Is Graeagle, 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 ↓
82.3/100
waterverge.com Graeagle, CA — Water Quality Report
Graeagle's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,598 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 19 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Graeagle's water
Graeagle ranks #327 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Graeagle 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, Graeagle may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Graeagle, CA water safe to drink?
Graeagle's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,598 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Graeagle
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Graeagle's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.3/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3592). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4308). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Graeagle's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Graeagle's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 3 violations were 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 Graeagle's water come from?
Graeagle's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,598 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Graeagle residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Graeagle'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.
Graeagle'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 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 Graeagle compares by contaminant
Explore where Graeagle ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Graeagle's water comes from
Graeagle'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 1,598 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Graeagle
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FEATHER RIVER RV & MHP | CA3200148 | 741 | GW |
| GRAEAGLE WATER COMPANY | CA3210005 | 737 | SW |
| CONESTOGA MHP | NV0000277 | 120 | GW |
How Graeagle compares
Full California rankings →Graeagle's score of 82.3/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Graeagle, CA
Wikipedia →Graeagle is a town and census-designated place in eastern Plumas County, California, United States, located along the Middle Fork Feather River in the Northern Sierra Nevada. The population was 724 as of 2020.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Graeagle's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Plumas
Frequently asked questions
Is Graeagle, CA tap water safe to drink?
Graeagle's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #327 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Graeagle's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is Graeagle'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 Graeagle?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Graeagle's water come from?
Graeagle's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,598 residents.
What health violations has Graeagle's water system had?
Graeagle 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. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Graeagle's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Graeagle 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 19 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 Graeagle's water compare to other cities?
Graeagle ranks #327 out of 694 cities in California (better than 53% of state cities) and #7053 out of 15744 cities nationally (55th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.