Is Gualala, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Gualala ranks. What to do next ↓
95.4/100
waterverge.com Gualala, CA — Water Quality Report
Gualala's drinking water received a grade of A+ (95.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,593 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 6 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Gualala's water
Gualala ranks #36 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it one of the best 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, Gualala may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gualala, CA water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Gualala's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (95.4/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,593 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Gualala
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gualala's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (95.4/100).
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: Nitrate.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Gualala's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Gualala's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Mendocino County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Sf Gualala R Nr The Sea Ranch, Nf Gualala R Ab Sf Gualala R Nr Gualala, Garcia R.
Where does Gualala's water come from?
Gualala's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,593 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Sf Gualala R Nr The Sea Ranch (river), Nf Gualala R Ab Sf Gualala R Nr Gualala (river), Garcia R (river).
What Gualala 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.
Gualala'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
Flood & disaster history
Mendocino County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Gualala compares by contaminant
Explore where Gualala ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gualala's water comes from
Gualala'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 private ownership and serves approximately 2,593 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Gualala
Gualala is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Gualala
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORTH GUALALA WATER COMPANY | CA2310007 | 2,593 | SW |
How Gualala compares
Full California rankings →Gualala's score of 95.4/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Gualala, CA
Wikipedia →Gualala is an unincorporated community in Mendocino County in the U.S. state of California. It is located north of The Sea Ranch and south of Point Arena, California. Gualala shares its southern border with the southern border of Mendocino County. It is located on the Pacific coast at the mouth of the Gualala River, on State Route 1. It serves as a commercial center for the surrounding area. Gualala was once a logging town, but tourism is now its central economic activity.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gualala's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mendocino
Frequently asked questions
Is Gualala, CA tap water safe to drink?
Gualala's water quality earned a grade of A+ (95.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #36 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Gualala's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Gualala'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 Gualala?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gualala's water come from?
Gualala's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,593 residents.
What health violations has Gualala's water system had?
Gualala has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
How does Gualala's water compare to other cities?
Gualala ranks #36 out of 694 cities in California (better than 95% of state cities) and #317 out of 15744 cities nationally (98th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Gualala's small water system affect quality?
Gualala's system serves approximately 2,593 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 6 violations on record.