 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fort Jones
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fort Jones's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.4/100).
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: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fort Jones's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fort Jones's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 1 violation was 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.
Where does Fort Jones's water come from?
Fort Jones's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 775 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Fort Jones 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Fort Jones'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. | 3.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fort Jones compares by contaminant
Explore where Fort Jones ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fort Jones's water comes from
Fort Jones'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 775 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Fort Jones
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FORT JONES, TOWN OF | CA4710003 | 695 | GW |
| Shackleford Creek Community Water System | 090605102 | 80 | GW |
How Fort Jones compares
Full California rankings →Fort Jones's score of 91.4/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →ZIP codes served by Fort Jones
The water systems serving Fort Jones cover 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Fort Jones, CA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fort Jones's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Siskiyou
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Jones, CA tap water safe to drink?
Fort Jones's water quality earned a grade of A (91.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #108 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Fort Jones's water?
Lead was measured at 3.1 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Fort Jones'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 Fort Jones?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fort Jones's water come from?
Fort Jones's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 775 residents.
What health violations has Fort Jones's water system had?
Fort Jones has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Fort Jones's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fort Jones 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 13 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 Fort Jones's water compare to other cities?
Fort Jones ranks #108 out of 694 cities in California (better than 84% of state cities) and #1731 out of 15744 cities nationally (89th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.