Is Grizzly Flats, 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 ↓
92.7/100
Grizzly Flats, CA — Water Quality Report
Grizzly Flats's drinking water received a grade of A (92.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,374 residents using surface water.
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 5 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Grizzly Flats's water
Grizzly Flats ranks #85 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Grizzly Flats may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Grizzly Flats, CA water safe to drink?
Grizzly Flats's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,374 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Grizzly Flats
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Grizzly Flats's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3592). Flood 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.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Grizzly Flats's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Grizzly Flats's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
El Dorado 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.
Where does Grizzly Flats's water come from?
Grizzly Flats's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,374 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Grizzly Flats 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.
Grizzly Flats'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 droughtEl Dorado 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
El Dorado 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 Grizzly Flats compares by contaminant
Explore where Grizzly Flats ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Grizzly Flats's water comes from
Grizzly Flats's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,374 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Grizzly Flats
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRIZZLY FLATS COMMUNITY SERVIC | CA0910006 | 1,374 | SW |
How Grizzly Flats compares
Full California rankings →Grizzly Flats's score of 92.7/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Grizzly Flats, CA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Grizzly Flats's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across El Dorado
Frequently asked questions
Is Grizzly Flats, CA tap water safe to drink?
Grizzly Flats's water quality earned a grade of A (92.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #85 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Grizzly Flats's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Grizzly Flats'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 Grizzly Flats?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Grizzly Flats's water come from?
Grizzly Flats's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,374 residents.
How does Grizzly Flats's water compare to other cities?
Grizzly Flats ranks #85 out of 694 cities in California (better than 88% of state cities) and #1148 out of 15744 cities nationally (93th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Grizzly Flats's small water system affect quality?
Grizzly Flats's system serves approximately 1,374 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 5 violations on record.