WaterVerge

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 ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: CA0910006
Overall Score
92.7 / 100
Violations
1 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Surface water
#85 of 694 in California Top 7% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
92.7/100
waterverge.com
A 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.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
92.7 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
43.7/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Surface water.
Water Safety

Is Grizzly Flats, CA water safe to drink?

Use Caution

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).

1
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
9 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Grizzly Flats

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Grizzly Flats's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.7/100).

Disaster
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3592). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4683). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Grizzly Flats's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

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.

MROther
Most recent violations:
Oct 2022 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Aug 2022 Surface Water Treatment Rule Resolved
Jan 2008 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jan 2008 TTHM Resolved

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.

SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-3592
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4683
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-3591

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

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

5
Total violations
0
Health-based
1
Active / unresolved
Oct 2022
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

5 Total
1 Active
0 Health-based
4 Resolved
Violations by category
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Lead and Copper Rule
1
Surface Water Treatment Rule
1
Miscellaneous Other Rules
1
Oct 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Aug 2022 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2022
Jan 2008 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2008
Jan 2008 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2008
Nov 1980 Resolved
Miscellaneous Other Rules
Other Violation Resolved Feb 1981
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

El 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.

23.7%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

9
Declared disasters
Mar 2023
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

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.

Mar 2023
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #3592
Jan 2023
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4683
Jan 2023
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #3591
Apr 2017
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4308
Mar 2017
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4305
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3248

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 0.0 ppb from 1993 (0.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Grizzly Flats compares by contaminant

Explore where Grizzly Flats ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,374
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Grizzly Flats's water comes from

Surface Water

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.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Grizzly Flats

System Name PWSID Population Source
GRIZZLY FLATS COMMUNITY SERVIC CA0910006 1,374 SW
Regional Comparison

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.

Grizzly Flats (this city)
92.7
Oakland
77.9
San Diego
39.7
Sacramento
31.2
California avg
57
City Profile

About Grizzly Flats, CA

Economic Profile
$84,843
Median Income
0%
Unemployment
Community
44.3
Median Age
80
People / sq mi
30.5%
College Educated
91.9%
Homeownership
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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.