Is Gerber, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
75.4/100
waterverge.com Gerber, CA — Water Quality Report
Gerber's drinking water received a grade of B (75.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,004 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.9 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 57 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gerber's water
Gerber ranks #453 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Gerber 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, Gerber may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gerber, CA water safe to drink?
Gerber's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,004 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Gerber
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gerber's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.4/100).
3 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4683). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3591). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Arsenic, Nitrate-Nitrite.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Nitrate-Nitrite, Arsenic.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Gerber's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Gerber's water system has 57 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Tehama County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Mill C Nr Los Molinos.
Where does Gerber's water come from?
Gerber's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 2,004 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mill C Nr Los Molinos (river).
What Gerber residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Gerber'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.
Gerber'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 Gerber
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Gerber, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PACIFIC WOODTECH CORP RED BLUFF, CA96080 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Tehama County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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. | 0.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Gerber compares by contaminant
Explore where Gerber ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gerber's water comes from
Gerber'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 private ownership and serves approximately 2,004 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Gerber
Gerber is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Gerber
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GERBER LAS FLORES CSD | CA5210002 | 1,200 | GW |
| VISTA GRANDE WATER SYSTEM | CA5200012 | 468 | GW |
| LAS FLORES WATER WORKS | CA5200502 | 191 | GW |
| MIRA MONTE WATER CO. | CA5200560 | 145 | GW |
How Gerber compares
Full California rankings →Gerber's score of 75.4/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Gerber, CA
Wikipedia →Gerber is a census-designated place (CDP) in Tehama County, California. Gerber sits at an elevation of 226 feet (69 m). The 2020 United States census reported Gerber's population was 1,044.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gerber's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tehama
Frequently asked questions
Is Gerber, CA tap water safe to drink?
Gerber's water quality earned a grade of B (75.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #453 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Gerber's water?
Lead was measured at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile). 57 violations are on record.
How is Gerber'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 Gerber?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gerber's water come from?
Gerber's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 2,004 residents.
What health violations has Gerber's water system had?
Gerber has 5 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. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Gerber's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Gerber 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 57 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 Gerber's water compare to other cities?
Gerber ranks #453 out of 694 cities in California (better than 35% of state cities) and #9592 out of 15744 cities nationally (39th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.